Iud about. IUD Birth Control: Everything You Need to Know About Mirena and Paragard
What is an IUD and how does it work. How effective are IUDs in preventing pregnancy. What are the different types of IUDs available. How can you get an IUD inserted. What are the potential side effects and risks of using an IUD.
Understanding Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): A Comprehensive Guide
An Intrauterine Device, commonly known as an IUD, is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are highly effective, long-term, and reversible birth control methods that have gained popularity due to their convenience and reliability.
There are two main types of IUDs available in the United States:
- Hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla
- Non-hormonal (Copper) IUD: Paragard
Each type of IUD works differently to prevent pregnancy, offering various benefits and potential side effects. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which IUD might be right for you.
How IUDs Work: Mechanisms of Action
IUDs prevent pregnancy by creating an environment in the uterus that is inhospitable to sperm and fertilization. The specific mechanisms of action differ between hormonal and copper IUDs:
Copper IUDs (Paragard)
Copper IUDs release small amounts of copper ions into the uterus, which are toxic to sperm. This action effectively prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. Additionally, copper IUDs may cause changes in the uterine lining that make it less receptive to implantation.
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla)
Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which works in several ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus
- Thinning the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation
- In some cases, suppressing ovulation
Do IUDs affect menstrual cycles. Both types of IUDs can influence menstrual patterns, but in different ways. Copper IUDs may initially cause heavier or longer periods, while hormonal IUDs often lead to lighter or less frequent periods over time.
IUD Effectiveness: A Closer Look at the Numbers
IUDs are among the most effective forms of birth control available today. Their effectiveness rates are impressive, with both hormonal and copper IUDs boasting success rates of over 99% in preventing pregnancy.
How effective are IUDs compared to other birth control methods. Here’s a breakdown of the typical use effectiveness rates for various contraceptive methods:
- IUDs: >99% effective
- Birth control pills: 91% effective
- Condoms: 82% effective
- Withdrawal method: 78% effective
The high effectiveness of IUDs is largely due to their “set it and forget it” nature, which eliminates the potential for user error often associated with other methods like pills or condoms.
The IUD Insertion Process: What to Expect
The IUD insertion process is a relatively quick medical procedure that can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office. While experiences may vary, here’s a general outline of what to expect:
- Consultation: Your healthcare provider will discuss your medical history and perform a pelvic exam to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for an IUD.
- Preparation: The cervix may be cleaned and slightly dilated to facilitate insertion.
- Insertion: The IUD is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus using a special applicator. This process usually takes only a few minutes.
- Post-insertion check: Your provider will ensure the IUD is properly placed and provide aftercare instructions.
Is IUD insertion painful. Many women experience some discomfort or cramping during and after the insertion process. However, the level of pain varies from person to person, with some reporting only mild discomfort while others may experience more significant pain.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of IUDs
While IUDs are generally safe and well-tolerated, like all medical interventions, they can have potential side effects and risks. It’s important to be aware of these when considering an IUD:
Common Side Effects
- Irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first few months
- Cramping or pelvic pain
- Changes in menstrual flow (heavier with copper IUDs, lighter with hormonal IUDs)
- Hormonal side effects (with hormonal IUDs): mood changes, acne, breast tenderness
Less Common Risks
- Expulsion (the IUD coming out on its own)
- Perforation of the uterus (very rare)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Ectopic pregnancy (while extremely rare with an IUD, if pregnancy does occur, it’s more likely to be ectopic)
Can IUDs cause infertility. There is no evidence that IUDs cause long-term fertility issues. Once an IUD is removed, fertility typically returns quickly, allowing for pregnancy if desired.
Advantages of IUDs: Why They’re a Popular Choice
IUDs offer numerous benefits that make them an attractive option for many individuals seeking long-term contraception:
- High effectiveness rate (>99%)
- Long-lasting protection (3-12 years, depending on the type)
- Low maintenance – no daily action required
- Reversible – fertility returns quickly after removal
- Cost-effective over time
- Non-hormonal option available (Paragard)
- May reduce menstrual symptoms (with hormonal IUDs)
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- Doesn’t interfere with sexual spontaneity
Are IUDs suitable for everyone. While IUDs are a great option for many, they may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors. It’s essential to discuss your medical history and contraceptive needs with a healthcare provider to determine if an IUD is right for you.
