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 experientially 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 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 TIME and SPACE in order to perceive, receive, value and activate our divine destiny.  Think about that.  This apparent delay 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).  By contrast, 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 (whether natural or spiritual) is a definitive RHEMA WORD, which 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 believers are actually 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 to empower us to become blessings 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 is the only evidence and power one needs to fully embrace 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. all appear in due course, in God’s timing.  It’s a KAIROS process, not a CHRONOS event.

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 will fail to understand (and thereby we will thwart) the developmental plan and purpose of Almighty God.  Therefore, we must strive diligently to SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US.  Which means, 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, empowered and earthly IMAGE OF THE RISEN CHRIST. (Psalm 27:14 – Isaiah 64:8 – Jeremiah 18:2-4)

GOD has not forgotten us.  He never has; He never will.  It might seem so at times, when we rely on sensory perceptions instead of the Word of faith.  We must abide in Him, with unflagging fidelity and confidence, both in our Creator and His divine craftsmanship at work in us. (Ephesians 2:10)  Have no doubt whatsoever that you will turn out well in the end.  Remember: The construction zone always seems messy, but THE MASTER ARCHITECTS is shaping what only appears to be a helter-skelter scene into a magnificent finished work that HE has designed and destined before the foundation of the world.  Trust Him; He’s got the blueprint for your life.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!