Labor with Hope

This book is great for mothers to be and for every pregnant woman. It helps you see the important things in childbirth and pregnancy. We can easily forget the reason why we bare children, because todays culture is all about what you like and how you feel.
This book is a reality check!

First sentence: Even the midwives were charmed.

Labor with Hope is a devotional book; it offers readers twenty-five devotions. It isn't your typical devotional book. First, it offers much more than just a simple page or two with a Scripture nugget as a jumping off point. (The chapters are longer than that.) Second, it is geared specifically to women who are new mothers or soon-to-be new mothers. Third, the focus isn't me-me-me or you-you-you. The focus remains clearly and substantially on Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

The goal of Labor with Hope is clearly stated in the introduction,
"In Labor with Hope we will see how Jesus has everything to do with everything, including our spiritual nourishment in pregnancy and childbirth. We will walk together and examine the treasures we find in God's Word concerning many related topics--pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, birth pain, new physical life--and how these common experiences point us to eternal realities."

She concludes,
"Worship was my goal in writing this devotional book, and it remains my hope and prayer for readers."
I love how saturated Labor with Hope is with the Bible itself. It is packed with Scripture itself and also informed by Scripture. The writers truly point readers to the Word and illustrate the fact that, "the Bible is a buffet with plenty of soul food for those who are eating for two."

Though to state the obvious, the good news of the gospel as unpacked in Labor With Hope does not just apply to moms-to-be. Far from it, the good news is for every one regardless of age, gender, or fertility. Whether believers are pregnant, planning to adopt, or have recently welcomed a new member to the family...or not...daily refreshment in the gospel is a necessity.

I received an advance review copy of this book from Net Galley and Crossway. Having enjoyed Gloria Furman's previous books I was excited to read her latest offering 'Labor with Hope.' This is an excellent book covering issues such as pregnancy, birth and infertility, Throughout the book Furman explains why we face pain in all issues associated with motherhood and how God uses this for his glory. The book is immersed in Scripture and throughout the short devotional chapters we are given hope for the present, thankfulness for what God has done for us and hope for the future who all the trials of mothering will be past.

A must read for any mother or want to be mother.

At 27 weeks pregnant, I love this concept and I also love the cover. I've already been reflecting so much on my own about the beauty of the gospel parallels in this season of my life and I was excited to read more here.

This is a devotional book, meant to be read in small chunks (there are 25 chapters) and digested slowly. Because I was given the book in exchange for my honest review, I read it more quickly.

The book does focus on gospel narratives and seems to throw in concepts of labor and childbearing as secondary. In that sense, it can be a good heart-focuser to the One who has Created our children and our bodies to bear them! I also appreciate the discussion of not only pregnancy but the aches and waiting of adoption and infertility.

For me, the book felt like we were sitting around a cool, refreshing pool on a hot day waiting to jump in and instead we simply talked about how nice the water looked. I kept waiting to jump in and splash around a bit, but that depth never came.

Labor with Hope is a devotional, perfect for pregnant mamas, new mothers, and anyone who loves them. Gloria Furman writes with passion and a dedication to the Gospel. She has a beautiful writing style to be savored. I have a toddler, and was taken back to the days of my pregnancy and my son's birth day while reading this book. Furman connects our fears, pain, and joys with God's plan for His creation and His redemption story. She clearly articulates the Gospel throughout the book, reminding us what God has done with us and reminding mothers of our role in His story, while also giving us hope for the hard process of giving birth and anticipation of the joy to come. Though I have not personally dealt with infertility or miscarriage, I have friends who have, and thought Furman handled those issues with respect and grace. I definitely will recommend this book to new mamas--it would make a great baby shower gift!

The beauty and grandure of the creation mandate is more far-reaching than even the glorious miracle of biological reproduction. By the power of the Spirit, we are called and empowered with spiritual fertility; to fill the earth with the glory of God by making image-bearers of God into disciples; our spiritual children. Gloria Furman beautifully draws out parallels between pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood; as well as all the associated fears and failures, in a way that is moving, helpful, and awe-inspiring. One such parallel was between the birthing mother and the Suffering Servant on the cross, who by his blood delivered us, bringing us out of darkness into his marvelous light. As a dad of 4 kids and husband to a mother who has experienced both birth and miscarriage, Furman's book not only opened my eyes further to those emotional experiences but also equipped me better to encourage and minister with gospel hope.

Brother Lawrence taught us about the spirituality of practicing the presence of God. Paul Stevens and others promote the spirituality of work and the marketplace. Mike Mason shows us spirituality of practicing the presence of people. Seminarians remind us about the spirituality of study and research. What about the spirituality of childbirth? Gloria Furman advocates the following: "Jesus has everything to do with everything, including our spiritual nourishment in pregnancy and childbirth." In this book, she not only describes the spiritual connection in the present, she also shows us how these "point us to eternal realities." These two aspects are expressed in every chapter. From the creative narrative in Genesis, Furman shows us how the human procreation act is derived from God's creative initiative. Men and women are image bearers of God, and children born are image bearers of their parents as well. All of us are called to be fruitful and multiply for this is the very character of God. Fertility reminds us of fruitfulness and how our endeavours point us to God's glory that is to come. On childbirth pains, we learn from Scripture that it is because of the curse of sin. When God said "I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing," we learn that it is not restricted to simply the birth moment. It is a part of the whole area of judgment because of sin. More importantly, it tells us our need for a savior. This is where the title of the book describes this paradox: Labouring in pain without losing hope. While recognizing the reality of pain, Furman also shows us the significance of hope. Like babies, we cannot deliver ourselves. In parenting, we learn how tough it is to bring up children. Even as we grapple with the seriousness of sin and evil, we also see the power of the gospel to deliver us from sin and death. Forgiveness through the gospel stretches far and wide, even to those who had undergone abortion.


