Stand and Give Birth!

Having done all, to stand. Stand therefore. Ephesians 6:13-14

What do you do when you feel like you have given your all in a situation but it still "appears" to not be improving?  When you have given a situation every ounce of your blood, sweat, and tears then you just need to stand.  It is at this point that God is about to step in, take over, and birth the promise that He wants to bring forth in your life!  This period of utter exhaustion can be compared to the last phase of labor when a new life is about to be birthed.  It is in this phase, that you need to lock back in your position and push!  There are three phases of labor according to the What to Expect Pregnancy and Parenting website.  The first phase of labor, early (or latent) labor, is described as the longest, "but thankfully it's also the least intense" in which you probably won't feel the contractions until labor starts in earnest.  It is important to try to relax during this stage to prepare for and save your energy for delivery.  The next stage of labor, active labor, consists of the stage in which contractions grow stronger and lasts longer.  By this phase, you will be in the birthing center and should "do your best to stay relaxed and comfortable, and don't be shy about asking your coach for whatever you need to stay that way."  As Believers, our coach is God of course and we can go to Him to ask for His strength and peace (Psalm 29:11) during the birthing process.  The last phase of labor that you or someone you know may be in when it seems like a situation is not improving and that you have given it your all is transitional (or advanced) labor.  According to the What to Expect website the last stage of labor...

Is a physically demanding and draining time and you may feel exhausted, FRUSTRATED, IMPATIENT, and overwhelmed.  Hang in there, though - soon, you and your newborn will be meeting face to face.  If you feel the urge to push (or deliver) before your cervix is fully dilated, ask your practitioner for some guidance.  Panting and/or blowing can help stop you from pushing if your practitioner says you're not ready for pushing yet.  Pushing before dilation is complete could cause your cervix to swell, which can complicate delivery.

As stated above, God does not want you to push actively before dilation has fully occurred because this could complicate delivery.  We must realize what is going on in the spiritual realm in terms of the promises of God being birthed in our lives when we experience intense pain and challenges.  Remember that nothing can stop the birthing process once it starts.  Similarly, your mistakes or failures will not stop the promises of God from being birthed in your life!  Don't try to figure out exactly how God will birth His promise in your life.  A woman may not exactly understand every aspect of how a baby is delivered from the uterus and down the birth canal, but her lack of understanding does not stop the birth from taking place.   Finally, don't try to escape the pain of labor because a delivery is about to take place and a new beginning is about to come forth.  Remember that God says, "Behold I make all things new" (Revelation 21:5).