Spiritual Travail
From the book, "I have to confess that when I first heard of the theme of this conference was 'Spiritual Travail' I was frightened because immediately Moses rose to mind. He pleaded before God for the children of Israel and was willing even to have his name blotted out from the book of life for the sake of the people...People like Elijah and Daniel also rose in my mind. I thought of Praying Hyde of India and how he prayed before God. I thought also of Rees Howells of South Wales, the intercessor. So when these pictures rose in my mind I trembled. Who am I to talk about what spiritual travail is? And more than that, how much are we involved in that spiritual travail? Is it too high for us? Is it too deep for us? Is it something beyond us that we should not talk about? Then the Lord comforted me. He told me that I am the fruit of the travail of His soul. And not only am I the fruit of His travail but I can recall people who travailed in prayer before God for me, and here I am."
Stephen Kaung spoke the messages contained in this booklet at the Northeast Christian Weekend Conference, Long Beach Island, New Jersey in October 2009. The spoken words have been transcribed by permission with only minimal editing for clarity.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.