‘Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, “O my lord, give her the living child…” ‘But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.” – 1st Kings 3:16-28 (KJV)
In the account of our primary Scripture above, it registers the mother’s agony during childbirth, which serves as a reminder of the need for justice to be served right then; “…her bowels yearned,…” verse 26 of 1st Kings 3 says.
When Adam and his wife sinned because of disobedience (Genesis 3), a curse was placed upon mankind. Unto the woman God said, “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children…” (Genesis 3:16 – KJV). This was God’s promise, and God is not a man where He should lie (Numbers 23:19).
There are certain promises that we, as mothers and women, will embrace, while others may not be desirable; yet, all are divine promises, whether perceived as beneficial or harsh. Remember, all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
The woman in our main Scripture acted out of love for the child she conceived. She alone knew the challenges and joy that culminated in that miraculous conception, and she was not going to allow a vengeful and jealous mother to take away her happiness. She chose love over hatred. We should also promise to choose love over hatred in this world.
Testimony
In 2019, while my son was studying abroad, I experienced an inexplicable pain that I cannot articulate to this day. It was all-consuming! I did not believe he was experiencing the same anguish. I contacted him and several relatives to check in on their well-being, but I was taken aback to discover that my son was experiencing the same pain. God, however, has promised never to abandon us; He will remain with us until the end of time. He saw us through our pain. Glory be to His name!
Read: Joshua 23:14; Psalm 91:1-2
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 62; John 9:35-41; John 10:1-21; Ruth 3; Ruth 4