Labor pains

I posted this on my private blog. Thought I'd share it with those of you here as well.
Just something I've been thinking about...

In the last few weeks God has been revealing a lot about me that is extremely, emotionally painful. I'm reminded of the labor(physical) pains a women goes through during the birth process.

I've had the privilege of being present during the birth of my grandchildren. I remember my daughter while in labor with my granddaughter and grandson, she would often call out to me for comfort..."mom, it hurts!"..."I know honey, it's almost over...you can do it...I love you!" As I watched my daughter-in-law, breathe through each contraction, she was very focused...she was on a mission.

They say you soon forget the pains of labor, not I...that was one of the most excruciating physical pains I've ever had to endure, but well worth it. How did I get through it? I knew what the outcome would be...a miracle, a new life.

I've been taught God gave Eve the pains of labor as a result of her sin. I wonder if the real purpose of labor, is to show us through pain the beauty of the end results...the birth of one of His children. To realize, that sometimes good things, great things, glorious things, come out of our pain.

Where do the dad's fit in all of this, you can feel their emotion by looking into their faces. They wish they could take away the pain, could bear the pain...all they can do is ofter encouraging words, a comforting touch. We simply can not bear the burdens of each others pain. We can ofter our love and prayers, trusting God will see them through.

I've recently reread of Christ death on the cross. I can't imagine the intense physical and emotional agony He must have felt. Physically being nailed to the cross. Only He carried the burdens, the sin of all men. Imagine what our Heavenly Father must have experienced when His Son called out to Him. How painful that must have been for God to watch. All for a purpose, one that is so difficult for many of us to comprehend. Our redemption!

As painful as my brokenness feels right now, I believe that like the birth of a child...beauty, love, joy, and grace will be the outcome. God is using my brokenness for His glory. All I have to do is focus and trust He will carry me.