There are several other issues that the author pulls in when dealing with the subject of childbirth. She mentions the sacrificial love of the mother; the various biblical passages with regard to childbirth; motherhood; meaning of "saved through childbearing"; "born of a woman," etc. For the sake of their children, mothers would do all they can to provide for them. With abortion becoming commonplace, and the non-critical ease of assuming abortion is a normal act, she contrasts human impatience in terminating life with God's patience in giving us opportunities to repent. On the other side of abortion, there is the occasional painful choice of some mothers who chose to die so that the child may live. The gospel reminds us of Jesus who did the very same thing, to die on the cross that we may live. Furman briefly explores theological topics such as foreknowledge, salvation, resurrection, election, creation, faith, hope, and others.

My Thoughts
This book is about gospel meditations and Furman does exactly that with a balanced treatment of both the process of childbearing as well as theological reflections. She starts with a Bible reference for each chapter, reflects on that verse and connects the motherhood theme with theological truths for Christian living. At times, the book feels more like a Bible study session rather than a chapter on motherhood or childbearing. For that reason, I feel that this book is more a devotional with the childbearing theme. She deals with two themes quite comprehensively. The first is that of pain in which she helps those in pain understand that it is only temporary. Hang on to hope and look forward to the future deliverance and joy. Labour cannot be rushed. Likewise, hope cannot be rushed. We need to wait. This book aids in the waiting process. There are many instances of pain: "hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, miscarriages, pregnancy complications, menstrual pain, stillbirth, menopause, and maternal death." These are situations in which women need to be pointed to hope amid the suffering. Never underestimate the pain. Never make light of the power of hope as well. Helen Keller once wrote: "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."

The second theme is trust in God. Page after page, she references Scripture to show us that God is always with us. We need to trust in His Word. For those in labour, this is particularly relevant as pain and birth tend to distract us from everything else, including our focus on God. Furman continually reminds all of us not to trust birth but to trust God alone.

My takeaway is this. Hope is larger than pain. Faith in God is better than fear. With childbearing as one of the most profound pain ever experienced by a person, we learn that we are never alone. Mothers could feel most alone in their pain, regardless of how many people are by their side. This meditation on the gospel truths and the presence of God through all of our times would bring much comfort. Furman not only deals with the direct expressions of hope, she also takes us on a journey to recognize the folly of a life without hope. Both are essentially the same thing seen from different angles.

Parents or parents to be would appreciate such a book and the biblical meditations on the themes of motherhood, childbirth, pain, and labour difficulties.

Gloria Furman is the author of "Missional Motherhood" and "The Pastor's Wife." She is a wife, a mother of four, and a cross-cultural worker. She blogs at www.gloriafurman.com.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Another excellent book by Gloria Furman. She always writes concisely, with much thought-provoking on the reader's part. Thank you for allowing me to read this excellent book.

I am currently 32 weeks pregnant so I was really excited to read this book, but I found myself disappointed. This book is a devotional and is meant to be read slowly day by day, which is how I began reading it. Once it was clear to me that it wasn't going to be my favorite, I read the rest a bit faster.

I'm not sure why this book didn't grab my attention as I expected it to because the synopsis sounded really interested. It does cover many topics from pregnancy, infertility and adoption to childbirth and motherhood. There were certainly some interesting parts and the book is full of Biblical scriptures referencing childbirth and motherhood.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book.

When we undergo light and momentary affliction in our mothering, then we see it for what it is- a reminder to look to the unseen. Birth is not about us, but about God.

Motherhood is a two edged coin, a blessing and at times painful. Love can be that way and with our emotions, anxiety, fear as mothers motherhood can be pendulum that swings both ways. A blessing and painful. Labor with Hope is a great reminder of God's purpose in motherhood, pregnancy and childbirth. The title itself Labor suggests that it is a long process filled with all emotions and at times it can be drudgery and the most exciting thing you have ever done.

Gloria Furman brings verses that I have skipped over and sheds more light on the gospel and how it relates to all things of being a mom. That pain, the anticipation and the reward. It all ties to the Gospel and how we can have hope in those difficult times but also remember to rejoice in the celebrations. Childbirth is about God and that was emphasized through out the text. It is a good point that childbirth reflects life and that is Gospel. With the gospel we have life and a hope. In light of that, there was a short chapter on abortion and why as Christians we should support the life message. Abortion is death. Motherhood is giving life and many times a sacrifice. As a mother/and a father, there is a sacrifice given to raising children. A sacrifice that reflects the gospel and gives glory to God.

Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This is a gospel-centered devotional especially for expectant moms. However, women in all stages of motherhood would benefit from reading it. Furman does an excellent job of leading readers through the birth pain metaphors used throughout the Bible and encouraging us to see that Jesus has everything to do with our lives, even pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood.