A Blessing And A Curse

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. Genesis 3:15, NIV

I CAN BE AS extreme as the winter temperatures of the Arctic when it comes to motherhood. One day I feel as blessed as Mary, the mother of God. The next, I am cursing the ground and all who walk on it. And on the days I’m overwhelmed, stressed, and snapping at my children, I lose sight of the blessing—of the beauty and power of new life.

Have you ever noticed throughout the Bible when God is going to do a new thing, change direction, or pour on grace, He often starts with a woman and her womb?

For instance, after everything crashed and burned in the Garden of Eden, God graciously gave us our first glimpse of the Gospel. Satan, ready to play king, was given a warning. He would roam the earth, try his hand at destruction, and have some success at it. But ultimately he would be struck down.

And how would the enemy be taken down? By the one he struck first: a woman and her womb. Though childbearing was cursed as a result of the Fall, it did not mean it was down for the count. Oh, no.

God gave women the amazing ability to form humans and bring them into the world in His image. The world changes through the womb. We see several examples of this in the Bible: Sarah gave birth to Isaac, who brought about a new nation set aside for God. Hannah gave birth to Samuel, who would anoint King David. And Mary delivered our Savior, who would strike the enemy for good. All these people? They came from Eve. God has always had power over Satan’s plans, from the beginning until now. He loves new life. He brings about new birth. He fights for His creation and opposes the enemy.

The womb is a powerful place and bears powerful souls. Isn’t it incredible to think that though Satan tried to destroy Eve and her power to produce life, God restored, healed, and redeemed the life that came from her and continues to this day?

In this section, let’s talk about the women who have gone before us. Let’s see how grace looks amazing on them in both their weaknesses and strengths. Let’s see what we should put on and toss out.

GRACE REFLECTION: Pray with me, “God, thank You for the gift of life and for restoring, healing, and redeeming my life. When I’m in doubt or feeling lost, help me to remember how You have used the lives of many women to bring You glory. Amen.”