Keep Pushing!
As I sat in the hospital room while my daughter was in labor delivering her first child, I began thinking about the process and the similarities with our lives in general. When you first get pregnant, you begin to think about the pain that will be involved in making it to your goal. When that day arrives the doctor and his team become your coaches and they cheer you on as they holler, push! You can do it! You're almost there!
At first the pain seems unbearable, but then an epidural brings comfort and now you are able to enjoy the process as you watch the monitor to see the contractions, the labor pains are still there, but you've become numb to them. Then...as the blessing comes forth...suddenly it was all worth it! The months of carrying this baby, the nausea, back pain, discomfort, weight gain and labor pains...all worth it and you would do it again to receive such a gift!
Life is the same way, suffering, unfortunately is a real part of our existence, but as we read our Bibles we are encouraged to keep fighting and pushing on. That's part of the reason we write these daily devotions. In those difficult seasons it's our desire to encourage you by the Word of God, point you to Jesus and let you know that your suffering is temporary and if you'll seek and trust God during this process, He will bring comfort and even remove the pain in the midst of your labouring. Just keep trusting and hang on a little longer, the blessing is on its way and you too will say, "It was all worth it!" The most difficult tests always come before the greatest promotion and blessing!
Hang on! You're almost there!
John 16:21-22 (NLT) It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
