When I first met my wife, she was just 17. I was 25. We weren’t certain about many things back then, but we were certain of this: When we married, we would have just one kid—preferably a girl.

Several factors influenced this decision such as the desire to live the “good” life and the desire to cut "unnecessary" costs. After all, babies are expensive, right? In short, we were completely in sync with the world and completely clueless about the ways of God…

It’s been 11 years since then…

We’ve been married three years now. Our firstborn, a sweet little boy, just turned two. A little after he was born, we were blessed with a house, a car and many immeasurable gifts.

We are expecting our second baby this December.

We decided we would not conform to the ways of the world, especially if it meant having to snub God. We were (and still are) very determined to live by the Word.

The Bible says don't worry about anything. Just do what you know God wants you to do and He will take care of all your needs (Philippians 4). If that is what God has promised, then it is good enough for me.

My pastor always says, “If God decides to bless you with a child, He will also provide you with the means to take care of that child. God will incur the expenses. Just trust Him.”

And that is exactly what we did. We didn't have our baby with one eye on our bank balance; we had him with both eyes fixed firmly on God.

Did it pay off?

More than we could imagine.

First, in an age where close to 50 percent of all births are through the C-section, my wife had a normal delivery. Also, she was in labor for less than half the average time it takes first-time mothers. God ensured she wouldn't have to be in pain for too long.

Second, our son was born on March 25. On April 22, less than a month after he was born, I received a 20 percent increase in my salary. I also received a bonus that covered all hospital and delivery-related expenses. The overall hike in my annual earnings? Almost 30 percent!

In retrospect, I did not pay a dime to bring my child into the world, despite having him delivered by one of the best doctors in one of the finest hospitals in the country. Also, the increment more than covers the cost of everything he will need in future. God took care of everything just as He promised.

That was almost seven months ago. Appraisals are round the corner again. I almost laughed thinking that if we ever needed another 30 percent hike, we knew exactly what we had to do.

It is funny when you think about it—funny and beautiful too.

Out in the world, people think having a lot of children does not make economic sense. And here God is paying us to have babies and raise them for Him. Like the Bible says: The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. In retrospect, God is using what is foolish in the eyes of the world to show us how stupid the ways of the world are.

Yes, to be certain, not every couple who has children by the dozen is blessed financially. I see people who have many children, but not enough to get by—not enough food to put on the table.

Why is that so?

I guess it is because that kind of blessing comes with a precondition—a prerequisite: You must have and raise all your children for the Lord.

When I think back, that's exactly what we did. We consecrated our baby, the first fruit of our union, to God even before he was conceived. And right away I knew in my heart that it would be a boy because God said all firstborn are mine, especially if they are male.

So this is my advice: Never base the major decisions of your life, especially the decision to have children, on how much money you have. If you do, chances are you may have neither children nor money in the end. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else you need will be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33) When you figure out what this scripture really means, write it on your heart.

The Bible says children themselves are a blessing (Psalm 127:3). And since they actually belong to God, He faithfully provides for every child He brings into the world. We, parents, are just the caretakers.

So take a breather. Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich (Proverbs 23:4). You are not a money-spinning machine. Money is a trap for those who are fascinated by it, a trap that every fool falls into (Sirach 31:7). Therefore, have the wisdom to show restraint.

Since you are not going to live forever, focus on the things that really matter. If God blesses you with a child, thank Him and welcome the child joyfully. Remember, every child comes bearing rich gifts from heaven. The child you plan to abort might just be your ticket to the happy and prosperous life you always desired. So be good to yourself and allow God to work a miracle in your life. Allow Him to bless you.

Do it for yourself!