Suffering that brings Joy [lessons from labor & delivery]

To our newest blessing, our daughter, Hannah Grace. You already are bringing so much joy to our family. You are so loved. God formed you perfectly in my womb. He brought you into this world. You were created for a purpose. Delight in Him. He is your rock.

When Mommy was in labor with you, God reminded me of an important truth of this life. Labor and birth are actually the hardest, most physically painful thing I have ever experienced on this earth. It is actually not very fun. But it is necessary when you are 40 weeks pregnant! During your labor one week ago, I tried so hard to focus on the joy to come. Truthfully, though, in the moments, I sometimes felt like giving up. It felt like I was suffering. It was hard to remember true things. Thankfully I had your daddy reminding me that God was there, even when I didn't feel His hand. I had God reminding me, through so many little details of the day, that he was indeed there, and that He was my rock, always faithful. I got impatient at times, ready for the end of the pain to come. But again I was reminded to wait and trust. It is faith that pleases God. As I would rest in that, He cared for me and He cared for you. He brought us through. Step by step. Through the waves that seemed to be crashing over my head at times, God brought us through. And Joy came! The moment you were born was pure relief and joy. All I could say was, "Thank you, Jesus."

This is like life, dear Hannah. There is so much joy to be had, but there is also pain. There is dissappointment. There is heartache. There is suffering. Jesus himself said "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Cling to that promise. Hold on to the Lord more than you hold onto anything else in this world. Even when the suffering comes, and when we do not understand why it is necessary. Even when we can't see the joy that will come. Keep walking, step by step, in faith. He will always be your rock. Grace will always be there.

Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

"My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God..."

 

In the waiting...

I admit. I thought I'd be holding a newborn baby in my arms by today. But I'm not. I know God's timing is absolutely perfect. And I am one of those weird people who actually enjoys being pregnant (mostly), but I guess it's just an expectation thing. Thinking things would be one way, and then finding out that God's plan was not exactly lined up with mine. He shows me yet again that it is actually supposed to be the other way around!

Seasons of waiting are not easy. Waiting for the Lord to work. Knowing he is always at work. In a thousand ways, in a thousand things happening that we don't even see right around us right now. I'm thankful for the Lord's protection in these times. I know I've seen it in my past. His faithfulness when I was discouraged by a season of waiting. Maybe right now He just knows I need one more full night's sleep, or that my husband does! Or maybe one of these little boys needs another moment with mommy all his own. Who knows.

Even amidst the more trying days lately, when the devil tries to get me down in various ways, I've seen God pulling me toward himself, pointing my gaze upward, reminding me of His grace that surrounds.

And so we wait...and one day (or night) soon, we will meet this little miracle that seems so cozy to just stay right here in my belly:)

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14