Trusting through problems

A Pregnancy Devotional

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Relying on God as your strength during labor and birth should not cause you to reject medical help if a problem arises. Sometimes, things happen that there seems to be no explanation for. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.

Although we know that God does let bad things happen, when we are in the situation, it is not always clear to us why it is happening. God can use bad things in several ways, one of which is to bring Glory to His name.

In the book of Job, God allowed Job to be tested so His whole creation could see that God is good and those who love Him will not leave Him. It could be possible that God is using this problem to test you, so that all of His creation will see that He is good, and that you will not leave Him.

Another way God can bring glory to His name is through healing. Remember when His disciples asked Jesus why the blind man was blind. They thought it was because of sin in either his life, or his parents' lives. But Jesus told them it had nothing to do with sin, that the man was blind to bring glory to God, and Jesus healed him.

The Bible tells us that some individuals have the gift of healing, and it distinguishes it from miraculous powers. In other words, not all healers will heal miraculously! Some may just have great wisdom and understanding of the body. It is possible that many Christian physicians and midwives studied medicine because of this gift of healing. If you do develop a problem during your pregnancy, be sure that your caregiver is a Christian with the gift of healing.

Above all else, remember that nothing happens without the consent of our God, and He will not test you beyond what you can bear. God remains in control, even when we think everything is out of control.

After spending some time meditating on this passage of scripture, you may enjoy working through a set of questions in the Communication Exercises section.

Related Topics: The Coach's Notebook explores more ways to prepare for childbirth with comfort measures and techniques you can use. Prepare your physical body for childbirth with exercise and nutrition. The Christian Childbirth Resource Directory lists websites, books and organizations all created to help you honor God through childbirth. Birthing Naturally Books publishes books to help you grow closer to God during this special time of life. Find other childbirth professionals near you in the Natural Childbirth Directory.

© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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