The Spiritual Dimension of Birth

I believe there's something profound happening in labor beyond the physical. God has designed this process not only to bring forth new life but also to prepare us for the sacrificial nature of parenting itself.

In labor, we lay down our own comfort and ease to bring forth our child. This is agape love—Christ-like, sacrificial love. And this laying down of self is very much a part of mothering and parenting in general. It is a sanctifying process through which we learn so much about Christ and His sacrificial love for us.

"But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety." (1 Timothy 2:15)

Through labor, you also develop a deep reliance upon and appreciation of the strength and competence that comes from God by His grace. You realize that the strength you're drawing upon is not ultimately your own. As Scripture says, He gives delivery:

"Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God. (Isaiah 66:9)

"From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb." (Psalm 71:6)

"Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast." (Psalm 22:9)

These are not just comforting words—they are truth. The Lord gives delivery.

Approaching Birth with Joy and Trust

If you find yourself approaching birth from a place of fear and dread rather than joy and trust, I encourage you to spend time in prayer. God has not designed birth to harm you, but to bring forth the precious life He has entrusted to you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"The prospect of the righteous is joy." (Proverbs 10:28)

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Birth is common to women. You were designed for this. And while it will challenge you, God will provide the grace and strength you need for every moment.

Truly, the Lord gives delivery!

© Marie Farver RN BSN IBCLC RLC 1.2.2026