Holly Matthews

I was raised in church and was surrounded by family members who were devoted Christians. I made the decision to follow Jesus Christ when I was in third grade. At that time, I think I understood my decision but I didn’t fully grasp what it meant to truly be devoted to Him. Although I was involved in church throughout my teenage and young adult years, I did not always make Godly decisions. I was not living for Him.

After suffering 4 miscarriages during the early years of our marriage, I became very hurt and almost angry at God. It had always been my desire to be a mom and I felt like I was being punished. Looking back on that time, I know that God was using those circumstances to draw me closer to Him. His plan and his timing were better than I could ever imagine! Never did I think that He would bless us with not one but four healthy children.

It was when I finally became a parent that I knew that I needed to completely rely on Him. Since that time, I have truly felt the contentment and joy that can only come from God. I don’t worry about things as I used to because I know that God is in control. This isn’t to say that there have not been challenges since then. There have been many and I know that more lie ahead. Having the confidence that God will guide me makes those challenges much easier to endure. I hold onto this verse from Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Holly Matthews