Birthing Pains, then He Reigns!

The Bible warns us about "End Times." We are told that some very hard things will happen; hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, pestilence, etc. It calls all of these hardships "birthing pains". In Matthew 24 we are warned about how wrong will become right, and right will be wrong. Discord among families will be prevalent.

"But all of these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." ~Matthew 24:8

Matthew 24 sure seems to define the world we now live in. It is impossible to ignore the signs. Are we experiencing the birthing pains that the Bible warns us about?

Rather than feed your fear about what will happen and when it will come, I would rather focus on what birthing pains bring about.

The pain of childbirth starts out manageable and fills you with a mix of excitement and fear. Gradually the pain becomes more and more intense until it becomes so strong that it nearly overtakes you. However, it is never more than you can handle. But, if you focus on the pain too much, it can easily engulf you. You labor. You sweat and you toil with each contraction. As the baby enters the birth canal, the pressure becomes so intense. Just before you reach the place to push to get that baby out, a sudden inner collapse happens. You become convinced that you can no longer do this. It is a very dark and terrifying experience. A sense of panic grips your heart and you feel like you will never survive this. It lasts but a moment and then pushing begins.

Are we in the birthing pains before the return of Jesus? Life has become difficult and complicated. It feels like a deep darkness has come upon the earth. It seems like there is pain and toil like we have never seen before. Sometimes it all feels like more than we can handle, doesn't it?

I don't think God likened the end times to childbirth to scare, or frighten us. I think He did it to give us hope to persevere through it because what happens at the end of childbirth is almost too amazing for words.

I was in the delivery room when my grandson, Justin was born. It wasn't something that I wanted to do at all! I am not a nurse, not even close. When I see others in pain, I absorb it to the core of my being. I initially resisted my daughter's request. I only caved in and agreed to go in because she expressed how much she wanted me there.

I have given birth to 4 of my own babies, but I had no idea what it is like from the other side of the bed. Being in that delivery room to watch my grandson birthed was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Once the precious boy started to crown, several nurses and a doctor came in quickly. They do this job everyday, yet I could see the wonder on their faces about what was to come. Joy was written all over their expressions. The bright overhead light was turned off and only the glow of one focused lamp filled the room. The anticipation was indescribable as my daughter labored and pushed. The hushed glow in that room moved me to tears before this perfect little boy even made his entrance. My soul felt heaven come down. Angels filled that room, I just know it. I felt like I could hear the beats of their wings in those holy moments as Justin was pushed into life and was laid gently on my daughter's chest. No one can adequately describe the joy and feelings that flood your heart when your new baby is placed in your arms. Very quickly, the pain is over and new life begins.

I can't even imagine what will give birth here on earth when the "birthing pains" come to end. I don't pretend to thoroughly understand Bible prophecy. I have heard a lot of different theologies and ideas about how it will all play out. I am not convinced that anyone totally knows for sure exactly how it will all go down. I believe that only God in Heaven knows for sure. The one thing I do know is that God used the terms "birthing pains" in His Holy Word for a reason. Could it be that he correlated the two because He wanted us to think about all that comes after the trials and hardship to give us hope?

We can cling to this hope as we walk day by day, moment by moment through these hard times. Cling to the joy that is to come. A new heaven. A new earth. The constant Presence of a God who loves us more than we can fathom. Do not fear! Look up. Cling to Him. He will hold you and carry you through the birthing process to the glorious joy that awaits us.

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." ~ Revelations 22:1-5