A CLOSER LOOK
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“Many years ago A.J. Gordon went to the World’s Fair. From a distance he saw a man pumping water with one of those old hand pumps. The water was pouring out and he said as he looked, “That man is really pumping water.” But when he got closer, he discovered that it was a wooden man connected to a pump powered by electricity. The man was not pumping the water, the water was pumping him.”
Gen 25:22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If [all is] well, why [am I like] this?" So she went to inquire of the LORD.
Fear was gripping Rebekah as she was in intense labor. There was a great turmoil in her womb as the twin boys wrestled within her. “If all is well, then why am I like this?” she asked. Someone reading this is in turmoil in your heart. It is a painful turmoil. It is an ongoing turmoil. You question “if everything is alright, then why this__________?” There are some things you feel that God has promised you but this, what is this? If the promise is true then what of this contradicting thing going inside of me? Have I messed, have I missed it, have I thwarted the plan of God for my life?” you ask. Rebekah was wise enough to inquire of the Lord as to what was happening to her. She took a closer look. The purpose was made known. Rebekah was not about to give birth to a boy, she was about to give birth to two nations of people! Her pain was not without purpose. Neither is yours!
Isa 66:9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?" says the LORD. "Shall I who cause delivery shut up [the womb]?" says your God.
I remember very vividly a statement our mid-wife made in a Lamaze class we attended. 38 years ago, we were excited that our first child was on the way. The instructor told of the “transition” time that prepares the woman for delivery. The woman will often experience a fear that she cannot go through with it, pain intensifies, confusion and even anger toward the husband for making her have to go through with child-birth!
My, what a parallel spiritually! It is well and what you are going through is an indication that a birthing is taking place and it is very near! Be confident in the One who put this dream / vision inside you, will bring it to pass for His glory! It was scary, it was painful, it was overwhelming, it was with great difficulty but the very moment my wife gave birth to our son, came the laughter, rejoicing and tears of joy!
Friend, if this sounds familiar, rest assured that Jesus wants you to be of good cheer! He has impregnated you with His dream or vision for your life! He will surely deliver on His promises to you! Take a closer look! Look beyond the pain a discover the purpose! Weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning. (Ps. 30:5b) It’s going to be worth it!
Every blessing!
—Tom