“I’m Pregnant!”
It’s the phrase many women all over the world from all walks of life desire to say with much excitement. Pregnancy is a natural part of life that God gave to women to populate the earth. Though we long for this excitement, we often view pregnancy as no big deal because it is such a natural part of life. But pregnancy is an amazing time and we need to prepare for it as much as we can.
You may ask, “If I am wanting to have a baby won’t I be excited and receive it well?” Maybe, but maybe not.
Pregnancy, while a natural process and an amazing gift from God, takes its toll on many women requiring much sacrifice.
As Christians we know our lives are God’s to do with as He chooses, but pregnancy shows this so deeply. Really, pregnancy is God’s gracious gift to ease us into another level of self-sacrifice. We are not responsible for another image bearer and now we can directly see how our actions affect another. What you take in, your baby takes in. What you say, your baby hears. What you do, your baby feels. You are completely connected.
If you are planning and hoping to become pregnant at any time, then start preparing now.
How?
PRAY
First, and foremost, Pray!
Pray for you, your husband, your future child/children and, if you already have children, pray for them.
Pray that God would use you in the way He sees fit.
Pray that God would prepare you spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally for the challenges of pregnancy and His grace to handle anything that comes well. Pray for God to be honored. Pray that you will trust His timing. (This is probably the hardest!)
Tell God your desires. Share your heart with Him.
Admit your fears.
Sit in God’s Word and listen to His still small voice. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation.
EVALUATE
How is your health? Do you live on caffeine and sugar? Are you exercising?
Is your marriage at odds? Are their strains in other relationships? Do you have a support system?
Are you caring for your home?
Are you working outside the home and planning to stop working to be home full time? Are there issues at your job that need to be worked through?
How do you spend your free time?
Evaluating your health and lifestyle to see if you need to make adjustments is also extremely important. If possible, make these adjustments prior to pregnancy.
Why?
Pregnancy is already challenging and full of changes. If you have bad habits it is easier to tackle prior to pregnancy. Believe me!
Please don’t hear me saying you have to have everything perfect! We know that will never happen! But taking an honest look at where you are and making changes pre-baby is much easier.
Ask God to show you what needs improvement and let Him work in you.
GIVE EVERYTHING TO GOD
Lay everything down at His feet. And continue to do this. You will grow in prayer and your relationship with God so that not matter what comes, you know you can trust Him.
Ultimately, everything is in God’s hands. He is the one that gives us life and brings forth life.
Start now preparing for your pregnancy. Pray without ceasing! Evaluate where you are and ask God to reveal where He wants you to make changes. And give everything to God who is sovereign over everything!
What work does God need to do in you to prepare?