A Child of Promise

The other day I read the Christmas story from the book of Luke. I was reminded of how Elizabeth and Zacharias had to wait so long to conceive their child (John), that Zacharias had pretty much gotten into doubt and unbelief by the time the angel told him that they would have a child. I can relate to this because I felt the same way, after 11 years of being unable to conceive. But, I have found that when God makes a promise, He is faithful to perform it, as long as we do our part and sometimes even in spite of our lack of faith.

After 11 years of waiting, my husband and I almost gave up on having a child, even though we had received prophetic words about the Lord giving us a child, and the Lord had spoken to me personally about it. I thought that we had missed God by not praying enough, going to the doctor enough, etc. and now we were moving on to “plan b.” We moved the baby bed I was given by my sister-in-law into the shed, not realizing that I was pregnant at the time. I found out on December 23, 1999 that I was pregnant with our child. What a wonderful Christmas present from the Lord! After I found out I was pregnant, I told the Lord, “After waiting this long, if you’re going to give me a child, I want a Samuel” (one that would be dedicated to the Lord for his whole life).

When Nate was about three or four years old, he had a little red, battery-operated jeep that he would drive around the yard in. He told me he had a dream where he went to heaven in that jeep. He saw fire coming out of the back of it (this reminded me of Elijah being taken to heaven in a chariot of fire). He said in heaven he saw concerts going on, and lots of singing. Then he came back home in his little red jeep. While he was home, during Thanksgiving, I reminded him of that dream, and asked him if he remembered it, and he said no. But, like Mary, this is something I have treasured in my heart and wondered what would come in the future for our son.

Our son is now 21 years old and though he has not always walked the straight and narrow, I praise the Lord for keeping His hand on him. He is now in the military and goes to church and Bible study, usually three times a week. I see a growing dedication to the Lord and more of a boldness to pray and talk about the Lord in front of his friends. Our son was a son of promise and I am so thankful that the Lord is a promise keeper.

I am even more thankful that the Lord fulfilled the promise he had spoken to Isaiah, the prophet, over 700 years before the birth of Christ. Isaiah 9:6 says:

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NKJV)

I’m wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

~Kelly Rowe