Pregnant, Process and Promise by Pastor Karena Lout

“He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:28 (The Message)

I’ve been feeling very “pregnant” with some things God has put in my heart lately. Being pregnant isn’t always very comfortable, but it’s so reassuring to know that God knows and sees our condition. Paul told the Galatians that he felt labor pains until he would see Christ fully formed in their lives. What is it that Jesus is forming and developing in you? What promises and dreams are you currently pursuing? There are some great treasures God wants you to gain during this “middle part of your story.” Here are a few things I’ve been growing in this process:   Permission to Make Mistakes Many times we don’t want to try something unless we know we’re going to succeed at it. The truth is, falling down is inevitable and actually necessary for growth. It’s when we start defining ourselves by our mistakes that we lose the ability to get back up after we’ve fallen. As you take some steps toward the dream God has given you, give yourself plenty of room to color outside of the lines, to take risks and fall down on occasion. Jesus will be right there to pick you up and give you courage to keep going.   Resilience and Hope I read this quote from author Andrea Thompson the other day that really stuck with me:

“It’s hard to bounce back from setbacks when you see every obstacle as the end of the world. Resilience is not a synonym of toughness; it is a response of hope. If you kill hope, resilience dies with it.”

As you rely on His strength and allow your heart to be filled with hope, you’re going to find a new determination and tenacity that you didn’t know was there before. Hope doesn’t disappoint. But misplaced hope does. Hoping in our own ability to accomplish things never ends well. God wants to strengthen your spirit with might as you put your hope in Him.   Trusting in His Ways I wasn’t aware I struggled with trust until God put an impossible dream in front of me. When fear and lack take the driver’s seat, we tend to logically try to figure out how it’s all going to work out. In John 6, Jesus is met by a massive crowd of hungry people to feed. He already knew how he was going to feed them but he asks Philip, “Where will we buy enough food to feed all these people?” Philip comes up with a response based on what he saw in the natural. Jesus is continually inviting us to see from His vantage point. When we rely on our own strength and abilities, we miss the joy of leaning. Ask Jesus to show you His way of doing things.   Keep going! Keep surrendering your dreams and all He’s promised you to Him. They were first birthed in His heart to begin with. Watch as He takes your little something and multiplies it. Don’t lose heart. Jesus is so faithful to finish all He started in you. The process, the journey is all worth it.