By Marlene Tavares
When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
(John 16:21 ESV)
In this passage, Jesus tells us that although certain things in life can be painful, in this case child birth, the reward we reap in the end compensates for that pain we endure – so much so that when we are celebrating in joy at the end of it we no longer remember the pain.
As I sit and await the arrival of my niece, I think back to the birth of my own daughter and realize how true this passage is. God gave me, my sister, and all women the strength to bear children and although it is a labourous and painful role that we must all endure, the reward and joy of motherhood makes it worthwhile.
This lesson can be applied in many areas of our lives as well besides child birth. The message remains the same – God rewards us for our labour and pain. He gives us the strength and courage we need to plow through it and in the end rewards us for our patience and endurance.
There is a saying I once came across that says, “God does not give you what you can handle, He helps you handle what He gives.” He will never forsake us.
During the hardships in life, lean on God for strength and He will reward you.
Rising with the Son 