Copper vs. Hormonal IUDs: Choosing the Right Option
When deciding between a copper and hormonal IUD, consider the following factors:
Copper IUD (Paragard)
Pros:
- Non-hormonal option
- Longest-lasting (up to 12 years)
- Can be used as emergency contraception
- Doesn’t affect ovulation
Cons:
- May cause heavier, longer periods
- May increase menstrual cramps
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla)
Pros:
- Often reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps
- May help with conditions like endometriosis or heavy periods
- Lower hormone levels compared to other hormonal contraceptives
Cons:
- Possible hormonal side effects
- Shorter lifespan (3-8 years, depending on brand)
How do you decide which IUD is best for you. Consider factors such as your menstrual symptoms, desire for hormonal or non-hormonal contraception, and how long you want the IUD to last. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you weigh these factors and make the best choice for your individual needs.
IUD Removal: When and How It’s Done
IUD removal is typically a quick and straightforward process that can be performed by a healthcare provider. Reasons for removal may include:
- Desire to become pregnant
- Expiration of the IUD’s lifespan
- Experiencing unwanted side effects
- Preference for a different contraceptive method
The removal process involves the healthcare provider gently pulling on the IUD strings, which causes the flexible arms of the T-shaped device to fold upward, allowing it to slide out through the cervix.
Is IUD removal painful. Most women experience little to no pain during IUD removal, though some may feel mild cramping or discomfort. The procedure is typically much quicker and less uncomfortable than the insertion process.
After removal, it’s possible to have another IUD inserted immediately if desired, or to switch to a different form of contraception. If pregnancy is the goal, fertility usually returns quickly after IUD removal.
IUDs as Emergency Contraception: A Lesser-Known Option
While many people are familiar with the “morning-after pill” for emergency contraception, fewer know that certain IUDs can also be highly effective in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex.
The copper IUD (Paragard) is the most effective form of emergency contraception available. When inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse, it is more than 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. Additionally, some studies suggest that the hormonal IUDs Mirena and Liletta may also be effective for emergency contraception when inserted within the same timeframe.
Using an IUD for emergency contraception offers several advantages:
- Highest effectiveness rate among emergency contraception options
- Provides ongoing long-term contraception if desired
- Non-hormonal option available (Paragard)
- Can be used by women who can’t take estrogen-containing emergency contraceptive pills
How does IUD emergency contraception compare to the morning-after pill. While both methods can be effective, the IUD is significantly more reliable in preventing pregnancy when used as emergency contraception. The morning-after pill’s effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take it, while the IUD maintains its high effectiveness throughout the 5-day window.
IUDs and Sexual Health: Important Considerations
While IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, it’s crucial to remember that they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For individuals who are not in mutually monogamous relationships or who have multiple sexual partners, using condoms in addition to an IUD is recommended to reduce the risk of STIs.
Some important points to consider regarding IUDs and sexual health:
- IUD strings: The strings that extend from the IUD into the vagina are usually not noticeable during intercourse. In rare cases where a partner can feel them, they can be trimmed by a healthcare provider.
- Sex after insertion: It’s generally recommended to wait 24-48 hours after IUD insertion before having sex to reduce the risk of infection.
- Spontaneity: Once in place, an IUD allows for sexual spontaneity without the need for additional contraceptive measures (assuming STI protection is not needed).
Can an IUD affect sexual pleasure or function. Most people report no change in sexual function or enjoyment after getting an IUD. Some women even report increased sexual satisfaction due to reduced anxiety about unintended pregnancy.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for IUDs
The cost of an IUD can vary widely depending on factors such as location, healthcare provider, and insurance coverage. Without insurance, the total cost (including the device and insertion) can range from $500 to $1,300.
However, many insurance plans cover IUDs at little to no cost to the patient under the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage mandate. Even for those without insurance, the long-term cost-effectiveness of IUDs often makes them an economical choice compared to other forms of birth control.
Some ways to potentially reduce the cost of an IUD include:
- Checking with your insurance provider about coverage
- Exploring options at Planned Parenthood or other family planning clinics
- Investigating manufacturer savings programs or patient assistance programs
- Considering community health centers or university health services
Is the cost of an IUD worth it compared to other birth control methods. When considering the long-term effectiveness and low maintenance of IUDs, many find them to be a cost-effective option. Over the course of several years, an IUD often ends up being less expensive than monthly birth control pills or regular purchases of condoms.
Myths and Misconceptions About IUDs
Despite their effectiveness and popularity, IUDs are still subject to various myths and misconceptions. Let’s address some common ones:
Myth: IUDs are only for women who have had children
Fact: IUDs are safe and effective for most women, regardless of whether they’ve had children.
