Had it not been...

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!!

From a recent Sarah's Laughter devotional, there was an idea that has inspired me and so I thought it would be a good idea to share with you all as well.

Whether you are facing infertility or a different struggle in life all together, your attitude about your present situation can either grow your character closer to God or harm your walk with Him. The idea from that devotional was about applying a bunch of "If Only's" to your life.

When you view your present situation through that lens, "If only...", you are setting yourself up to be discontent. The very essence of that statement, "If only...", means that you are wishing for something other than your present, other than what you have now.

The devotional encourages you to switch your attitude from "If only..." to "Had it not been...". The former comes from a heart of discontentment, where the latter comes from a heart of gratitude. It focuses on the growth that has taken place as a result of the present circumstances.

So I would encourage you to switch your line of thinking as well. Ask yourself how God has moved in your life through your present struggles. Ask yourself what good things have happened as a result of your struggle. Remember these truths:

Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

So here's my list:

• Had it not been for infertility...I would not be as close to my husband as I am today.
• Had it not been for infertility...I would not rely on God for comfort and strength like I do now.
• Had it not been for infertility...I would have been an incredibly selfish, prideful, ungrateful, and complaining mother.
• Had it not been for infertility...we would never have been open to changing our diet, and I would never know the great feeling I would have been missing out on.
• Had it not been for infertility...I would have only a seedling of faith.
• Had it not been for infertility...we likely would not have ended up in our current house and neighborhood.
• Had it not been for infertility...I wouldn't have achieved some success at work that has taken place during the time we were trying to conceive.
• Had it not been for infertility...I would not truly understand how great of a blessing a little child really is.
• Had it not been for infertility...I would not have met and become close friends with some fellow ladies struggling with infertility. Those friendships are so precious to me!