Birth Pains

“All these are the beginning of birth pains. Christians will be persecuted, put to death, and hated because they love Jesus. Who will turn away from faith and betray Christ? False prophets will arise and deceive many people creating division and hate. Wickedness will increase, while love grows cold, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:8 -13 NIV).

I walked with a labored stride, overcome with pain, resting along the way to catch my breath. My hands clutched my enlarged belly as another round of contractions threatened to drown me in a sea of intense agony.

Emotions of excitement and nervousness seized me because childbirth changes life forever as my focus will be different. Off balance, I stepped into my husband’s compact car. We decided the straight route is the best way to proceed, the fewer turns, the better. Slumping down in the seat, I twisted and turned in agony as my husband wove the vehicle through heavy traffic.

While in the hospital, my pain subsided. The doctor informed me it’s not the time and I jolted up in bed at home, realizing it’s a dream and I’m not pregnant! In fact, it’s been many years since my last pregnancy, and I’ve left the birthing for my grown and married children. Yet, my dream seemed so real, and the thing that struck me most was I woke up feeling unprepared. Unprepared to give birth. It made me wonder, is that how some of us will feel when God returns for His people?

I also wondered if it’s almost time for Jesus’s return to deliver his people from a world that seems to get increasingly evil each day. And if so, am I prepared for what lies ahead?

A scripture came to mind when I awoke: “Then the Lord replied: “write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingered, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV).

I switched on my light and wrote my dream in a journal because the Spirit of the Lord sometimes speaks to us through the scriptures and dreams. I rested in his presence, asking for continued understanding of the dream and how to prepare for the upcoming season. I don’t want to miss the fullness of what God has for us. I asked God to teach me and the lives of those I touch, to know, submit, and walk in the authority the Holy Spirit gives followers.

I remembered the vision John had when he was exiled. He seemed to be describing the troubling events we’re currently experiencing. Throughout the Bible God gives us adequate warnings regarding the end times. It makes me wonder if we’re living in this significant era in history.

I also wondered if we’re ever going to go back to normal. Maybe, God has different plans and life may never return to the way it was before COVID. However, I know we can rest in the assurance that God will provide a way for us. If we seek God, and His way, like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:4-5 ESV).

Before going back to sleep, I also asked Jesus to help me see with clarity what wondrous new things He is doing. Because whether we’re living in the days referred to as birth pains before the tribulation period, I still want us to be pregnant with His promises.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope that comes from knowing you are in control and are faithful. Lord, show us the way you want us to go. May we take bold steps in obedience, trusting our future is secure in your hands. Amen.

Your turn: Are there dreams and visions God has given you? Did you see them happen?