I was given this last night while on a walk at sunset. I didn't write it at the time because my children were waiting for dinner. I assumed the opportunity passed. That can happen when I wait on a message too long. But this morning a friend called me at 8am and we ended up talking about this exact topic. I was tickled. God is so amazing. The opportunity didn't pass at all.
Yesterday I was walking home from the pharmacy at dusk. The sky was so gorgeous, still blue but streaked with brushstrokes of the type of red you seem in some plums, like soft fire. It was so beautiful I took a photo.
And as I stood on the grass, gazing at the sky and marveling at Abba's nightly masterpiece (how does He do it? Also, I love that He never tires of making gorgeous skies), He began to speak to me about birth.
Not the baby kind, but sort of.
There are times in people's lives where things get uncomfortable, as if there space has suddenly shrunken around them. It's like wearing a hoodie one size too small; movement feels restricted. The air feels less abundant, there's an discomfort in one's environment.
There are times people notice this what Abba was telling me is that it's not a time to panic. If you are the type who feels a certain claustrophobia when life feels like it's holding you in a tight, uncomfortable space, know that for people of God that's often when He's going to move you into something new.
At 40 weeks of gestation, a baby has the least space they have ever had. Knees to nose, elbows pressed in, head to chest. I can't speak to how a baby feels in that position, I imagine it's still alright as it's all they've known and probably enjoy the comfort of being held, but for a human being used to meadows, it's not ideal. In fact, for human beings on this side of life, being in a cramped quarter like that especially without a specific, quick timeline of release, would be awful.
But we all know what's going to happen in the womb. Around 40 weeks, maybe 41 or 42 if you're like my oldest, contractions will begin. A baby will be born.
Contractions too involve a bit (a lot) of squeezing. Even more than just being in the womb. An adult human being might say, "Oh my gosh, things are getting even worse! The space was small and now things are pressing in on me even more!" as contractions begin, when in reality, the muscles are moving them into a life bigger than they can imagine.
If you're reading this and are in that position, if God is holding you somewhere uncomfortable. If you know you're in His will but it feels tight, or if the walls are even moving closer to you, don't despair. Breathe and pray. He's in control.
I've had Abba move me before and the first couple of times I panicked the entire time. I could not enjoy life because of the discomfort and fear of the unknown. My joy and peace were nonexistent because I hadn't learned to trust Him yet. We were brand new.
But now, when I feel it, as I do, I let my muscles relax. All of this is for Him to do, not me. I know He's in control and loves me. I know all things work together for good for those who trust God and are called according to His purpose like it says in Romans 8:28.
"But what about___insert terrible thing!" I've been through terrible things. And those have worked out for good too, even if the good was being able to walk someone else through their own terrible thing because I know exactly what it feels like. This life has many joys, but the biggest ones are loving people and loving God. Everything else is dimmed by that Light.
So if you are feeling a squeeze right now, look up at the sky. The clouds. The colors and how they change throughout the day.
He's not abandoning you, not has Jesus forgotten you. He could be just moving you.
Listen for His voice telling you when to move and quieting you with His love, the way a Shepherd comforts His lamb.
You will be birthed. Take heart. You're not alone.
love, Bunmi
"The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
-Zephaniah 3:17
The promises of God begin and end with Jesus because He is the reconciliation. If you've been walking through life on your own and want to walk with a Shepherd who will never let go of your hand, here's how to start.