Almost 9 months ago my wife and I were sitting together in a doctor's office, watching in awe as ultrasound images flashed across a tiny screen confirming we were indeed pregnant. Nervous anticipation turned to elation as we learned about the health status, estimated size and weight and expected April 3 due date for our new baby girl.
Over the months following confirmation, we began to prepare for the transition to a family of four. Our first daughter, Asher, was a bit too young to really understand what was going on, but I think she got the idea when we removed a mountain of toys from her room and replaced them with her old crib. Countless doctor appointments, Target runs, prenatal blog articles and trips into the cold attic for stored supplies clouded our days. Preparing for a baby can become an all-consuming process.
Sometime throughout the months leading up to our due date, God began speaking to me about the process of trust. Having a due date gives you a unique perspective about trust. Trust forces you to wait. Sitting in the presence of God and trusting that He is paving the way will see you to the finish line.
Second, you are expectantly trusting that on the actual day, He is in control. In the moments that matter most, when all you hoped and prayed and dreamed for is unfolding, your foundation of trust in a good and caring Father becomes the peace that sustains you in the moment. You can lean into the action while leaning back into His arms. He’s got this.
Last, you realize the “due date” that has been etched on your heart, circled in every calendar and looked forward to so passionately isn’t the end at all, but a new first step. Trusting God through the waiting creates a habit of trust that will carry you through the due date and into the next phase. You will realize that just as He was with you while you were preparing, so, too, will He be with you as you continue moving forward. Our God is worthy of complete trust and is with us through it all.
Whatever date you are looking forward to and whatever moment you are counting down to and have circled on your calendar, remember to trust God for provision in the moment and all the days that will follow when the countdown ends.
Graycen James English arrived on March 13, 2020, a bit before her due date!