Brandi and I were able to have dinner at Brother David's home with some missionary friends from our congregation who have served in Africa and are returning soon. We pray for them regularly, so it was great to be able to visit with them and hear about their ministry opportunities and specific prayer requests.
During the conversation they asked us about Beau and his arrival, and we explained that our main goal is that God will be honored by our thankful and joyful attitude through the entire labor and delivery process. So, I was intrigued this morning by the parallel that Christ gave:
J 16:19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, "Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won't see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
I think some of Paul's encouragement is related:
E 5:15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with a son. Lord, we want to honor you in how we raise him to love you and fear you. Lord, please give us right attitudes through all of the preparations for bringing him home. And please bless us with a smooth labor and delivery so that your name will be praised, and people will see how wonderful you are. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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