Travailing
In the Bible, the term "travailing" often refers to a state of intense struggle, pain, or labor, particularly in the context of childbirth. This concept is frequently used metaphorically to describe spiritual or emotional struggles. For example, in Isaiah 26:17-18, the prophet likens the pain of Israel’s suffering to that of a woman in labor, expressing how God's people have endured great anguish while longing for deliverance. Moreover, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of travail in Galatians 4:19, where he describes his efforts in prayer and ministry as a form of laboring for the spiritual growth of the Galatian believers, stating, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." This illustrates the depth of his commitment and the intensity of his emotional investment in their spiritual transformation. Thus, the biblical concept of travailing encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, highlighting the seriousness of the struggles involved in both childbirth and spiritual formation.