The baby and I continue to be healthy, though my blood pressure was a bit high today (though normal with a second reading). I continue to be thankful for a full-term pregnancy and continue to pray that I'll have strength for labor and delivery. I admit, it is a bit overwhelming, and at times, I find myself being anxious and afraid of how I will respond to the pain. I actually cried at the doctor's office today - worrying about my blood pressure, worrying about labor and delivery, and crying just to cry. Sigh. But the Lord is good even in my hormonal ups and downs...and I settled down before the doctor and nurse came back in to do the exam. I was encouraged today by the "Slice of Infinity" (from rzim.org) that I get everyday from the Ravi Zacharias web-site. The title of todays devotional was "The Slow Work of God" by Margaret Manning. I was particularly challenged and encouraged by the last two paragraphs.
In his second letter, what is considered Peter’s last will and testament, he discusses the slowness of God in relation to the Second Coming. Many arose even in Peter’s time asking why God was so slow when it came to delivering on his promise of an eternal kingdom. They began to mock God assuming that “as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.” Not so, Peter argues, for the slowness of God is in fact our salvation. “The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance....Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation” (2 Peter 3:9, 14-15).
The long, slow, work of God is not to torment those of us who find ourselves in a hurry, wondering what’s next. Rather, God’s forbearance and patience with us--even those of us in a hurry--is for our good. God’s seemingly slow movement gives us ample opportunity to be present to our lives allowing the journey to shape us and mold us into the people we are designed to be. In addition, God’s timetable gives us more opportunity to be diligent in godliness not just for our own salvation, but so that our lives would give witness to others in need of God’s salvation. As we live in the realm of God’s patience, “looking” as Peter says, “for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells,” we live to enfold others into the forbearance of God.
As I wait for Baby Harms, I realize even in this waiting that God is teaching me, molding me into more of His likeness. Beautiful.
On another note...my Houston church family had a most beautiful baby shower for me on Sunday afternoon. I was overwhelmed as many women from the Body of Christ here in Houston surrounded me with encouragement, laughter and great generosity. Two friends (Chelsea and Marisol) threw the party for me at the clubhouse of our apartment. They picked up yellow and pink roses, cake, punch and an assortment of delicious food. The cake was delicious! We played games (they measured my huge tummy) and told stories of their own childbirth and parenting. It was a huge blessing! As usual, I did a horrible job taking pictures. I only took three. I'll have to get some from Marisol and Chelsea. But I'll go ahead and post what I did take (just because pictures are fun). When I moved to Texas, I didn't think I would even get to have a shower. Both of my church homes threw me showers - the Body of Christ is such a beautiful thing! (I'm tearing up even now as I write this). We'll keep you updated...and hopefully be posting pictures of Baby Harms soon!
"Chelsea, me, Marisol"
"Welcome Baby Harms"
1 comment:
That's great.
You are LOVED!
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