Let go the reigns and let Him reign

Warning extremely controversial!

I just want to warn anyone who is reading this that you are more than likely going to be offended by this blog post. I pray that my words are clear, true and wisdom filled; I pray you understand and that I communicate well.

This is something I have wanted to say for a while now. I have said it to some and I fear I have failed in explaining my whole meaning. So here is my main point, God has something to teach you through birth. God has something special to say to you through becoming more like Him, through becoming a parent, becoming a mom. I know this is true because God has something to teach you in every part of your life, why would it be any different with bringing your child into this world? The other point I want to make is that anything worth doing is usually difficult, it’s usually hard and often there is pain. This is true in marriage, running, education, child rearing, really all relationships. Anything worth doing, that has value is usually hard. Now please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not about to start saying that all medical intervention in birth is wrong and sinful and you should fly out to the amazon and give birth in a river. No, not about to say that at all. I am however challenging your grip on the reigns of your life. I’m challenging your level of control that you think you have over your health, your body and you child’s body. I’m challenging your walk with Jesus. If you believe what scripture tells us, you know that you have no control over these things, and that it’s not actually a good thing for you to be in control. Every part of your walk with Christ is about giving up the reigns, handing over the control to Jesus, saying “not my will but yours be done Jesus”. I’m saying, what an opportunity we have as women, through the birth of our children to say to God, “you can have this too Jesus! This child is yours and this body of mine is yours for the taking, do with me as you will Lord!”  What a statement that would be, if we gave God the reigns in one of the scariest, painful moments of our lives. Now don’t miss my point. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t get an epidural or a c-section. I am saying that the bible tells us, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Col 3:17)  Do EVERYTHING in order to glorify God! So in preparation for one of the most important things you will do physically in life, ask God for wisdom in how He wants you to birth. What is the safest way, the most God glorifying way for you to give birth? Ask and research what is the best thing for your baby, and chose to sacrifice for them. Persue the best and if complications arise, alter your course, let wisdom guide you. Pray about each decision. Chose to endure pain if that is the best way, the way that Christ endured the greatest pain for all of His children.

1 Cor 10:23,24 "”I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

This is not a requirement as a Christian woman, it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for you to give God a chance to show you something that He wouldn’t have without you giving up the reigns. You may even be someone who feels very strongly about a natural birth and God wants to teach you through you needing a c-section or an epidural for the safety of you or your baby. God has something to teach you through birth. What does God have to teach you through pain? What does God have to teach you through giving up “your way”, through physical sacrifice for another, for your child?

You have a right to give birth however you want. You have the right to pain medication and an elective c-section, induction, water birth or home birth but what does God want for your birth? Give Him this precious moment and let Him show you how wonderful a teacher He is. I promise you will be blessed by it.

Isaiah 48:17

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.

On a side note I would like to offer it up that I am preaching this to myself in this moment, not just to you. I am currently facing a pregnancy that carries with it higher risks and may require a different birth plan than what I would wish, but I know that my Lord has something to teach me through this awesome blessing. He has a plan that is so much better than mine. I won't be missing out on it. Trust Him with me, in all things, so that He might know us when we come into His courts.