He is Faithful

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6

Almost three years ago, I wrote a newsletter after Linnea and I had found out that due to my past history battling cancer, that it would be impossible for us to have children naturally.  That was incredibly difficult to hear, but as we inquired about possible medical treatments we could attempt, the news became worse. 

There were certainly fertility treatments we could attempt, but, the doctors assured us, the possibility of success, given the circumstances, was incredibly low.  The variables stacked one upon another, each one decreasing the odds of success a little more: My cancer.  The surgeries.  The chemotherapy. Our ages.  None of it was positive news. 

Five percent, but probably less, was the most optimistic scenario the doctors could give us cumulatively, considering everything that had to go right.  The look on their face and their immediate suggestions of alternative options gave it away: it most likely wasn’t going to happen.

We left the doctor’s office that day discouraged, with hopes and dreams crushed.  However, as we reflected on the news over the coming days and weeks, we turned to promises that God had made.  Promises to my family 15 years earlier in the midst of my cancer treatments.  Promises to Linnea just after we first met.  God had promised us a family. 

We didn't know what those promises would look like down the road, but we placed our hope and trust in a God who does not fail, believing that He would fulfil the promises He had made.

Some 2700 years ago, God had made a promise to the Jewish people about the coming Messiah, through the prophet Isaiah.  They were promised a child, who would be a Wonderful Counselor and the Prince of Peace.  It took 700 years for that promise to be fulfilled.  I’m sure there were times when people doubted if it would ever come to pass, but it did.  In God’s perfect timing, He sent His son, Jesus.

We’re quickly approaching Christmas, where we will all gather together with family and friends to celebrate God’s fulfilment of His promise.  He sent His only son to be born, live a perfect life, die for our sins, then rise, ascend to heaven to be seated at His right hand.

This Christmas, however, Linnea and I have something additional to celebrate as well.  Despite the odds the doctors gave us, we clung to the promises that God had made and decided to attempt fertility treatments. 

Earlier this year, in the spring, we began the process.  There were many emotional ups and downs throughout the treatment as there would be a success followed by a set back.  However, in the end, God has provided us with not one, or even two, but rather three embryos through these treatments. 

A close look at the picture above will give it away, but we are incredibly happy to say that Linnea is currently pregnant with the first embryo and two others saved for later.  The amount of success, in spite of the low chances, I think had even some of the doctors surprised.

We rejoice this Christmas that our God is a God who is faithful to keep His promises and we’re looking forward to the arrival of a baby boy in early March.  So far the pregnancy has been healthy and everything is looking normal.  We ask for your prayers that Linnea and our baby boy would continue to remain strong and healthy throughout the rest of this pregnancy and birth.

Our prayer for you this Christmas is that you and your families would be continually reminded to keep holding on to God’s love and promises as He is a God who is faithful.  We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.