“God has blessed you in ways that serve Christ. He allowed you to believe in Christ. But that is not all. He has also given you the honor of suffering for Christ. Both of these bring glory to Christ.”  Philippians 1:29
When you’re pregnant you will probably go through some suffering.  I know women who were sick from the get-go.  A smell, certain foods, brushing their teeth, someone looked at them the wrong way, I don’t know (!), but something gave them an “ugh” feeling inside of them and they just couldn’t contain themselves.
Don’t be a hater, but I was one of the lucky ones.  I loved being pregnant! I gained the same amount of weight each time (mainly in the belly), and never went through that queasy feeling time.  Well, there were a few times I remember when I would almost gag while brushing my teeth, but I learned how to control my throat muscles and breathing. And then, when I was preggy with Holly, I had a headache for three months. I remember walking around the school where I was teaching with sunglasses on each time I walked outside because the sunlight would penetrate through my skull.  She was sucking all the hormones out of me, I guess.  Finally, the doctor said to take an Advil and chase it with a Coke.  I did, and the headaches were gone!
Now the time has come.  Your little one is ready to say “Hello, world”.  Now, the pain and suffering kick-it-up a few notches.  Some moms-to-be use various techniques, positions, controlled breathing, and even some good ole drugs to assist them through the agony.  I used all of the aforementioned.  Oh but the elation that you experience once you get to hold your little bundle of joy, is one of relief.  Glory!
When you are a Christian, your experience will be about the same. It is a true blessing to be able to serve Jesus Christ.  But…it’s not sunshine and roses.  Notice that in Philippians 1:29 it says, “He has also given you the honor of suffering for Christ.”  You WILL go through troubles and trials.  Satan WILL try his best to challenge you and make you doubt your salvation and loyalty to God.  No matter what your suffering looks like, consider it an honor.  Remember that you are NOT alone.
Just like there are various techniques, positions, and drugs a woman can use to aid her thorugh the suffering of pregnancy and delivery, the same goes for your walk with and in Christ.  For example, time in the bible, prayer, and meditation with songs can be “various techniques” to help you through your difficult time.  Consider God as your drug.  That is the one drug that you are allowed to get addicted to.
Your joys and your sorrows can and will bring glory to God.
I hope you live in ecstasy with Christ.
 I pray many blessings and much joy for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie