A Lesson For Mothers

Today, we are going to take a quick break on our study of James chapter 3 to honor those who have found themselves in the role of a mother. The older that I get, the more that I see that Mother’s Day is a day filled with mixed emotions. When I was younger it was a day that I was able to celebrate my own mother as well as women who stepped in that role as well. Now that I am a mother myself, I find that the role of being a mother is a difficult and rewarding one. To be responsible for molding the children that God has placed into mine and my husband’s care is a role that I do not take lightly. However, I am encouraged by the fact that the scriptures offers great insight into how a mother should be; and today I wish to discuss four scenarios that a woman can be placed in regarding Mother’s Day.

The first, to the new mothers. It was not all that long ago that I was in these shoes. I remember feeling uneasy and unsure when I found myself stepping into this newfound role. This may be some of you now, you may be holding a newborn or even still pregnant and find yourself feeling that there is no possible way that you can handle this responsibility. For you I offer this scripture,

“13 For You created my innermost parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully formed in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance;
And in Your book were written
All the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.”

Psalm 139:13-16

  The beginning of this passage is often quoted, however, the last verse is often glossed over. To those who are experiencing their first Mother’s Day, I hope you see that God has given you this child with a plan and a purpose, precisely for this time. Some new mothers may have tried for years to conceive, while for others it may have come as a surprise. I hope you take encouragement in knowing that God has given you this child and while the baby has not yet lived a day outside of the womb, God already has a plan for the baby.

For the mothers who are currently raising their child or children. This group is the most widely celebrated group during this time. So I wish to offer you some advice. Do not take for granted the opportunity that you have when it comes to raising the child(ren) that God has given you. It is in the home that children first receive an impression of God and His characteristics. So for the mothers who have been around the block a time or two, I offer you this scripture.

And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:26-28

For our experienced mothers, I ask that you be like Hannah. Raise the little ones that God has blessed you with with such a dedication to the Lord. Pray over them daily, encourage them to seek the Lord, and above all else show your children how Christ loves us through your love to them.

The last two scenarios that a woman can find herself in often is overlooked, but this does not mean that you are forgotten!

First, to the stepmothers and adoptive mothers. I found myself searching the scriptures trying to find a situation that described this role or a woman in the Bible who became a stepmother; and I could not find one. However, there is a saying that I have been told that I wish to tell you. “Where there is no intelligence, there is intelligence” sometimes a glaring gap means something all on its own. What I am trying to state, is that since there is no definitive mention of a stepmother in the scripture it means that God sees no difference between the woman who is raising children who are not biologically her own and the woman who is raising children that are biologically her own. So for the the women who find themselves in this situation, I ask that you look at the verses already described and place them in your own life. You have come into the child’s or children’s life at this time. Show them what it means to be a woman who follows the Lord. You were placed in this role for such a time as this.

Finally, to the mothers who have lost children. It is unfortunate that this occurs, and as someone who has experienced this loss herself, I sympathize with you. Mother’s Day is difficult for those who simply wish to hold their child or children that have gone. For you, I offer this verse of encouragement,

“32 For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion
In proportion to His abundant mercy.”

Lamentations 3:32

While the world celebrates the groups mentioned above, you have not been forgotten by the Heavenly Father. For the mothers who have lost children, I ask that you turn to Him. God also lost a Child and He understands the grief that goes with it. But through His abundant mercy, He will show compassion. Use your situation to help those around who are struggling. God cares for each and every one of His children, and that includes those who are struggling with the loss of a child. Cast your fears and all other emotional turmoil to Him and watch as He shows you how deeply He does care for you.

So Happy Mother’s Day and remember that God has placed us in this special role. We are more than mothers but children of God given a custodial role to help the next generation come to know Jesus Christ as we know Him. What an amazing opportunity to serve the Lord.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex