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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Labor Pains

After posting on the blog last night, I quickly checked my Facebook. I had a message waiting for me that ended up encouraging me so much and was just what I needed to read! I wanted to share it with everyone in case it's something that's just what you need to read also! :)

Is. 66:7-9: Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery? says the Lord. Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery? says your God.

ok so in these verses God is actually pointing out how the nation of Israel was birthed, and how God did it miraculously. But what spoke to me today about these verses is the OTHER thing that God is pointing out in the background: normally in life, things don’t just happen with no labor or effort. Sometimes we expect results without putting forth any prayer or effort or labor into the process. Sometimes we expect answers or results immediately, right when we want them. But God is pointing out that this isn’t how things happen! (unless of course He miraculously makes it happen) He’s pointing out that usually there is a painful time of labor before delivery happens! But then He points out that we don’t have to be discouraged, because even though there may be a painful time of labor, He is faithful!!! Delivery happens!!! “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” When it’s time for the baby to come out and your joy to overflow, does He all of a sudden shut the womb and make the baby stay in there to never come out? Of course not! PAINFUL LABOR PRODUCES JOYFUL DELIVERY! The more painful the labor, the more joyful and freeing the delivery! It reminds me of that story in Luke 7 about the sinful woman who poured her love on Yeshua, and people were upset, and Yeshua pointed out that she showed Him more love and gratefulness than anyone else in the room. He said: He who has been forgiven much loves much, but he who has forgiven little loves little. Because she had no notions that she was high and mighty, and she was filled with humility and thankful to be forgiven, she poured her love on the Lord like she had nothing to lose. Those who felt they weren’t very sinful didn’t even think to throw themselves at the feet of Jesus. Although I’m sure some of them would have been glad to, if they had thought of it. But that’s the difference, they hadn’t been on the brink of death and despair, so the thought probably didn’t even cross their minds.
In comparison, how much more must a woman be in desperate relief to give birth after a harshly painful labor, than a woman who had a quick and painless one? I know the joy of delivery is there for both women, but the desperate, emotional, thankful joy and relief must be so much more intense after a hard labor.

All this to say... I’m not saying I prefer painful times! In fact, I honestly really don’t want to go through painful times, and I would choose joy over pain any day I think! :) I’m just saying, if I’m going through something tough, there is hope! God is not going to let me go through painful labor without a delivery! If I’ve been praying and waiting a long time for something, I can’t give up, because life’s not over yet! I’m still living, and there is still hope! Delivery WILL come!!!

This little section ends with verse 13: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” :)


Awesome eh?

Today has been better, but not because of anything that's easily happened. Cale's mood was in the muck from the first waking moment, and mine started to follow right behind. Finally, about an hour after both of us being awake, I grabbed Cale by the arms, had him look in my eyes, and very firmly said to both of us, "We are on the same team!" Now, the way our moods were, wasn't at each other, but I knew it wasn't too far from that. We both think this stinks being here, but deciding to sit in the misery wasn't going to get us anywhere. So...one of the things we've worked on so far today was walking. He didn't want to go, but with some encouragement (and pushing), we walked one lap with out the cane and then the second lap with it. He wasn't too happy about it, but we went for round two right before lunch and I plan on doing it again in just a little bit. If you could see me right now, I just had one of those moments that I crossed my arms and gave a Hmph.

After our little chat, we spent time praying together and for each other and then we worshipped a little. That helped a lot to get our heads on straight. It's a lot easier to move forward that way! ;)

Waiting and praising God for the delivery!

3 comments:

  1. What wisdom your friend shared. Thank you for letting us/me in on it. You are in the palm of Father's hand. In fact, Isaiah 49:16 says "See, I have inscribed you on the palm of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." Kathleen, Father sees the end. He's just waiting for you and Cale to arrive at what He sees. I love you, Marion

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  2. Great Post Kathleen !!!! I love that verse because there is Delivery ! YOU are right it doesn't just stop- the womb doesn't close up and no baby !!! Encouraged again - LOVE ya !!! ;) ((())) Reenie !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cale and Kathleen,
    You guys are great. We continue to pray for you and are excited about
    the plans and future the Lord has for you... filled with hope and love.
    Vicky Scott

    ReplyDelete

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