Monday, March 1, 2010

How much more?

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting two families in out church at the hospital after the birth of two babies. The births happened a day apart and the mothers were sisters, which made these days extra special for them.
As a Pastor, I enjoy visitation and being an encouragement to people. Visitation for a new birth is a little different though. When I walk into that hospital room, there is joy and plenty of encouragement and smiles. Nine months of anticipation and diligent planning has just ended with a life changing moment. I'm just there to congratulate and bless the wonderful new addition.
Now that my wife and I are expecting our second child, the planning and anticipation begins for us. We are dialoguing about names, planning for maternity leave and much more. I recently reflected on the planning and preparation for a new baby along with the planning that God has for us. In the book of Jeremiah, we find that God has great plans for us. "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
That scripture in and of itself is encouraging. But I have also considered the words that Christ used many times to express the great love and power of our Heavenly Father. Jesus loved to use the phrase, "How much more?" For instance, "how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?"
When I think about this phrase in relation to the planning that occurs for expecting moms and dads, I wonder, "how much more is God planning for this child?" This thought is very encouraging and brings a great deal of peace to my heart. So the planning continues, on earth and in heaven.