Can You Feel the Birth Pains of Your Dreams?
Over 2,000 years ago, Mary gave birth to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The salvation of mankind was dependent upon Jesus coming to earth and living a perfect life, then dying as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
The divine nature of Jesus’ birth is, indeed, miraculous. But, the human side of it is touching in itself. Can you just imagine an angel suddenly appearing before you? Can you even fathom being a virgin and hearing the words, “You will conceive in the womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus?” (Luke 1:31 KJV)
Mary, too, pondered these things in her heart and asked, “How can this be seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34 KJV)
But, Gabriel calmed her fears by telling her that her cousin, Elizabeth, had conceived a son in her old age and added: “With God, nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37 KJV)
Mary’s pondering thoughts vanished, and she said, “Be it unto me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 KJV)
Nine months later, in a stable in Bethlehem, Mary’s birth pains began, and she pushed forth the Savior of the world.
Now, let’s talk about you. Is there a dream that is bouncing around inside of you longing to be birthed? Do you ponder, as Mary did, how could you possibly give birth to it? Perhaps you might be thinking:
· I will be misunderstood and ridiculed.
· The timing is not good now because of my current finances.
· It’s too risky.
· My family will think I have “lost it.”
As the saying goes, “I have been there!” Years ago, I was faced with whether I should follow the leading of my heart toward my dream, or go with my natural inclinations of “now is not the right time.” I had a decision of a lifetime to make.
After months of “pondering thoughts” as Mary must have had, the passage of scripture that finally brought me to the place to say, “Yes, Lord,” was in Deuteronomy 30:19. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life that both you and your descendants may live. (NKJV)
Though we are no longer under the curse, we will always be a recipient of the blessings of obedience from our Lord as we make the choice to follow Him where the dream He has placed within us is leading.
It reminds me of the story of the weary traveler who had run out of water as he was walking through the desert. He came upon a water pump. Tied to the pump was a bottle with a small amount of water in it.
Attached to the bottle was a note that read: “Pour the water in the pump, and pump hard. When you do this, you will have an abundance of water. Drink the water, leaving a small amount of water in the bottle for the next traveler.”
The thirsty traveler had a decision to make: drink a little water that would give him a little relief, or pour it all in and trust for an abundance.
During this Christmas season, may we remember the reason Mary gave birth to our Savior was so mankind would have a new beginning that would bring him into a relationship with Almighty God. But, may we remember that as part of that relationship, He puts a dream inside each of us to fulfill that gives us much joy and brings honor to Him.
I encourage you to do as Mary and the weary traveler did: “Stop the pondering thoughts, pump (push) and give girth to the dream God has placed within you!”
Personal Reflection:
1. In all honesty, do you sometimes “ponder” the dream that you know God has placed within you?
2. What excuses are you giving for not following through?
3. What lesson did you gain from the weary traveler in the story?
