Jeremiah,
It’s been one whole year that we’ve had you in our lives to snuggle and cuddle and admire in awe of God’s most perfect handiwork. Every night before I lay you down to sleep, I always sneak in extra kisses and squeezes because, frankly, some days I can’t even believe that you’re mine. You truly are the greatest blessing I could have ever asked God for, and He made you even more perfectly than I could’ve imagined.
Over this last year, the one thing I’ve prayed the most for you is that you would grow to gain a love for Jesus and come to understand His immeasurable love for you. Our sincerest hope as your parents is that, when the time comes for you to make your own decisions and choose the course for your life, you will choose wholeheartedly to follow Jesus.
I want you to know that in Him is everything you could ever want or need. You never have to look outside His presence or beyond His provision to find fulfillment. The richest life you will ever lead is the one in which you invest yourself in the purpose He designed just for you. He has something very special in mind for you to do, Jeremiah. I pray you’ll make it your mission to discover and fulfill it.
Everyday I pray that God would help us to recognize and steward your gifts, teaching you how to hone them and one day activate them for your God-given purpose. There are so many wonderful things I see in you already: your sweet, loving spirit; your sharp focus and discerning attitude; your love for music and reading; and the joy you find in worship. I don’t yet know what all God has in mind for you, Jeremiah, and He may never tell me; but I do know that He knows.
When we were choosing a name for you, we wanted something meaningful and something that would hopefully be indicative of the life you would lead. We chose Jeremiah because so much promise, so much hope, and so much purpose is found in his story- in the way he found and lived out his calling. There are so many powerful promises in this book, and I want you to know that they apply to you. Here are just a few of them, twelve to be exact – one for every month of your life thus far – that I want you to learn and to remember.
In the years to come, I pray you’ll reflect on these verses and find encouragement to keep moving forward in your divine purpose, as God reveals it to you:
If you ever start to wonder if God really sees or cares about you, remember this verse – the one hanging over your bed:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” – Jeremiah 1:5
When you doubt your ability to do what God puts in your heart to do:
“The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 1:7-8
When you’re not sure which way to go or what decision to make, know God has already ordered your steps and promised to lead you.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls…” – Jeremiah 6:16
On those tough days that will surely come, dig a little deeper in your faith and remember these verses:
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
When you make a mistake and need to get back on track, remember God is willing and able to put you back on His course for your life:
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.” – Jeremiah 10:23-24
If you ever wonder whether God will allow you to begin again, know that He always, always will:
“The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” – Jeremiah 31:3
Never forget that our God is the One, True, Living God who chose you, loves you, and will do anything for you!
“Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power…But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King!…” – Jeremiah 10:6, 10
When you’re searching for answers, know you will always find them in God’s Word.
“Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear your name, O Lord.” – Jeremiah 15:16
On those days when it seems like nothing’s coming together, or everything’s falling apart, know God is in control and He has your best interest at heart.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
When it seems like the world is against you, know without a shadow of a doubt that God is for you!
“They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 1:19
When it feels like God couldn’t possibly be farther away, know He is always right there.
“Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
If you start to question what really matters in life or what your achievements and aspirations add up to, remember this:
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!'” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
Baby bear, I love you more than I could ever express in words. My heart is so full because of the joy that you are. But what I want you to know and never forget is, as much as I love you – with everything I have, nothing to spare – Jesus loves you infinitely more. He created you. He chose you. He values you. And He wants to know you and for you to know Him personally, intimately, and eternally. If I can teach you nothing else, I pray you learn to love Him with all you have and choose Him every single day of your life.
I promise to do my very best to show you how. God has given us the grace to keep learning and growing day by day, and I count it the ultimate privilege to not only be your mother but to be able to raise you in full knowledge of God’s Truth. I pray many, many more blessed years to come and am thrilled to experience the milestones and achievements yet to come in your life.
I love you forever, Jeremiah Anthony.