I have mentioned elsewhere on this blog that God is not a genie beholden to our desires and dreams. He withholds many things, even good things, for our ultimate good and His ultimate glory (and the two are inextricably linked). Over the years, He has graciously and lovingly answered many of our prayers with a “No” or a “Not yet”.

I don’t know why. I’m too small, too human to understand the unfathomable wisdom of a truly loving God. Why He sees fit to give some things and withhold others; why He gives children and takes some away; why He sends some people overseas and keeps others where they are; why He places some in positions of power and wealth and others in dependence and smaller means; why He gives some good health and able bodies, and others compromised immune systems and disabilities.

But I do know this: everything the Lord does flows from His character. God is love, God is just, He doesn’t pick favorites, His thoughts and ways are far greater than any human’s, and everything He does is for our good.

In the same unfathomable wisdom from which have flowed His many “No”s, He answered our prayer for children with a joyful “Yes!”

Lord willing, Emily and I will be welcoming another baby girl into the world this August. We (and Baby Girl’s extremely helpful older siblings) can’t wait to meet her! Please join us in prayer for this precious new life, God’s gift to make us a family of six!