February 12 - "Due Date"

Post date: Feb 13, 2011 2:36:08 AM

February 12 - When we first learned we were expecting a baby, the anticipated due date was today, February 12. As we progressed along through the first trimester of the pregnancy and had the initial ultrasounds done, the progress all projected to today as being the day Grady Jeremiah would be born. It is almost unfathomable to us now to imagine seeing our son for the first time today had things gone as expected. While we never would have asked for this journey, the past three months have been incredible for us. Yes, it was unexpected. But, yes, we have seen that God's ways are perfect.We used to catch ourselves saying and writing such things as "Grady Jeremiah was born early." As we progressed through this faith-building journey, and as we realized more and more that God had a purpose in it, we began to change how we spoke of things. We now find ourselves speaking more of Grady Jeremiah coming early from a human perspective. The doctors cannot find any medical reason for why he came so early. As followers of Christ, we really do believe that God purposely brought Grady Jeremiah into the world early for His purposes. During this journey we often have thought back to Psalm 139. Verse 16 reminds us, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Wow. Before God even spoke this world into being, He had already ordained for Grady Jeremiah to be born on November 7, 2010, not February 12, 2011, as his doctors and we expected. Like God said through the prophet for whom Grady Jeremiah's middle name is based, "For I know the plans I have for you..." (Jeremiah 29:11). We may not know this side of heaven what all of those plans and purposes are, but we are already seeing some of them unfold in this amazing little life before us. So on this day that we thought we would be celebrating the new birth of our son, we find ourselves celebrating his birth 98 days ago, celebrating that he is home with us doing so well, and celebrating God's presence, provision, and faithfulness to us through this journey. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Thank you for rejoicing with us today at all that God has done for Grady Jeremiah and for us, and hopefully for your own faith as well as you have followed along and seen God move.As we close tonight's blog, it seems very fitting to quote a song that we have listened to and sung many times over the past 98 days, and a song that I (Grady) quoted in a blog post in the early morning hours of November 7 as I sat by Julia's bedside scared and unsure of what was about to happen. I quoted it in that post trying to focus my hope that God had a purpose in what was happening. We quote it now as a reminder to us and to you that God indeed knew His plans that He had ordained for Grady Jeremiah and for us...

"GOD MOVES" - William Cowper / Re-released by Sovereign Grace Music

(Click here to see the video and listen to it)

God moves in a mysterious way
1. His wonders to perform;
2. He plants His footsteps in the sea
3. And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
1. Of never failing skill
2. He treasures up His bright designs
3. And works His sov’reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
1. The clouds ye so much dread
2. Are big with mercy and shall break
3. In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
1. But trust Him for His grace;
2. Behind a frowning providence
3. He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
1. Unfolding every hour;
2. The bud may have a bitter taste,
3. But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
1. And scan His work in vain;
2. God is His own interpreter,
3. And He will make it plain.

So God, we trust in you.

Though fears are great, and comforts few,

We hope in mercy ever true.

We trust in you.