Men and women are becoming pregnant! Impregnated with the seed of God’s plan; initially there is excitement, an unexplained joy and a growing anticipation. We ask and cry out “let it to be so”, not considering what the pregnancy, birth and nurturing of the plan will cost. How often do we, on our own accord, enthusiastically get involved with something to later exclaim “no one told me it would be like this or there would be a cost”?
King David proclaimed he would not offer something to God that cost him nothing, 2 Samuel 24:24. Mary paid a price to carry the Christ child; her reputation and an ordinary life. The apostles all paid a price to carry out the birthing and nurturing of the church. Jesus paid the ultimate price.
Many couples when wanting a child consider the financial costs, lifestyle change, need of a bigger home or car, but not the physical cost of discomfort or the pain and mess of the delivery, yet in the end consider it all to be worth it. All that has gone before to bring them to this moment pales in comparison as they hold their newborn child. I think God in his sovereignty and wisdom does not always let us know the cost until we become so desirous of His plan that nothing else matters, lest we be unwilling.
Just as a woman needs proper nutrition, hydration and regular medical checkups so she and the baby will be healthy, so we to need to dine on the Bread of Life, drink of the Living Water and regularly counsel with the Great Physician, so we and what is growing inside us are healthy, that we will be strong enough for the travail of labor to bring it forth.
It is a sad day when we let the dream, a calling or move of God die within us, or die afterward from a lack of proper nurturing; what heartache it brings us and the loss to those who will not experience what was to be.
Luke 1 records Elizabeth saying to Mary, the mother of Jesus, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Mary responds: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him…
What seed has the Holy Spirit impregnated within each of us? What dream is developing in the womb of our spirit? Will we abort it or let it come to fruition, giving birth at the appointed time? Will we nurture, watch over and protect it so the adversary does not steal it?
May we willingly say “Be it unto me according to Your will” – no matter the cost!
Beyond the Silver Coin 