What Kind of Child Will This Be?

And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with them. (Luke 1:66)

We are familiar with the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was to give birth in her later years. When the angel Gabriel told Zacharias this, he was quite doubtful due to his and his wife’s advanced age. Because of his doubt, he was struck mute. We also know that when Mary, pregnant with the Christ child, went to visit Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby jumped within her womb at hearing Mary’s voice. This unborn child was already so special…already so in tune with the other unborn baby who would became King of Kings. After his birth, at his circumcision, there was much fuss about what name this new child should have. But Zacharias, being obedient to what the angel had spoken, announced that his name would be John. His voice was immediately returned to him after this proclamation, which made all those around him stand in awe. What kind of child will this be? That was the question on all their minds that day so long ago.

We are no different. Our baby is born, we look at him (or her) in amazement and pure love, and we wonder…what kind of child will this be? Will my child be like me, or his father? Will he have my eyes? Will she have my smile? Will he love sports or will she love to dance? Will he grow up to be an astronaut or will she grow up to be President? So many questions, so many things to ponder.

The truth is…God already knows what His will for our child’s life is. He knows everything about that child, down to the number of hairs on her head. He has great plans to prosper him and to give her a hope and a future. His plans for our child are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. Opportunities are limitless when they are guided by our God.

Perhaps we should stare down at our newborn and wonder not what type of job they will have or what hobbies they will enjoy. Perhaps we should set our focus on this:

What kind of child will this be? Will he love Jesus with his whole heart? Will she be obedient to God’s word? Will he impact this world for the gospel in ways big or small? Will she be a light that shines love, grace, and compassion to those around her? Am I ready and equipped to guide this child to the cross? Am I ready to hand this precious baby over to God and let Him be the ruler of her life?

Only God knows exactly what kind of child this will be. He knows that our mama hearts want only the best for our children, no matter what age they are. When we trust in Him, when we pray daily and lift our children to Him, He takes those children and those prayers and He does His marvelous works. And as we nurture them in the things of God, and as we watch them grow and mature, we see just what kind of child (and adult) they are. Then, just like Zacharias , we lift our voices in praise.