ANOTHER BABY?
My second daughter is pregnant--at 41. What a blessed surprise! With an eleven year old son and a nine year old daughter, we thought her family--and ours--was complete. But God had a better plan. And His ways are higher and wiser. So we are preparing for another grandson, wondering how this is all going to work out for this very busy family with two working parents.I just read the story of Peter's miraculous rescue from prison in Acts 12. James, the brother of John the apostle--and one of the original twelve disciples--had been beheaded by Herod. This so pleased the Pharisees, that Herod imprisoned Peter as well, intending to put him to death. Following the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter's boldness to preach about Jesus had multiplied. His natural leadership qualities were being put to use as God intended to guide the budding Church. God performed miracles through Peter. He was a great threat to organized Jewish religion of the day.
Peter had probably been beaten, was certainly hungry, cold, humiliated, chained between two soldiers in a cold, dark, damp, rat-infested locked cell. The iron doors were guarded. Yet, Peter slept so soundly that when God's angel came to rescue him, he had to shake Peter out of sleep. How could Peter rest at a time like that? He had complete trust in God's plan. He knew whatever God allowed would be right and best.
When the angel woke Peter, the chains fell off, the iron doors and gates keeping Peter prisoner opened by themselves. No one stopped them from leaving. It seems that no one even saw them leave. Miracle after miracle unfolded that night as the angel led Peter away from prison.
Peter's friends were earnestly praying for him. Probably they were praying for Herod to release him, for his comfort, for God to be with him in prison. All perfectly good prayers, but far below what God had planned. They were so intent on praying that when Peter arrived at the door, they did not believe it was actually Peter.
Do I have a plan of my own that I ask God to implement? What if His plan is much better? Would I want to miss it? So my daughter is having a baby at 41. That wasn't our idea of how this family's life should unfold. But I can trust God's sovereignty. This child will bring blessing to our family.
My prayers for my soon-coming grandson have changed. Not my will, but Thine, I pray now. Use this precious baby to accomplish whatever work You desire. I wait in eager anticipation. I wait in thankfulness. I wait in great joy.
Comments