As my son’s birthday approaches, the months surrounding his birth replay in my mind. Many have heard me tell pieces of this story, but I can’t help but share it here. My heart races with excitement as I recall the moments when God began revealing His ways and plans to our family. Here goes…
Jason and I found out we were expecting our fifth child just a few days before Christmas. The excited squeals from our children on Christmas morning when they received their final present (the news of the upcoming addition to our family) were priceless and unforgettable.
But then there was the idea of telling the rest of the world. Honestly, that’s not an easy task after you already have two or more children. We were on our way to a family Christmas party, where we would be sharing our big news, when I began to pray over this very thing. I prayed, “Lord, help this news to be received well by all. Make my family a blessing to others, so that people will gladly welcome another member into the world. May my girls be strong for You- like Poplar trees that are firmly planted.” I paused. Poplar trees? Have I even heard of those before? Maybe it was in a verse. I googled “verse about poplar trees.” Sure enough, Isaiah 44:4 popped up. I had my Bible on the dashboard, so I began reading the entire chapter.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.” Isaiah 44:3-5
I was blown away! Not only did this seem to be a promise God was so graciously speaking over my children, but there was another piece of God’s goodness embedded in this verse. “Jason! Listen to this!” I read the verses to him as he drove. “Do you think we’re having a boy?” He had picked the name Jacob for a little boy when we found out we were expecting our first child a decade earlier. I had argued a bit, offering up other suggestions. With each pregnancy, he stood behind his first pick. However, each time we had a beautiful little girl. Well, I couldn’t argue anymore with the name Jacob.
Months rocked on, as did our curiosity as to whether this verse held the meaning we thought. When the day finally arrived, the kids and I piled into the ultrasound office. I told the technician to write down the gender, so we could share the announcement later as a family. I searched for clues on the monitor, with what I thought were experienced eyes, but I came up with nothing. When Jason arrived home that evening, we were a bundle of nerves. We all agreed my second daughter would read the announcement to us. As she opened the envelope, she slowly read, “It’s…a…boy!” We each took turns reading the words for ourselves, just in case she made a mistake. But it was no mistake. In fact, it was perfectly orchestrated to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives. I imagine Him smiling as we found one more clue about this most precious gift He was giving to us.
I know I am not the only one with a story like this, and we’ve all experienced God working in our lives. Each of our stories are unique, but the joy that comes from realizing God not only sees us, but promises His blessings when we commit ourselves to His way, is the most life-giving treasure on this side of Heaven!
“Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come— yes, let them foretell what will come.Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Isaiah 44:7-8