Just as surely as you placed the life of Jesus in Mary, you have done the same for me. Though in an entirely different way than Mary, I too am pregnant with glory (Romans 8:18–27).
– Scotty Smith
Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. (Galatians 4:19, NLT)
One day I will love like you. One day I will only desire only the will of the Father like you. One day I won’t get my feelings hurt. One day I won’t hold any more grudges against those who have wronged me.
One day I will no longer be petty. One day I will have compassion on those who are ‘lesser’ than me. One day I will overcome every temptation, and gallantly steel myself against the onslaught of the enemy. One day I will no longer wear failure and regret as an undershirt.
One day I will joyfully receive everything from my Father’s hand with acceptance and joy. One day I will no longer be sidetracked by lesser things. One day I will know no more jealousy.
One day I will no longer default to disappointment when I don’t get my way. One day your glory will supersede my over-protective zeal for self-comfort.
One day your miraculous delivery from all of these things will come to its full term.
But I find myself asking,
How can this be, since I am still so very far from the fullness of Jesus birthed in me?
And you respond, ever so mercifully,
My word will not fail; the work I have begun – all that I have birthed – will happen in my perfect time. Rest, my child, let me finish my work in you.
Like Mary, I pray the prayer, I wave the flag, I bow my heart, and say,
I’m your vessel, my Lord. According to your word, let it be done to me. Amen.
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