SPIRITUAL GESTATION

SPIRITUAL GESTATION

There are those days…when it feels like God is taking so L-O-N-G to do whatever it is that He has planned and purposed for our lives.  Do I have any witnesses up in here? [Smiling…and using my most ‘profound’ preacher-voice!]  Seriously though, at times GOD seems awfully slow.  During such existential moments, it is wise to take the long view, i.e. to look backward at His mercy and to gaze ahead with earnest expectation of manifested future grace.

Every natural mother can identify with God’s growth and developmental process.  I call it Spiritual Gestation.  My life-verse of scripture is Philippians 1:6 which says “Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in YOU will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST.”  Every time I read or hear this simple truth, it inspires and encourages.  God is always up to something, but it is imperative that we allow Him sufficient space and time; not that HE needs more space and time, because God is omnipotent and He operates in the eternal now.  As such, HE can accomplish any and all things…instantaneously.  However, WE need to experience the operational parameters and growth possibilities of space and time in order to perceive, receive, value and activate our divine destiny.  Think about that.  This fact does not nullify our faith; rather, it affirms his divine process.

In the natural process of human reproduction, there is a gestation period of 266 days (just 8 days short of 9 months).  Comparatively, giraffes take 450 days for gestation; elephants take 645 days.  It occurs to me that GOD accomplishes so much more (with us) in a much shorter frame of time.  Human gestation is the necessary prerequisite and opportunity for full embryonic development.  The fertilized egg becomes a fetus, which has buried within it, if you will, ALL of the physical characteristics that pertain to human life.  Mind you, it does not LOOK very human at the onset!  It is important to take note of that.  For disguised within the apparently grotesque genesis of an embryo (its beginning condition) is a definitive Rhema Word, and it is revealed in the writings of the Apostle Peter: “According to his divine power [HE] has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM that has called us to glory and virtue.” (II Peter 1:3)  Because we are developing spiritual embryos of the Seed-of-the-Word, we already have within ALL that GOD has designed and destined to bless our lives…and for us to become a blessing to others!

Spiritual gestation seems to mirror its human counterpart.  Looking back on our lives, we can observe clearly delineated periods of real growth and development.  In human pregnancy, there are three such periods which are approximately three months in duration (trimesters).  Although our spiritual development is not so evenly spaced, there are definite parallels.  First of all, every necessary component of growth and development is already present within us, although not yet fully manifested.  The fact that Christ is resident within us is the only evidence we need to support in this process – for “Christ in you [is] the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)  As we become baptized and fully immersed in His Spirit, spiritual fruit becomes visible and spiritual gifts become operational.  Our spiritual hands, legs, feet, etc. will all appear in due course.

Hear me clearly.  Although spiritual self-examination is mission critical, it also contains inherent risks. (I Corinthians 11:28)  For if we see ourselves via our carnal sensory perceptions, we fail to understand (and thereby undercut) the developmental purpose and power of Almighty God.  Therefore, we must strive diligently to see ourselves as GOD sees us, that is, despite what we spiritual fetuses look-like, we are already fully “complete in Him.” (Colossians 2:10)  Notwithstanding this, we must learn how to “wait” patiently and, above all, we must remain on The Potter’s Wheel while Our Creator fully forms us and shapes unto a functional and empowered image of Christ. (Psalm 27:14 – Isaiah 64:8 – Jeremiah 18:2-4)

In closing, GOD has not forgotten us.  It might seem so sometimes, whenever we rely on sensory perceptions instead of faith.  We must abide in unflagging fidelity…both to our Creator and to His divine craftsmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)  Have no doubt that it will all work out in the end.  WE will become all that HE has designed and destined.  Sisters and brothers, we must see the unseen…and we will be continually blessed!