On July 28, 2024, at 12:17 pm, the Johnson household welcomed our beautiful baby girl – making us a family of four. My mom recently mentioned a blog post idea, and I thought I would talk about it today: mom pains. As moms, we experience a decent amount of pain and suffering (physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental), but what does the Bible say about it? Let’s dive in together and find out!
Labor Pains – Why Do We Experience Them?
He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children with painful effort. Your desire will be for your husband, yet he will rule over you.
Genesis 3:16
As many of us already know, when Adam and Eve sinned, God stated that labor would become painful for women. Despite the pains though, I am so grateful that He still allows us with such a blessing to bring life into this world. In addition, God mentions how women will be submissive to their husbands, even if they want to be the leaders. With society’s twisted variations and roles these days, this serves as a few important reminders for us.. God intended marriage for a wife and husband (male and female). It is biblical for men to be the leaders of their families. Not only does this mean wives must submit to their husbands, but it also means that men need to step up and lead by example for their households.
When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world.
John 16:21
Again, I am so thankful that God offers us the joy of motherhood – there truly is no greater gift. He promises us that although birth will be painful, the suffering will pass. We will be filled with joy from bringing life into the world. This tells me that to see the rainbow, we must get through the storm first.
Heartache & Grief
Solomon’s proverbs: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son, heartache to his mother.
Proverbs 10:1
This verse reminds me of the love us mothers carry for our children. Our children’s behaviors and experiences can bring us heartache. My son is still only a toddler, but I still experience this pain mentioned. When he impulsively acts, it hurts me to discipline him. I feel like I am taking joy from him. My parents would always tell me growing up, “This hurts me more than it does you.” I never believed that statement until I had children. I get no satisfaction from confronting their poor choices, but I understand the necessity of it.
For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:23
This verse tells me that life is chaotic and difficult. The demands of daily life can deplete us of peace and rest. However, I think this just serves as a reminder that we should consider our priorities. Am I centering my life on God or myself? If we place our focus on the Lord and fulfilling His purpose for our lives, we will find meaning and purpose. This applies to all aspects – parenthood, work, marriage, relationships, etc.
Earthly Pain Brings Eternal Glory
While it is inevitable that mothers will experience pain, God promises us that we will experience joy and life more abundantly in Him. He is a faithful and loving Father that will bless and support us throughout life – and beyond it.
strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 14:22
God strengthens us through our trials and tribulations. He encourages us to remain faithful in Him and His promises. To spend eternity with Him, we must experience hardships. Pain cannot be avoided on earth – we are bound to experience it.
The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.
1 Peter 5:10
God wishes one thing for us – eternal glory in Him. After our time suffering on earth, He wants to provide us with restoration, strength, and support. He works all things for our good!
Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.
John 9:3
Our pain is not always related to our sins. God is not punishing us when we experience hardships. We encounter obstacles for God’s glory. This reminds me that I must lean on God in all things – I can’t live this life without His hand over it.
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17
God reassures us that pain is temporary. By accepting Him into our hearts, we will experience indescribable joy one day in Heaven. He even says it will be incomparable to life on earth.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Here, we see God’s promise of eternal life with Him. We see the joy that is in store for us – no more tears, death, or pain. It will have passed away. We won’t dwell on past suffering but instead future jubilation.
Final Thoughts
As a mother, pain is inevitable – God promises us that we will experience suffering and hardships. We will experience physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges on earth. In our suffering, we are called to lean on Him. Affliction is not punishment; it is a necessity for showing God’s power and glory. If we accept God as our Savior and ask Him to come into our hearts, He promises us abundant, eternal life. He promises happiness in Heaven.
So, I leave you with a few words of encouragement today.. Although we are promised pain in this life, there is incomparable joy awaiting for you in Heaven. Ask God into your heart if you want that eternal life mentioned today. What is a pain you have experienced as a mother? What is a joy that you look forward to beyond this life? Comment below.