Myth: IUDs cause abortions
Fact: IUDs work primarily by preventing fertilization. They do not terminate existing pregnancies.
Myth: IUDs increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy
Fact: IUDs significantly reduce the overall risk of pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancies. However, in the rare event that pregnancy does occur with an IUD in place, it’s more likely to be ectopic.
Myth: IUDs cause infertility
Fact: There is no evidence that IUDs cause long-term fertility problems. Fertility typically returns quickly after IUD removal.
Myth: IUDs often fall out on their own
Fact: While expulsion can occur, it’s relatively rare, happening in only about 3-5% of cases, usually within the first year of use.
Why do these myths persist about IUDs. Misconceptions about IUDs often stem from outdated information about early IUD models or from confusion with other contraceptive methods. It’s important to rely on current, evidence-based information when considering IUDs as a contraceptive option.
The Future of IUDs: Innovations and Research
As contraceptive technology continues to advance, researchers are exploring new possibilities for IUDs. Some areas of ongoing research and development include:
- Biodegradable IUDs that wouldn’t require removal
- IUDs that can deliver medications for conditions like endometriosis
- New materials and designs to reduce side effects and improve comfort
- IUDs that combine hormonal and non-hormonal elements
- Male IUDs as a form of long-term, reversible male contraception
These innovations aim to address current limitations and expand the range of contraceptive options available to individuals and couples.
How might future IUDs differ from current models. While it’s difficult to predict exactly how IUD technology will evolve, future devices may offer even longer-lasting protection, fewer side effects, and additional health benefits beyond contraception. As research progresses, we may see IUDs that can be customized to individual needs and preferences, further improving their appeal and effectiveness as a contraceptive option.
IUD Birth Control | Info About Mirena & Paragard IUDs
In This Section
IUD
How effective are IUDs?
How can I get an IUD?
What’s an IUD insertion like?
Are there IUD side effects?
How safe are IUDs?
What are the benefits of IUDs?
What are the disadvantages of IUDs?
How does IUD removal work?
What are hormonal IUDs?
What are non-hormonal IUDs?
What is an IUD? Learn About IUD Effectiveness | Planned Parenthood Video
What’s an IUD?
An IUD is a tiny device that’s put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods out there.
What does IUD stand for?
IUD stands for Intrauterine Device (basically: a device inside your uterus). It’s a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T. Sometimes it’s called an IUC — intrauterine contraception.
What are the types of IUDs?
There are 5 different brands of IUDs that are FDA approved for use in the United States:
- Paragard,
- Mirena,
- Kyleena,
- Liletta, and
- Skyla.
These IUDs are divided into 2 types:
- hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla).
- copper IUDs (Paragard) and
The Paragard IUD doesn’t have hormones. It’s wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years.
The Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is very similar to the hormone progesterone that our bodies make naturally. Mirena works for up to 8 years. Kyleena works for up to 5 years. Liletta works for up to 8 years. Skyla works for up to 3 years.
How do IUDs work?
Both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can’t get to an egg. If sperm can’t make it to an egg, pregnancy can’t happen.
The Paragard IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Sperm doesn’t like copper, so the Paragard IUD makes it almost impossible for sperm to get to that egg.
The hormones in the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs prevent pregnancy in two ways: 1) they thicken the mucus that lives on the cervix, which blocks and traps the sperm, and 2) the hormones also sometimes stop eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), which means there’s no egg for a sperm to fertilize. No egg, no pregnancy.
One of the awesome things about IUDs is that they last for years — but they’re not permanent. If you decide to get pregnant or you just don’t want to have your IUD anymore, your nurse or doctor can quickly and easily take it out. You’re able to get pregnant right after the IUD is removed.
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Yes! The Paragard, Mirena, and Liletta IUDs work super well as emergency contraception. If you get one of these IUDs put in within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, it’s more than 99% effective. It’s actually the most effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex.
Another great thing about using an IUD as emergency contraception: you can keep it and have really effective birth control that you can use for up to 8 to12 years (depending on which kind you get). The other kind of emergency contraception is the morning-after pill. You can take it up to 5 days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Was this page helpful?
Yes
No
Help us improve – how could this information be more helpful?
How did this information help you?
Please answer below.
Are you human? (Sorry, we have to ask!)
Please don’t check this box if you are a human.
