Between the time of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and His ultimate crucifixion, He spoke to His disciples of the Tribulation and the last days. He described the things that would come to pass and then said, “and the end shall come” (Matthew 24:14). Of course, that described the end of life on earth as we know it, because on the heels of that terrible time, He would come again. But, the beginning of this time period He talked about in the same passage, He called “birth pangs”.
Anyone who has ever given birth or watched the birth of a child knows about this type of pain. It definitely gets your attention! But, the pain itself is a means to an end of sorts, for when the pain is over, the gift is so worth the price that mothers recall the event, not with anxiety, but rather with the excitement of holding the child in their arms and even being willing to repeat the process multiple times!
As I sit in my backyard surrounded by retirees with various health issues, the idea of birth pangs resonates with me. This is true of old age as well as what we call the “end times” and the birth of a baby. Certainly, some people meet their Maker instantaneously and never go through illness, disease or pain but the majority of the human race ultimately suffers something in the process of leaving this earth. This, too, is like birth pangs. How do we deal with this period in our lives? How do we view it?
Jesus once said not to worry about tomorrow because “each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). Thus, we take one step at a time, going through each day/hour/ moment in His strength. We look forward to that moment of birth when we move from this life to the next, knowing that, just as a loving mother, He is ready to hold us close when we arrive.
When I think back to some of the losses I have experienced in my life, I reflect on the way different loved ones have passed away – what they went through in their transition period. At times it was just like labor. And, yet they all made it through.
The most important thing to know is where you’re headed. To know that you know the Savior of the world personally. And, then to trust Him no matter what happens. Birth pangs are not the end. They are just the beginning.
“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
“And, If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also.” (John 14:3)
Thanks for the reminder Teri.
As I’m watching 2 dear friends, who from a human perspective, seem to be at the end of their life’s journey and experiencing the birth pangs you describe, I’m quickly reminded of 2 songs-
“It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase. So bravely run the race, til we see Him.”
AND
“What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see…”
Let it be so!!!
So appreciate your weekly ministry to all of us.
❤️🙏🏻
Amen! I agree!!!❤️
Well said. Life can really be tough! So hard to watch and be participants in the suffering. Help us Lord to finish well! The best is yet to come!
Thank you. I often need a change in perspective, from human perspective to God’s perspective.
Isaiah 55:8
What a wonderful analogy! Thank you, Teri, as always.
Rising in frequency and intensity! Great analogy! Thank you so much.
Amen!