YOU ARE HIGHLY FAVORED!!

by Idaline Prince

(A highlight of few Biblical references to be meditated on during pregnancy. Exclusively for pregnant women and their spouses.)

There are many achievements, which crown a woman with laurels and pride. But the ultimate of womanhood lies in her ability to conceive, give birth, and rear children. Yet there is nothing we can boast about, because our competence is from God. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:5 “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves but our competence comes from God.”

Mary who was privileged to bear the Son of God sang, “My soul glorifies the Lord”, and gave all honor to the Lord who blessed her. She is a classic example for humility and submission. We too need to acknowledge and thank God, for every good and perfect gift is from Him. The scripture says in James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above”. Also King David in Psalm 127:3,4 says “Sons are a heritage from the LORD and children a reward from him” and in Psalm 128:3,4 he says, “Your sons will be like olive shoots around your table, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.”

PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
This is one season when you cannot abstain from advices. There are many do’s and don’ts which pour in from all quarters and we are ready to do anything to keep ourselves physically fit for the sake of the unseen baby. Manoah and his wife pleaded with the angel for Godly advices to bring up the boy, which was to be born. The mother was instructed to keep away from anything unclean and fermented drinks, because the child was to be set apart from birth. Hence it is evident that the preparation starts now!

Researches have proved that the hearing ability of the unborn baby is well developed after six months of conception. All the activities of the mother either directly or indirectly will impact the growing child. Singing songs, reading few bible passages aloud, talking to the child and gentle massages will aid in shaping the future traits and personality of the unborn child. So let us refrain from that, which is unholy and raise a Godly generation, who are set apart for the Lord. In Jeremiah 1:5, it is said “Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” and in Isaiah 49:1,2,3,5 “Before I was born the LORD called me from my birth he has made mention of my name.”


SCAN THE GROWTH
It is quite natural that anxiety haunts us through out pregnancy, and these are some questions which pop in our minds frequently: “How is my baby gonna look?”; “Will everything be alright?”; “Will my baby be healthy without any abnormalities?”. We can be at peace when we acknowledge God as the creator (Psalms 139:13-16 “You created me in my inmost being. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”) and the giver of abundant life (John 10:10 “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full”). Pray for the holistic development of the child (Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew up in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man”).SOSLabor pains are described as the worst and the most unbearable. But it is the best, as all your cry of pain will vanish the moment you hear the baby’s cry. No pain ends in bounteous joy as this! But even as you go through those crucial moments of pain, you can be assured of God’s promise in Isaiah 66:9 “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery says the LORD”. He will sustain you.

BEYOND THE HORIZON
It is the innate quality of every woman to dream of what lies ahead of her and the family.
God has promised to bless our families as in Psalm 115:12-15 and Psalm 147:13

Promise for peace and security as in Psalm 122:7

Promise for the future and well being of our children as in Isaiah 54:13 and Psalm 144:12. 

A COVENANT In return for all the great blessings that we have received from God, there’s just one best thing to do; to be a beacon of His love. Make Isaiah 8:18 as prayer of dedication, “Here am I and the children, the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD almighty”You are highly favored by God and He has laid on you this great responsibility to raise a Godly generation. So celebrate the motherhood!

Learn to Pray for your Unborn
A Prayer Guide for Your Famiy