“Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.”
– John 16:21
 Maybe you’re going through a lot — I’m sorry. I want you to know that a lot of the challenges you’re facing are not from God. But one of the things we often don’t realize that is the pain of living and the pain of our challenges are often birthing pains, as Paul calls them. Birthing pains. A woman in labor doesn’t say, “God, why is this happening to me?” She’s incredible — there’s no doubt that’s incredible pain — and it’s probably the most painful thing she’s ever faced in her life. But under all of that, there’s a sense of hope and expectation for a new life and a new member of a family. So you may not know it, but there is a purpose to your pain. There’s a purpose to your pain. The pain is a birthing pain. Out of your struggle, something new is going to be born into your life. You’re going to look back and know that it was totally worth it. |
Prayer
Thank you, God, for getting me through the pain. Make something great out of it.
Reflection
What birthing pains are you going through?
2 Responses
Dear Bobby and Hannah,
you have no idea just how timely this word is! I thank God for you both always, as His Spirit works His grace and peace and glory though you both into my life.
My marriage and family has been broken into pieces through those very birth pains you’ve just spoken of. Only now through your words, do I recognise that that’s what they are! For me the birth pains have been nearly 37 years but now I can tell you that I await the re-birth of my daughter, aged 49.
Astoundingly, after reading your words, I felt that initial excitement I had the first time; the excitement of being the mother of a child – this child! That was the shadow, this re-birth is the substance.
Bless you both, also all your staff and ministry team around the world and again, thank you.
Thank you for this teaching.