Labor Pains and Stretch Marks
(But for the joy set before us)
“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
I have never had a baby, and at my age I never will. I admire and have a ton of respect for any woman who has birthed a child, especially if she’s had more than one! I can’t imagine how painful and difficult that must be. (God, what were you thinking?) Maybe before the fall the process would have been a lot different, but just the thought of that huge “object” coming through such a small space blows my mind! How can that even be possible?
Another amazing thing about childbirth is that when the painful ordeal is over, the joy of having that precious child in arms outweighs and overrides any “rash vow'” the mother may have made during that exhausting labor. “This is terrible! I’ll never allow myself to go through this again!” Yet in the future she may bring many more children into the world. God has given her the ability to forget the pain, making her willing and able to go through it over and over again.
I think it works the same way with spiritual reproduction or anything the Lord may be “birthing” for His kingdom and glory. When Jesus was agonizingly bearing the sin of the whole world on the cross, the author of Hebrews in chapter 12, verse 22 said, “. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The Lord provides many opportunities for us to labor and produce fruit for His name. Could He be birthing a new work in your heart? Maybe like me, you have never given birth to biological children, but are in a new season of “labor” that God is allowing into your life: any change that may be unfamiliar, inconvenient or distressful for the moment.
Personally, I have experienced many spiritual “labor pains” and “stretch marks” by living in a blended family, and even though the process was difficult at the time, He rewarded me with the joy of knowing it was pleasing to Him—plus it resulted in a greater love for the one who gave me those “stretch marks”!
Birthing something for the glory of God is often painful at the time, but “for the joy set before us,” may we endure the process, fixing our eyes on Him who strengthens us, that we will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jesus, thank You for all You went through to give us new birth. May we remember the joy that will follow any painful process necessary to bring You honor and glory. In Your name, Amen.