More from Quennie Joyce Ibarra

Holding On to the Same Promise, Two Babies Later

The first meditation I wrote and submitted to The Upper Room was back in 2022. It was eventually published in March 2024 under the title “God Goes with You.” Little did I know at the time how deeply its message would continue to shape my journey years later.

When I wrote that reflection, I was a pregnant momma-to-be, due to give birth in just a month. My heart and mind were filled with anxious thoughts for there were so many preparations left to do, so many uncertainties, and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. Motherhood felt both exciting and utterly daunting.

One day, while reading through my journal, my husband pointed out a verse I had written: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6, NIV).

Those words spoke directly to the fears I was wrestling with. In that moment, I was reminded that I did not need to live under the weight of insecurity or dread. God’s presence was not just promised; it was already with me. And if God was with us, then that was all that truly mattered.

Today, three years and two babies later, I am still holding on to the same unwavering promise. So much has changed since that season. Our family has grown both in number and in faith. Two became three, and then three became four. Responsibilities multiplied, challenges intensified, and life became beautifully fuller — and yet, we have never walked alone. Not once has God failed us. Not once has God turned away.

Because of God’s faithfulness, our desire as parents is to remain faithful to God as well. We hope to pass on to our children not just values, skills, and opportunities, but also the greatest inheritance we have received ourselves: a living, anchored faith in the Lord.

Even their names serve as reminders. Our firstborn’s name means promise in my husband’s native tongue, and our second-born child’s name means shine in my native tongue. Together, they reflect how God’s faithful and gracious promises have continued to shine upon our family.

We know our parenting journey has only just begun. Ahead of us are many unknowns—challenges and victories, tears and celebrations, failures and triumphs. Some days will feel light and joyful, while others may stretch us beyond what we think we can handle. But whatever comes, may God’s sure presence and steady help remain our anchor.

The same God who carried us through yesterday will carry us through tomorrow. So we keep walking, not in fear but in faith; not by our strength but by God’s; not alone but with him.