On December 23, four men who were snowmobiling in Wyoming went missing. The group got lost in whiteout conditions and rough terrain. The men were reported lost after they did not check out of their hotel. After three days, crews were able to rescue the four by snow-shoeing in after spotting them from a helicopter the day prior. The news stations reported the group survived by rationing food, having a fire, melting snow for water and building a shelter from the snow. They returned home without any injuries. What an amazing story right?

You may wonder why I am writing about this story. I am sure there are many similar stories out there, however something about this story really stuck with me. These men raced cars in South Dakota where Dan and I used to live. The racing community is small, and news travels fast. Even though we no longer live in South Dakota, Dan still follows what is happening very closely.  It was through that small community, Dan learned something that wasn’t shared in most news stories.

The men were actually found after two days, however it was too dark and too dangerous for them to be rescued right away. So the men had to endure one more night. The men knew they had been found because the rescuers lowered a wellness package down to them. Even though the men had that wellness package, I wonder how that last night went? Did they impatiently wish the night away or did they sleep peacefully knowing they would be rescued in the morning?

2018 was a roller coaster of a year in the Forster house. We were hit with unexpected health news that rocked us. (God is NOT a Jerk) That unexpected diagnosis made me face lies and fear I didn’t know existed in my heart. (Fear, You Don’t Own Me) That unexpected diagnosis also gave us a choice. We could choose to accept our realities, or we could choose to believe God was going to do amazing things. (When It Looks Impossible). As many of you know, the year ended with a big celebration. (No Evidence of Disease) We spent our Holiday season extremely grateful.

However, in the early days of 2019 I’ve been discouraged. This year marks ten years since I stopped taking birth control. It’s been 8 years since I was diagnosed with PCOS and was told that having children would be difficult. You’d think, after the year we just had, I would be dancing on the enemy and telling him that those numbers don’t matter. While I am dancing in so many other parts of my life, when it comes to waiting for a baby, I have felt like I’m lost without any promise of rescue. I’m just like those snowmobliers.

However, I recently realized that unlike those snowmobilers, I am not waiting in the darkness.

John 1:1-5 says this:

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
 He existed in the beginning with God.
 God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

The Greek word for “the Word” in the above scripture is logos. Logos refers to Jesus before he was on Earth. This scripture tells us that Jesus is light. All throughout the bible, Jesus promises that He is with us. We never have to walk in darkness, simply because Jesus is always with us. Isaiah 41:10 says this:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I’m also not like those snowmobiler’s because my rescuer isn’t just sending me care-packages to ensure that I am okay. My rescuer is literally right next to me. He is making a way for me even as I type these words. Psalm 116:8 says this in the Passion Translation:

Now I can say to myself and to all,
    “Relax and rest, be confident and serene,
    for the Lord rewards fully those who simply trust in him.”

I have previously shared that Dan and I have decided our word of the year for 2019 is “confident”. (Confidently Walking into 2019) So, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that my confidence has been shaken right away in 2019. The enemy doesn’t want me to be confident, because confident people do big things for the kingdom. Friends, 10 years without birth control, a diagnosis of PCOS and a negative doctors report is nothing to God. So for the past several days, instead of focusing on what the natural is telling me is impossible, I am focusing on the promise my Father has given me. The promise of complete and total healing in my body. The promise that our house will be filled with babies. The promise that my babies will be world changers. However, more than just focusing on my promises, I am fighting back. The enemy cannot steal my confidence.

This week, Bethel Music released a song called “Raise a Hallelujah” (check out the video at the end of the post). I was introduced to this song when I attended the Moms in the Making conference back in October, and I have been singing it ever since. I was so excited when it was finally released. It’s actually been on repeat the last several days and I can’t help but be filled with hope when I hear it.

My favorite words that I cannot stop singing:

I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Today, I am raising a hallelujah because I know who wins this battle. I think Micah 7:7 adequately expresses my heart as we enter 2019:

I’m sticking around to see what God will do.
I’m waiting for God to make things right.
I’m counting on God to listen to me. 

Friends, if you are feeling like a snowmobiler with shaken confidence in who God is and what He has promised, I want to encourage you to get ready, the morning is coming! However, I also want to challenge you to raise a hallelujah while you wait for the morning. Singing a little louder changes everything.