“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.” (John 16:21 NLT)
Pain is part of the process of bringing a child into this world. This is an example of productive pain which leads to gain. Sacrificial love, personal growth, and unfailing faith all come with suffering. Yet, this kind of pain is worth embracing, because the benefits outweigh the cost.
While in the midst of pain, it is difficult to tell if what we are going through is worth it. A woman going through labor often wonders why she has to go through this agony. Similarly, life can sometimes feel like a prolonged labor session--just a series of endless contractions with very little progress. It’s natural to question the purpose of suffering when we are discouraged and exhausted. We scream in frustration at the God who put us in this predicament. Yet, God stays by our side, holding our hand in a firm grip, as we push through to eternal joy.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV)
No comments:
Post a Comment