Birth Pains

      There are many reactions to the present circumstances but the best ones are rooted in scripture.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and PESTILENCES and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of BIRTH PAINS. Matthew 24:7 (NIV)

In Matthew 24 Jesus compares current world events to birth pains, or contractions; a sign that the process of His return is underway.

My wife is a doula, or birthing partner. She loves to talk about the natural processes of labour. The contractions and the passage through the birth canal benefit the baby and prepare it for life outside the womb.

A wise mother prepares diligently for the time of labour. She studies carefully the various stages that her body will pass through. She gears herself up mentally and emotionally for the process that will culminate in her baby’s birth. Like an athlete preparing for a race, she is excited because she can see the finish line and the precious treasure that will be hers when she crosses it.

We can prepare for Jesus’ return with the same anticipation as a woman preparing for the birth of her baby. If we read and grow familiar with the scriptural handbook that God has provided, we won’t be surprised or overwhelmed by the ‘labour process’, 'as if some strange thing is happening to us!’ (1 Peter 4:12) Instead, we’ll be able to endure difficult times, looking forward with joy and anticipation to the awesome conclusion, ‘the birth’, the return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.