A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. (John 16:21, NKJV)
I gave this post a very unique title, I know. For those of you who have had children, you know the pain that brings. But you also know the reward that will eventually come from the pain. Once that child is in your arms, you forget all that pain. In this Scripture, we see the trials being compared to the pain of labor. In my Beth Moore study on the book of James, we talked about how our greatest joy can come through our greatest pain. We also talked about how the pain and joy can be swapped out. With labor, the pain you feel is swapped for the joy of that precious child. So let me ask you this question ladies. Are you going to give up before your baby is born? In other words, are you going to give up before the trial is over? Oh I know we want to give up at times, I know I do. But we also know that out of our pain can come our passion. What are you passionate about? In childbirth, you're passionate about getting that baby out. In our trials, what are we passionate about? So let me ask once more, are you going to give up before your baby is born? I pray we won't.
Father, thank You for the joy only You give. Lord sometimes we don't feel joyful, but praise God it isn't about feelings. Help us Lord to see the joy even in the midst of our greatest pain. In Jesus name, Amen.
Great post, Jamie. Your question, Are you going to give up before your baby is born? is a great question for writer's to ask themselves.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jamie. I came to know Christ after a heartbreaking divorce over 20 years ago. Beauty from ashes.
ReplyDeleteWhat an analogy sweet friend and a great reminder, never...never...never...give up until we are completely formed in Christ...birthed with new life...obedient until the end.
ReplyDeleteLove you, dear friend. Have a great Monday!!
Great post, Jamie! As Cathy said, the beauty of life and ministry really can come from the ashes of pain.
ReplyDeletePat, thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteCathy, thank you for your encouragement.
Glenda, thanks for your kind words and for always being a great support to me.
Vonda, thank you for supporting me over the last few years. You were the one that got me started on this journey my friend!
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteGreat connection for us mothers. ;) I too have experienced great growth and beauty through tragedy and heartache - difficulty has propelled me into the arms of God.
Love, Hester ;)
Perfect application and encouragement for not giving up. No woman in her right mind would give up during labor, especially when the pain increases. The greater the pain, the nearer the delivery!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that, sweet girl :)