Wednesday, February 9, 2011 - Changing in Obvious Ways

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show 

that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 

2 Corinthians 4:7

     There she is folks, my baby girl, Julie, after carrying her and Nick's baby girl Adalyn Faith (Addy) for 26 weeks. Julie's journey is a textbook case of changes: hormones, emotions, eating patterns, sleeping patterns, discomfort. (For Julie's full story go to Bakin' an Akin at www.bakinanakin.blogspot.com) Julie was relieved to reach the point in her pregnancy when people could tell she was pregnant without that awkward staring at the mound of her tummy and wondering and wanting to ask. 
     That little treasure she's carrying is drawing everything she needs from Julie, giving little in return besides some kicks in the ribs, and changing the shape of her mama's body. Is Addy worth all this trouble? (That was a rhetorical question to which there is only one answer for any parent, grandparent or almost-grandparent: a resounding YES!) Although we've never seen or held her, we love her and Julie and Nick would do anything and everything to protect her. Amazing the intimacy that can develop between parents and the child they've only been able to communicate to through a wall of flesh.   
      So many applications bud in my head I don't know where to begin and I know I'll miss some obvious ones, so, I'd like to make this an interactive list. Please, suggest additional, biblically-based comparisons and contrasts to add under the following headings and I'll publish a completed list later in the week.
Our relationship with Jesus is LIKE a pregnancy because: 
1) He's a Treasure within us Who changes us, affects us, and, in a healthy relationship, becomes obvious to others in our lives.   
2) Once Jesus lives in us, we carry Him everywhere we go and can't leave Him somewhere to pick up later. 
3) We can know and love Jesus Christ intimately before we meet Him face to Face.

"My heart says of You, "Seek His Face!"

Your Face, LORD, I will seek." 

Psalm 27:8

Our relationship with Jesus is DIFFERENT from a pregnancy because:
1) He's the One carrying us: We're in Christ and He's in us. We're layered and protected in Him. 
2) As the song "Mary, Did You Know?" says, He delivers us, not the other way around.
3) Rather than taking nourishment from us, He is our Salvation, our Strength, our Song. He pours His never-ending Strength into and through us. 

"Surely God is my salvation; 

I will trust and not be afraid. 

The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; 

He has become my salvation." 

Isaiah 12:2

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? 

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. 

He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom." 

Isaiah 40:28

Our relationships with other believers are LIKE a pregnancy because: 

1) New and growing believers will draw from us, drain us, cost us, even kick us in the ribs,  and give little in return. Are they worth it? There's only one answer in God's family: a resounding YES!
2) Healthy believers change as they grow because growth means change. 
3) Different levels of growth (full-grown mama, still developing baby) can cause discomfort, sleeplessness, and emotions to be on edge.  


Father, life is a beautiful choice because it's Your choice for us. You ARE Life abundant, overflowing, growing in us. Thank You for the immense and undeserved privilege of carrying You within us and of being carried within You. Precious Lord, show us how to grow intimately with You even though Your Face is elusive to us. Fill us with Your energy and Power. You are God alone!
In the Name of Jesus Who lives in us to be known and seen!


Inspired by Jesus Calling and My Utmost for His Highest and my baby girl, Julie
Photo from bakinanakin.blogspot.com