You’re the best! Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for your feedback.
IUD
99% effective
Costs up to $1,300, but can be $0
Put in by a doctor or nurse
Lasts up to 12 years
This IUD doesn’t protect you from STDs. Use a condom with your IUD to help stop pregnancy and STDs.
See All Methods
Back to top
Abstinence
Breastfeeding
Cervical Cap
Condom
Diaphragm
FAM
Female Condom
Implant
IUD
The Patch
The Pill
The Ring
The Shot
Spermicide
Sponge
Sterilization
Vasectomy
Withdrawal
We couldn’t access your location, please search for a location.
Zip, City, or State
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code or city or state.
Please fill out this field.
Service
All Services
Abortion
Abortion Referrals
Birth Control
COVID-19 Vaccine
HIV Services
Men’s Health Care
Mental Health
Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception)
Pregnancy Testing & Services
Primary Care
STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines
Transgender Hormone Therapy
Women’s Health Care
Filter By
All
Telehealth
In-person
Please enter your age and the first day of your last period for more accurate abortion options. Your information is private and anonymous.
AGE
This field is required.
Or call
1-800-230-7526
What’s an IUD insertion like?
In This Section
IUD
How effective are IUDs?
How can I get an IUD?
What’s an IUD insertion like?
Are there IUD side effects?
How safe are IUDs?
What are the benefits of IUDs?
What are the disadvantages of IUDs?
How does IUD removal work?
What are hormonal IUDs?
What are non-hormonal IUDs?
A doctor or nurse puts the IUD in through your vagina and into your uterus. Some people feel cramps or pain, but it doesn’t last long and medicine can help.
How is an IUD put in?
First, your nurse or doctor will ask you some questions about your medical history. Then they’ll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus, and they may test you for STDs. You may be offered medicine to help open and/or numb your cervix before the IUD is put in.
To put the IUD in, the nurse or doctor will put a speculum into your vagina and then use a special inserter to put the IUD in through the opening of your cervix and into your uterus. The process usually takes less than five minutes.
IUDs can be put in at any point in your menstrual cycle, and you can usually get one put in right after giving birth or having an abortion.
How does it feel to get an IUD put in?
People usually feel some cramping or pain when they’re getting their IUD placed. The pain can be worse for some, but luckily it only lasts for a minute or two.
Some doctors tell you to take pain medicine before you get the IUD to help prevent cramps. They also might inject a local numbing medicine around your cervix to make it more comfortable.
Some people feel dizzy during or right after the IUD is put in, and there’s a small chance of fainting. You might want to ask someone to come with you to the appointment so you don’t have to drive or go home alone, and to give yourself some time to relax afterward.
What can I expect after an IUD insertion procedure?
Many people feel perfectly fine right after they get an IUD, while others need to take it easy for a while. There can be some cramping and backaches, so plan on chilling at home after your appointment — it’s a great excuse to curl up on the couch with your favorite book or movie. Heating pads and over-the-counter pain meds can help ease cramps too.
You may have cramping and spotting after getting an IUD, but this almost always goes away within 3-6 months. Hormonal IUDs eventually make periods lighter and less crampy, and you might stop getting a period at all. On the flip side, copper IUDs may make periods heavier and cramps worse. For some people, this goes away over time. If your IUD is causing you pain, discomfort, or side effects you don’t like, call your doctor.
Once you get the IUD, a string about 1 or 2 inches long will come out of your cervix and into the top of your vagina; don’t worry, you won’t notice it. The string is there so a nurse or doctor can remove the IUD later. You can feel the string by putting your fingers in your vagina and reaching up toward your cervix. But DON’T tug on the string, because you could move your IUD out of place or pull it out.
There’s a very small chance that your IUD could slip out of place. It can happen any time, but it’s more common during the first 3 months. IUDs are most likely to come out during your period. Check your pads, tampons, or cups to see if it fell out. You can also check your string to make sure it’s still there. If your IUD falls out, you’re NOT protected from pregnancy, so make sure to go see your doctor, and use condoms or another kind of birth control in the meantime.
Remember when you got your IUD (or write it down somewhere), so you’ll know when it needs to be replaced. The Paragard IUD should be replaced after 12 years. Mirena should be replaced after 8 years. Kyleena should be replaced after 5 years. Liletta should be replaced after 8 years. Skyla should be replaced after 3 years.
How soon after getting an IUD can I have sex?
You can have sex as soon as you want after getting an IUD.
