Field guide · Crossings
Us with Godand A New Baby
Forecast: sleepless nights, tiny socks, and wonder arriving at all hours.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
If I don’t raise this child perfectly, God will hold it against me.
Over GodSheep that know the way
Follow the right method, read the right books, and we’ll turn out a good kid.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
This baby is the blessing that finally makes my life complete.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
This child is my chance to raise a world-changer for God.
This little one was knit together and known by God before anyone chose a name.
Before the ultrasound and the baby shower, God was knitting this child together and writing their days in his book (Ps 139:13–16). Hannah held her son and said, “I prayed for this child” (1 Sam 1:27). Mary didn’t have it all figured out either, so she treasured these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19). If you are aching for a child, or grieving one you lost, he holds your story and that little one with great tenderness too.
Where the Shepherd isHe carries the lambs close to his heart and “gently leads those that have young” (Isa 40:11).
During one late-night feeding or rocking, pray over this child by name, then simply enjoy being quiet together.
Lord, this child was yours first. Teach me to treasure and ponder.
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- Elizabeth gave birth in her old age, and her neighbors and relatives shared her joy (Luke 1:57–58).
- Hannah brought her long-prayed-for son to the house of the Lord and gave him back to God (1 Sam 1:24–28).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing