new and questioning

[guitarinliv]

Hello All!
My husband and I have recently agreed that God is calling us to be QF. Turns out we had both been thinking/praying about it on our own, each of us not knowing that the other was struggling with the idea of using BC. When we finally discussed it together, it kicked off a time of more prayer and discussion, and we eventually decided that this is what God wanted for us. Yay!!!
Of course since we've made this decision, I have been struggling with feelings of uncertainty, apprehensions about the financial/spacial issues we might face, and well....just good ole' fear over how all this could turn out. I do believe that God will bless us and provide if we follow his will and that I should not be afraid, but it's just not proving to be that easy right now. I believe it's just Satan attacking b/c we are doing what God wants, but I just thought it wouldn't hurt to see how others felt when they decided to be QF? Was this a decision you would say you were "called" to? Was anyone else at least a little afraid in the beginning?

 

[Sabertooth]

Yes, definitely. But we were MORE afraid of what would happen if we didn't continue. We weren't afraid of judgment, just that by not surrendering that area, we would miss an important part of God's call in our lives.

 

[guitarinliv]

Thank you Sabertooth. Part of me feels horrible about doubting for even one second. Giving up control, or what we would like to think is control, over our lives can be so frightening. I'm sure God will provide for our needs if we continue to seek His will. And He's provided reassurance for our decision through different messages at church, in our biblestudy, and through conversations with close friends. You know, all those subtle (and not so subtle) ways he has of nudging us and letting us know He's there...He's listening to our concerns. I prayed for peace over this decision if it was truly what He was asking of us, and my husband and I have definitely felt reassured that we are following His call. We are so thankful and certainly don't want to miss out on a blessing!

 

[jgonz]

Of course it's scary! You have no idea what to expect. However, constantly giving those fears back to the Lord will help immensely. He IS in charge... and will never give you more than you can handle.

 

[guitarinliv]

My husband and I became pregnant the same month that we finally followed God's leading to be QF. I can't help but think that this is a confirmation that this is what He has planned for us. Our daughter is going to be 1 next week and I'm due in July 2010! There is still a part of this whole thing that is overwhelming to me, but I can't help but feel reassured by the little one we're expecting!

 

[Sabertooth]

Well, congratulations...!

 

[FaithfulWife]

guitarinliv~

I hope you don't mind but I want to remind you of something. Having been blessed with seven children and a Dear Hubby with Chronic Fatigue, I also have had my moments of fear or doubt along the lines of "How are we going to do this?" After all, it is not wise to bring children into the world for which we can not provide and whom we can not care for! But please remember two things that help me immeasurably!

#1--Our G*d is a G*d of infinite resources, and if He wants us to have a child, and we are faithful to Him and responsible adults, He can and will provide. He's not limited...we are The key is to obey Him and use the resources He gives us as wisely as possible, and that includes being wise with our finances, gardening, shopping wisely, planning, second-hand and hand-me-downs, repairing or sewing clothes...etc.

#2--As the moms, it is our job to make sure our babies are taken care of. Yes, our husbands do worry about that, for they go off to work every day to provide for us! But what I'm saying is that men sometimes look at a bigger picture and have authority over the whole family (including us) whereas we moms look at our kids. Do they have a bed and a space in their room? Do they have enough to eat? Do they have good clothes? Are they warm in their beds? Right? So part of your wiring as a female/mom is to be concerned about your children and how they are impacted and the relationships within your family. Thus, it's okay that you think about it and are concerned--it's part of who you are and part of your "job" as wife and mother.

 

[Steven84]

This whole time I have been trying to figure out what QF stands for? Can anyone help me out?

 

[Sabertooth]

This whole time I have been trying to figure out what QF stands for? Can anyone help me out?

It stands for Quiverfull. It is taken from Ps. 127:3-5,

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them..."

 

[caribassett]

Congratulations on the new blessing! How are you feeling?

 

[guitarinliv]

Thanks FaithfulWife for your response and your wise perspective. It was most helpful.
caribassett, I am feeling okay now...but it's been a rough 1st trimester. Totally different from my last pregnancy!
On top of the pregnancy and the fairly recent decision to be QF, my husband and I are now going to be moving to avoid an unhealthy situation and do what we believe is best for our growing family. It's certainly a time of learning to rely more fully on God, but we're excited for what He has in store for us if we just keep following His lead!

 

[jammiowen]

My Husband and I also recently decided that we would let God handle all of our family planning. We have only been married a short time, yet God has already given us many blessings. I know that after we decided this with a lot of prayer, I had some doubts as well. I found the easiest way for me at least to get the fear to go away is to start mentally reciting scripture, it always gives me a boost!

 

[who93]

Jammiowen, my husband and I made the decision to be quiverfull six months after we were married. We experienced many of the same feelings you have described but knew it is what God wanted for our lives. We have been of the quiverfull mindset for almost 2 years now but we do not have any children. It just goes to show that everything really IS in God's hands.