You might need to use a backup method of birth control (like condoms) until the IUD starts to work — whether you’re protected against pregnancy right away depends on what type of IUD you get and when it’s put in your uterus.
Paragard (copper), Mirena, and Liletta IUDs start working to prevent pregnancy as soon as they’re in place.
Kyleena and Skyla IUDs start working to prevent pregnancy right away IF they’re put in during the first 7 days of your period. If you get a Kyleena or Skyla IUD at any other time during your cycle, protection starts after 7 days — in the meantime, use condoms or another kind of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Was this page helpful?
Yes
No
Help us improve – how could this information be more helpful?
How did this information help you?
Please answer below.
Are you human? (Sorry, we have to ask!)
Please don’t check this box if you are a human.
You’re the best! Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for your feedback.
George O. Wood: “I go from strength to strength”
- Material Information
Views: 1238
Interview
Previous article
Hope in the midst of painNext article
“I daily pray and bless the parishioners of the church and all the inhabitants of Kaluga and the Kaluga region”
Share
In late 2021, US Assemblies of God Superintendent General Doug Clay spoke with his predecessor, George O.
Wood, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. On January 12, 2022, Dr. George Oliver Wood passed away after four and a half months of battling illness. In his last hours he was surrounded by family members.
In the preface to an interview published in AG News (https://news.ag.org), Doug Clay wrote: “For eight years, I had the privilege of serving with my predecessor, Assemblies of God Superintendent George O. Wood, as general treasurer of the fraternity. I had the opportunity to closely observe his leadership style and spiritual experience. He had a huge impact on me. At the end of 2021, I met with him to talk about how he is coping with his illness. In typical George Wood fashion, he offered a great scriptural perspective on how to deal with life’s unexpected challenges.”
DOUGH CLAY: As we wrap up another year, I’m delighted to be talking to a good friend, Dr. George O. Wood. I am sure that our conversation today will not only be inspiring, but will also bring practical benefits. Dr. Wood, thank you for taking the time to speak. You are deeply loved and respected by the believers of our brotherhood [Assemblies of God]. Could you give us the latest news about your health?
GEORGE O. WOOD: Well, Doug, first of all, thank you for the opportunity. On August 30, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was a tumor in the esophagus that had spread to the liver and one of the vertebrae. I went through several rounds of chemo and drugs in the clinic, but the third round had serious side effects, which caused me to spend 16 days in Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, and then I was transferred to Springfield for rehabilitation. I didn’t realize that if you spend 16 days in bed, you lose the ability to move around. So I had to learn to walk again. I’m good with walkers. Things happen in life that you don’t foresee. Of course, cancer was not on my radar screen.
CLAY: George, I know your great love for the Word of God. Were there any specific scriptures that really supported your spirit and emotions?
WOOD: One of my favorite passages is Psalm 83, verses 6 and 7. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You and whose heart paths are directed to You. Passing through the valley of weeping (which is a desolate place), they open springs in it. And then this great phrase – “they come from strength to strength, appear before God in Zion.” And we are all actually going to Zion at one time or another. I found that in those moments of my life when I was at my weakest physically – and that was in the last few months – I felt at my strongest spiritually.
From the moment I was diagnosed on August 30 – two days before my 80th birthday – I felt instant peace. As a follower of Jesus, I have two great opportunities. I can go to my home in Springfield or my home in heaven. I like both. This is from a man who has been afraid of death all his life.
I don’t know what the end result will be, but I just had a wonderful feeling that the Lord was with me. I pass through this deserted place, but I go from strength to strength. We all will someday stand before God in Zion. It will happen this year, next, who knows when… but I’m really calm.
CLAY: You are still the chairman of the World Fellowship of the Assemblies of God. What does the Holy Spirit tell you about the worldwide brotherhood of the Assemblies of God?
WOOD: At our last World Congress in 2017, a large audience gathered, and I felt the Holy Spirit give me a prophetic word. We have been looking at where the Assemblies of God will be around the world by 2033, the 2000th anniversary of the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. I said, “The Lord wants us to have a million churches around the world.” Now we have about 370,000. I know it sounds daring, but if every church in the Assemblies of God around the world had more than 190 countries and territories opened two churches, we would have reached this number.
From this arose a direction called MM33, MM – Latin letters for 2000; 33 is two digits for the year 2033. With the help of the Lord and an active church planting movement around the world, we will see a million Assemblies of God churches by 2033. The ministers really support this vision.
