When Michelle and I first married, we thought we might have one or two children. Four years into to marriage, we had our first child. After that, Michelle went back on the birth control pill. She ended up getting pregnant while on the pill and had a miscarriage.
We were so grieved. We did not know that sometimes the pill allows you to get pregnant but then causes a miscarriage. We thought we could set our own timetable for having children, for example- when we were "financially able," or when we "had all our ducks in a row."
We read in the Bible that God says that children are a blessing and a reward from Him (Psalms 127:1-5). We had been rejecting His gifts. At that point, we prayed and asked God to forgive us and we gave Him this area of our lives. We said, "Lord, help us to love children the way that you love children, and Lord we want to receive each one as a gift from you."
May God bless you as you follow His Spirit and purpose to give Him every area of your life.
Sincerely,
Jim Bob Duggar
P.S. A great way to start being the spiritual leader and coach of your home is to ask Jesus to forgive you for the things you have done wrong (1 John 1:9) and ask Him to take over the steering wheel of your life. (Ask your wife and children for forgiveness also.) God has promised He will freely give the ability to make wise decisions to anyone who asks and seeks Him (James 1:5). Purpose to read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month with your family daily. Also, commit to pray with your wife everyday. Start protecting your family by removing books, magazines, television, or internet that have worldly or sensual content. Replace them with good things like wholesome music, biographies of great Christians, good old-fashioned family fun and games. Love God with your whole heart and look for opportunities to serve others as a family and tell others about our Saviour.
