Birthing Pains

“She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born.”

-Revelation 12:2-4

Years ago, I heard a sermon on Revelation 12. Revelation is a tough one to understand, and there are many differing views on how to interpret it. This particular sermon spoke to the significance and symbolism of birthing seasons and how any time we are going through a transition, we are vulnerable. From the beginning, the enemy has sought to kill (devour) any good things we are about to step into (give birth to). This can be literal, in the way that a pregnant woman is vulnerable and must take special care of her body and the baby growing within. But it is also metaphorical, as birthing is often a metaphor for transitioning into something new.

Think of seasons of change—a new baby is an obvious example, but it could also be a new job, a new house, a new season of life where kids are in school after being home, or leaving home as young adults. Maybe it’s a new season of sobriety, a season of therapy, or starting a new workout rhythm. Regardless, when we take steps toward the good things, good work, and good purposes God has for us, we can almost expect some spiritual pushback from the devil. I don’t say this to scare you but to open your eyes to what’s really at play here.

The truth is, I’m sure you’ve noticed it. You’ve noticed how transitioning is often flat-out stressful. There’s a sense that our root system is being jostled and the ground beneath our feet feels unsteady. Maybe you start to doubt this new thing and secretly long to go back to the old familiar way of being. All of this is part of the birthing process and not necessarily a sign that you’re on the wrong path. I would almost argue it’s often a sign you’re on the right one. You know that old quote: “If you haven’t run into the devil lately, it might just mean you’re running beside him.”

Maybe you are going through, or about to go through, some big changes right now. Or maybe you’re not. Either way, it’s almost midway through December, and we are about to cross over into a new year—so like it or not, we are all transitioning. So where does this leave us, and what are we to do to cross over the threshold fully and completely into the new?

For me, as I have been working hard to prepare (birth) my next books for publication, I have noticed an uptick in the swirl these past few months and am reminded not to try to fight this battle entirely in the natural. I was feeling so overwhelmed the other day that, in a moment of desperation, I slammed the proverbial doors (social media, TV, phone, etc.) shut to any and all outside noise so I could hear what it is God is asking of me in this transitional time. Prayer is paramount here, and for me, I needed more than a bullet prayer. I needed to wrestle it out in my journal in complete silence and solitude until the maelstrom of swirling thoughts and anxieties began to settle. I needed to get on my knees before God and be reminded of who it is that goes before me during this transitional season (and every other one).

I’m not going to lie to you—this has been one of the most difficult “birthings” I have ever experienced, and I’m not done yet. Over the next few months, we are moving houses, a child is switching from online school to homeschool, and, of course, my books are launching. I am finishing out this year faithful but tired, and so in addition to making sure I can hear from God, I am also trying to give myself the tenderness and softness the world doesn’t always offer us. I’m saying no to more and yes to less. I’m not putting heavy expectations on myself, and I’m trying to keep alignment in my priorities. I’m circling my wagons. Because just like in the days of the Oregon Trail—when travelers would circle their wagons, placing the vulnerable (women, children, and elderly) on the inside to protect them from threats—we too need to circle our wagons to protect the vulnerable things we are in the process of birthing.

Here is my prayer today for me and for you: that as we all round out this year and step into the new things God is calling each and every one of us to, we will feel God’s wraparound presence circling us, shielding us, and covering us. That we will not grow weary and give up, but that in the name of Jesus, we will keep going until we are fully across the threshold and into our promised land.

Friend, I’ll tell you the same thing that a friend said to me recently: the world needs you and your unique gifts, passions, and callings. God called you, and He will equip you. Because the birthing is worth it.