Devotional – 9/15/21 “Spiritual Labor”

On December 19, 2016, I penned a devotional titled, “Pre-term labor.” Lately, this devotional has been getting attention. I don’t know why, but maybe it’s because we’re amid a pandemic that’s causing you the downtime needed to truly hear God’s voice. Maybe you’ve been spending more time in prayer and feeling pressure you can’t explain. Maybe something is happening within you, spiritually, and the pain is becoming unbearable. Here’s the truth, you may be in labor spiritually.

Well Rev. Kisha, how do I know if this is what I’m experiencing? It’s a simple answer, really. You’ll only experience labor if you have something to birth. In other words, if you’ve been praying, if you’ve been faithful enough to believe God will answer and if you’re waiting in expectancy for said answer and now, you’re experiencing pressure and pain … you may be in labor.

What are the signs?

1. Your baby “drops” – This is the thing God has allowed you to carry until the expected time of its birth. The business, book, ministry, after school program, mentoring camp, school to finish the degree, etc. is pressing heavy on your mind. You dream about it, see signs and the pressure to push is becoming heavier. Don’t be afraid, you’ve found favor with God.
2. You start to dilate – For months or years, you’ve tried to get this thing off your vision board and into reality, yet nothing worked. Suddenly, you’re filled with ideas, people are contacting you and things are working in your favor. Yes, there’s going to be moments of pain, but it’s because room must be made to receive what you’re about to birth. It’s scary, but don’t be afraid, you’ve found favor with God.
3. You feel more pain – Baby, there’s pain with every yes you give God and you can’t expect to birth something big without pain. Yes, it hurts but you’ve found favor with God.
4. You’re emotional –Your life is about to change. You’re bringing something in the world you didn’t even think you were worthy of. So, it’s natural to be scared, excited, crying, thinking what if you messed this up, etc. It’s okay, you’ve found favor with God.
5. You’re fatigued – Child, you’re preparing something that’s about to shift your household, break generational curses and leave a legacy for your family. You have a right to be tired because you’ve found favor with God.
6. You feel the instinct to nest – You couldn’t figure out why you didn’t chase after those who walked away, this time. Why it was easy to delete the group text, throw away the pictures and move away from what was comfortable. You’re nesting. This means, you’re preparing the area to accommodate what you’re about to birth and it needs to be safe, welcoming, and rid of anything that can potentially harm it. Yes, it’s hard but you’ve found favor with God.
7. You can’t explain the pain - Oh, you thought what you were experiencing was physical? No baby, you’re about to get what you’ve been praying for.

God asks, “Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the LORD. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.” – Isaiah 66:9

Congratulations, you’re in labor and I look forward to seeing and celebrating your blessing.