If you’re reading this, and you’re currently pregnant, I am in the same boat. Our pregnancies may be very different from one another — perhaps different trimesters, symptoms, challenges, joys, fears. But if you’re anything like me, you need a fragile balance of empathy, encouragement, and bolstering up as you put one sore foot in front of the other. So, as a fellow woman who is entering week 30 of my second pregnancy, here are the encouragements I wish to give to you as I would have someone share them with me.
Yes, it is hard. The Pepto Bismol mantra of “nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach…” comes to mind when I think of different symptoms one experiences at various stages of pregnancy. Your body is opening up, organs pressing themselves against the walls of your torso, and hormones escalating to host your baby. I often think about Romans 12:1 as a perfect verse to describe pregnancy: “I appeal to you therefore, [sisters], by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (edit mine, ESV). While the context is not speaking exactly of pregnancy, I think it a very fitting verse for the season. Your body is a “living sacrifice” as you put every aspect of your physical being on the alter for the life and nourishment of this baby. Know that it is God’s good and perfect will for you to carry this baby right now. The miracle of how He designed your body to nurture this life may not feel glamorous and flashy, but He is pleased when you lay down your life daily as a sacrifice to cheerfully grow this little one. May you find yourself worshipping Him for His goodness, even amid the daily discomforts.
Romans 12:2 is, perhaps, an even more applicable exhortation: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). Sister, there are hoards of memes, videos, reels, posts, and products out there that will tell you that you have every excuse right now to be lazy, negligent, short-tempered, indulgent and self-centered. As I preach to myself, I encourage you: do not be conformed to this world’s pattern of being pregnant. Embrace the weakness of pregnancy as Paul embraced the thorn in his flesh. God’s grace is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Search the Word for Scriptures that minister to your needs. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
It seems that, as I near the end of this pregnancy, I am ending more days with asking for God’s forgiveness for my shortcomings as a wife and mom rather than giving myself a pat on the back for a job well done. The revelation of your need for the redeeming grace of Jesus is NOT a bad thing. So when you are wiping your tears after a personal meltdown, or de-escalating after yelling at your toddler, or apologizing to your husband for being irritable with him, thank the Lord for revealing your need and ask Him to meet you in the midst of your muck once again.
In the same breath, I want to share Isaiah 40:11 with you as a balm to your soul:
“He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (ESV).
As you press on in the grace of Jesus to honor Him in this pregnancy, also come to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). He cares for your “lambs”, and He will lead you gently as you carry your baby. Lay down the expectations you’ve created for yourself and exchange them for His light and easy yoke. His hand is gentle as He leads you through these nine months. Dwell in the promises of Psalm 23.
Finally, some practical suggestions just from my own experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. To the best of your ability and resources, plan your postpartum recovery well. Choose to laugh at the absurdities of being pregnant (rotisserie chicken and beached whale, anyone?). If you have a loving, supportive, gracious husband, thank him often for walking with you through this season. Find some other pregnant mamas with whom you can laugh, relate, share tips and mutually support through this season.
May you find God’s grace to supply above and beyond what you need in this season. May you cherish the Gospel more because of your pregnancy. May every movement add to your anticipation (even the ones that hurt your ribs or dig into your hip bones). May every fear or apprehension you have be stilled by the knowledge that HE is God over you and your baby.
Cheering you on as I waddle through the day,
Amy
songs of stippled stardust 