If you are- or ever have been- pregnant, you’ve likely encountered it…

The comments.

The warnings.

The “just wait…” statements.

Just wait, you won’t get any sleep.

Just wait until labor…

Just wait until they’re teenagers.

Somewhere along the way, questions start forming in your own heart:

Is pregnancy really that awful?

Will labor really be that intense and terrifying?

Is motherhood really going to be that miserable?

For the Christian community especially, I have to ask- why are we speaking negativity over women who are entering into such a sacred union with God? Why has it become normal, even humorous, to minimize the glory and joy of parenthood?

It seems we have taken Genesis 3:16 into our hearts without considering the finished work, the redemption and restoration of John 3:16.

The fall was real, but so was the cross. And the cross has the final word.

Motherhood is not a curse to endure, but a covenant calling to embrace!

Before the fall, there was blessing.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…”

(Genesis 1:28 ESV)

Fruitfulness was never introduced as punishment, it was spoken as a blessing and we were given authority. Children were not at afterthought. They were part of God’s original design- His entrusted partnership with humanity. To co-create with God Himself is not a burden to dread, but a sacred privilege!

Jesus tells us:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

(John 14:27 ESV)

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

(John 16:33 ESV)

He does not deny tribulation, but He commands courage- because He has already overcome!

Fear, death, and sickness do not originate from the heart of God. They do not have authority over the redeemed, and they certainly should not dominate the language of believers.

If life and death are in the power of the tongue, then what are we releasing over expectant mothers?

Are we sowing fear? Or faith?

Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!

(Romans 15:13 TPT)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

(Ephesians 6:10 ESV)

Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.

(Isaiah 41:10 TPT)

His strength is ours. His peace is ours. His victory is ours.

In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

(John 14:20 ESV)

This does not mean we deny difficulty- it means we refuse to enthrone it. When doubt creeps in, we take it to the Father. When skepticism is spoken, we boldly respond with truth. When fear tries to attach itself to our journey, we reject it in favor of faith.

Encouragement and power should mark the people of God. Joy should mark our perspective.

Motherhood is a holy invitation.

Family is what heaven looks like.