CLAY: One of the many things I learned from you is the discipline to find the word for the new year. I’ve been doing this for seven years now. Our churches and ministers welcome 2022, what word would you like to share with them?
WOOD: There is one verse in the Bible that I didn’t understand for many years: the saying of the apostle Paul in Philippians: “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me” (chapter 4, verse 13). The reason why I didn’t understand this was because he was in jail. He’s in a prison cell, he’s chained to a guard, and he says, “I can.” And I want to call out to him through the time tunnel, “Hey Paul, don’t you realize there’s nothing you can do, that your missionary travels are over, your epistle days are almost over? You don’t plant churches anymore. People are not healed as a result of your ministry.”
But one day it dawned on me that prison is the hardest thing God has ever asked him to do. This phrase means that “I can do even that.” This is very important to me now that I am battling stage 4 cancer. I can overcome because of Christ Who strengthens me, whether He decides to heal me on this side of the Jordan or heal me on the other side of the Jordan. Never in my life have I felt spiritually stronger than now.
I have always struggled with the idea that God loves me personally. It sounds strange, because I am a minister, I was the general superintendent. But growing up in an environment where I was saved anew every Sunday night, I worried that I would blaspheme the Holy Spirit. I was worried that I would be possessed by a demon. I was afraid that I would miss the rapture of the church.
And about five weeks ago, in the middle of the night, my mind returned to my first memory in my life. At the age of three, I had a dream in which I fell into a bottomless dark pit. I woke up screaming. From time to time this picture came back when God saved me. As I thought about this at 3:00 am, I felt as if God had wrapped a blanket around me and enveloped me in a deep sense of love. The spirit told me, “Go back to that hole,” and I returned.
I’m back, but everything is gone. The Lord said, “I filled it, you will never fall into it again.” Now there was beautiful grass, you can’t even say that there was something. It was like a traumatic childhood dream that had always been in the back of my mind was finally forgotten after 77 years.
I received the assurance of God’s love and it was so precious. When I read Scripture lately, I just keep focusing on the fact that God loves us deeply. And this is part of the fact that “I can do everything in him who strengthens me.” He strengthened me, gave me strong emotional assurance to this still insecure missionary child that God truly loves me.
The Lord loves us all deeply, no matter what we go through. Christ can strengthen you in this trial and absolutely guide you through it.
CLAY: I think it was a word for someone in our God family. I think of the blessing that is written in the book of Numbers: “May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord look upon you with His bright face and give you peace!” Your face radiates the joy of the Lord. Chief, it was very nice to spend these moments together.
Translation by Irina Litvinova
Source:
https://news.ag.org/en/News/A-Chat-with-George-O-Wood
#GEORGEOWWOOD #DOUGCLAY
Previous article
Hope in the midst of painNext article
“I daily pray and bless the parishioners of the church and all the inhabitants of Kaluga and the Kaluga region”
Album “Stanislavskaya Galina. Songs about Russia. Here I am walking in my Motherland” (Various Artists) on Apple Music
Stanislavskaya Galina. Songs about Russia. Here I Walk Through My Homeland (Various Artists) on Apple Music
Various artists
POP 2020
- Algeria
- Angola
Armenia - Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Benin
- Botswana
- Cameroun
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
- Egypt
- Eswatini
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Iraq
Israel - Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Qatar
- Congo, Republic of
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania, United Republic Of
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Uganda
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Australia
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- 中国大陆
- Fiji
- Indonesia (English)
- 日本
- Kazakhstan
- 대한민국
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- 澳門
Malaysia - Maldives
- Micronesia, Federated States of
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- 台灣
Thailand - Tonga
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Armenia
- Osterreich
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
Croatia - Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
Finland - France (Français)
- Georgia
- Germany
Greece - Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg (English)
- Malta
- Moldova, Republic Of
Montenegro - Netherlands
- North Macedonia
Norway - Poland
- Portugal (Português)
- Romania
- Russia
Serbia - Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sverige
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina (Español)
- Bahamas
- Barbados
Belize - Bermuda
- Bolivia (Español)
- Brazil
- Virgin Islands, British
- Cayman Islands
- Chile (Español)
- Colombia (Español)
- Costa Rica (Español)
- Dominica
- Republic of Dominicana
- Ecuador (Español)
- El Salvador (Español)
- Grenada
- Guatemala (Español)
- Guyana
- Honduras (Español)
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua (Español)
- Panama
- Paraguay (Español)
- Perú
- St.