Feb. 15, 2016
There is a picture I have had in my mind for several years, so I thought I'd try to express it now.
When a woman is in labor to bring forth her baby there is generally ALOT of discomfort; especially in the transition stage, which happens just before she is able to push the baby out.
It is at that point that many of us would have "changed our minds" about the whole process (if that had been an option!) It has occurred to me that "bringing forth Christ" in our trials is similar.
We have fiery trials in life that produce anguish in us, and are sorely tempted at those times, to shrink back; to quit walking with the Lord. "It's just too hard! or "It's not fair! or "I didn't sign up for this!" we may say, and indeed it does seem to be the case. However...these trials ARE what we need. God causes (and uses) ALL things to work together for good for those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose...predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." ( Rom 8:28,29) When we first received Christ we most likely had no idea that God Who called us has a plan to conform us to His very image...and to accomplish this we MUST be trained; changed by Him. and...HE is a Father Who is very intentionally purposing that this will happen!
I am reminded of Gen 35: 16-18. When Rebecca was bringing forth Benjamin, her midwife said, "Do not fear, you will have this son also." In her dying words Rebecca called him, "Ben-oni: son of my sorrow" but Jacob called him "Benjamin: son of the right hand."
Yes...to bring forth the Christ life in our sorrow will cause a kind of dying...at least to our 'self''! Death and resurrection power go together. II Cor.4:12 "So then, death is working in us but life in you." Rebecca's experience "son of my sorrow" is one aspect; and Jacob's "son of the right hand" is the glorious result!
Both are necessary.
Several of us were spontaneously realizing that we can each have the job of midwives. When loved ones are spiritually experiencing the 'transition stage'...having overwhelming pain, we can come along side to encourage each to keep their position in HIM...and not to despair! There is life after death!! More of Christ will be manifested through these trials IF we don't faint. We will reap! We will become more like Him!
There are His promises in Rom 8:18 "...the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." And II Tim 2:12 "If we suffer/endure, we shall also reign with Him."
