“Babies are a gift from God” as stated in Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are an inheritance from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is their reward.” How should parents care for this Gift of God before the child is born? This article will look at three areas of how to care for God’s gift before birth. These areas are the Physical Diet, the Spiritual Diet and the Marital Diet. The word “diet” basically means a way of life or a way of life generally prescribed by a doctor. The life of each Mother (individual) must be regulated by the Great Physician, Jesus.
The first area in caring for God’s gift, your baby, before birth is the physical diet. This includes first of all what he eats and what he drinks. Nutritional eating is advised by many, if not all, health experts. As a Mother you must develop a Diet with the help of a Doctor or Nutrition experts. The mother should eat foods from all five food groups daily: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and protein. It is also recommended that the mother get adequate vitamins and minerals. The mother must remember that what she eats will affect the Health of the Baby. As a pregnant mother, doctors advise her to avoid tobacco products, alcohol, drugs (unless prescribed), and lots of caffeine. Once again, as an encouragement to mothers, they should seek the advice of a doctor about her diet. Second, the physical diet must include adequate rest and exercise. Rest is recommended, and even taking a 30-minute nap in the later stages of pregnancy. Exercise is also recommended to help the mother stay in shape, which will help her during labor and after the baby is born to lose any unnecessary weight she may have gained during pregnancy. Christian mothers (and fathers) should pay attention to the following verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether you eat or drink or do anything else, do it all for the glory of God.”
The second area in caring for God’s Gift, your baby, before birth is the Spiritual Diet. During pregnancy, the Mother can or will face moments of anguish, pain, discouragement, anger or loneliness, to name a few areas of testing. The best place to find help during these times is from Heavenly Father, the creator of life and the Word of God. Your personal relationship with Him will see you through these times. If you do not have a personal relationship with Heavenly Father and do not know Christ as Savior, we encourage you to make this choice. Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes in righteousness; and with the mouth confesses for salvation.” To have a personal relationship you need to believe in your Heart that Christ died for you on the cross and accept Him by Faith as Savior.Once you meet Him as Savior, take the time to read the Bible and claim His promises.One of His Great Promises It is found in 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you. There are many great promises like this that will help you during your pregnancy. The second part of the Spiritual diet is Prayer; Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but let your requests be made known to God in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The last part of the spiritual diet is church attendance; Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another to encourage to love and good works; not failing to gather together, as some have out of habit, but exhorting each other; and all the more as I see the day drawing near.” Church attendance is one of the best places you can go to find encouragement and other women who are going through or have gone through what you are experiencing now that you are pregnant. This will be the greatest support group if you allow it.The spiritual diet will allow you to focus properly and keep your priorities in the right perspective.Spiritual Renewal is like a Spring Rain that brings new life.
The third area in caring for God’s Gift, your Baby, is the Marital Diet. Many overlook this part of the pregnancy. What better time than this to get closer as a couple and support each other. Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Unity will build a strong marriage. Thinking about this diet as a couple, you must first consider each other’s emotional needs. Both mothers and fathers go through stressful times and easy times of “pushing each other’s buttons.” Be sensitive to what makes you or your spouse angry. When you get angry, make sure you apologize with a sincere heart and make things right. Put all excuses aside and just admit that you were wrong. Take seriously Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger:” Second, take time to read your Bibles together and pray with each other. Third, take some time to enjoy each other’s company. Go on a date once in a while; or do what some couples do and set aside one night each week for something special between them. Fourth, as I mentioned earlier, go to church regularly and participate in a good couples group and Bible study. Lastly, make your marriage 100% of each of its parts. Husbands and wives (mom and dad) should learn to help each other with all household chores, including cleaning the house, laundry, dishes, and whatever else needs to be done. Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men;” “Walk together” in your marriage and reap the Lord’s blessings and happiness even through trials.
In conclusion, the final words on this topic: “Caring for the gift of God before birth.” Look at these Diets: Physical, Spiritual and Marriage as a way to serve the Lord and give Him the Glory with your pregnant Mothers and with your marriage as a couple (Mother and Father). Parents remember these words from the Word of God: 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, stand firm and constant, growing in the work of the Lord always, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Learn now to serve the Lord and it will be easier to form a Godly Family for Him.
