Pregnancy Problems in the Third Trimester

by Denise
(Mt. Juliet, TN)

You may well know by now that I consider each and every believer in the body of Christ to be pregnant virgins so to speak. There are some still in the first trimester, with very little development for their unborn spiritual child. Some have moved beyond that into the more pleasant middle stages, where the discomforts have eased a bit and they can actually feel the growth inside them; changes are coming soon!

There is also a group that has accepted their gift of grace and the fact that they are actually carrying the unborn child of the King within them. This group has nurtured that unborn babe with God's word and through prayer. This group, you might say is in their third trimester. Their very physical form is changing, growing and getting into position to deliver! It's time to take a look at Mary again; she has experience with this sort of thing.

Mary's third trimester was spent in route to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey. Ouch. Can you imagine the back ache, swollen feet and irritable mood she must have experienced! Can you imagine what she was feeling and possibly even praying? "Lord, first you impregnated me and left me to face my family and friends and FIANCEE (who almost divorced me) as a pregnant virgin. Then, I have to ride on the back of a donkey, carrying your baby all the way to Bethlehem to be counted so that I can be taxed for money that I don't have. Then, I have no place to deliver your baby. I'm doing all of this for you, so why don't you help me?"

Although most of us would be complaining, I imagine Mary, by this time had picked up her cross. (Bear with me. I'm not getting my holidays mixed up.) She had already responded to God "Be it done unto me according to thy word." While the physical form of Jesus was taking over her body, her desires were already hanging on the cross. She had made the sacrifice that allowed Jesus to live. I imagine that she was actually saying something like, "Lord this is pretty miserable, but I know you will keep your promises." Or maybe, "Lord I thank you for choosing me. I trust in you completely. I know your word is true, no matter how I feel."

Christians in their third trimester are going to have pregnancy problems and their solution is the cross. In my
recent battles, I have learned:

1) Never forget to be thankful. The moment I start to complain, my spirit darkens and I can't stand to be around me! I'm thankful that God chose me and if suffering brings me closer to Him, so be it. I'll hang my desires on the cross.

2) Never walk by sight. Some of the things we see in our walk can definitely cause us to question God's word. I walk by faith and faith alone. This is what keeps me standing tall (Eph 6). If God's word says we are healed, then we are healed. I'll hang my worldly knowledge on the cross.

3) Break your crystal ball! The moment I peer into the future, I panic. I'll hang my plans for the future and my fears on the cross.

These are the things Mary must have practiced in order to get through her pregnancy problems and deliver such a beautiful gift and these are the things I will practice.

Remember, there is always someone who wants to destroy your spiritual baby. Don't forget. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. If you are still in your first trimester and having pregnancy problems, that's ok.
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