I’ve never met anyone who enjoys having their faith tested in the time of tribulation and us Tucson Reinholds can be counted among those who would tend to pick a smooth and easy ride over a trial. Trials, however, come to us anyway and as James says, they produce steadfastness in us. Our 2012 has started off with trials large and small and as God tests our faith in Him, He has proven to be trustworthy and good to us while we face the weighty circumstances of our lives.
It feels like our trials started even before Christmas when Eric came down with a fever that lasted for 3 weeks and then turned into a cold. At the same time, my car failed emissions inspection and needed $1500 to be deemed road-worthy by the state. Despite its 4 visits to various mechanics, the check engine light continues to come on, even though it thankfully stayed off long enough to finally pass emissions. As for Eric’s fever, it is gone now but as he was getting ready to meet me in New Hampshire, he broke out in a rash from head to toe during his flight. He stayed in a hotel by himself that night because he was too sick to travel. Through the many prayers of our friends, he woke up completely clear of the rash and fever free and we give all the credit to God for healing Him. That small test of our faith produced steadfastness to keep trusting Him for the next trials.
One of the blessings of our trip home for Christmas was that I was able to visit with my Memom Kemp (maternal grandmother) who had been in and out of the hospital with COPD for a year. Her kidneys also had failed due to an aneurism surgery in April that put a lot of stress on her body. I was able to visit with her for a morning while I was home and am thankful to have had that time with her. On Thursday morning, January 19th, I got the call that she had passed away and went to be with Jesus. Just two weeks after returning to Tucson, I boarded another plane and headed back to western NY to celebrate her life with my family and share music at her memorial service. God was faithful to provide a cheap last minute plane ticket for me and I am certainly thankful that I was able to be there with the rest of my family.
Just one day before my Memom passed away we entered into what will probably be one of the longer times of testing we have experienced in married life. We began the fertility testing process which starts with an analysis of Eric. The results certainly explain why we have had trouble getting pregnant but we are still discouraged to find out that all of his numbers are very low. He will see a urologist in March to determine if anything can be done to improve his numbers. Although one of our questions has been answered, a whole new set of questions has been raised.
Despite Eric’s illness, my broken car, the death of my grandmother and the sobering news that it will be difficult for us to get pregnant, God has asked us to continue to trust His goodness and loving kindness towards us. We have raised many Ebenezer’s in our lives to remind us that He has never left our side and promises never to do so. We know that He is the great reverser of circumstances and that just as He healed Eric overnight of his rash and fever, He can also cause us to be pregnant no matter what kinds of numbers come back from the lab. We also know, however, that as much as He loves to give us good gifts, He also wants to produce steadfastness in our faith. We believe each of these circumstances has been masterfully created by His hand to sanctify us and ultimately draw us into a closer love relationship with Jesus Christ.
We are excited to share what God does with us and for us this year and also ask for your prayers. We would love for you to pray for us to have a baby, but we also ask that you pray for patience and wisdom as we wait and make decisions. We will keep you posted as God continues to work in our lives. May all the glory belong to Him!
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