This was Mother’s Day weekend and so we want to be thankful for moms and encourage them. I am going to use the series we have been doing on the Holy Spirit to do exactly that. However, I also want this to be an exercise for all of us in which we see how to take biblical truth and apply it to our particular life.
Being a mom is often a thankless job. We do not want to be like the 9 lepers who did not return and thank Jesus. We need to often go back to the moms in our life and recognize what they have done for us.
Now, moms and dads are tasked with raising their family for God and being a continuous influence towards Him on into their lives. We see this early in the Scriptures in Deuteronomy 6. Parents are instructed to teach the Word of God and thus the Ways of God to their kids as they go about each day. It is an on the job learning experience. Moms, you need to know and trust that the Holy Spirit is helping you in this task. As we look at the different ways He is helping you, first make sure these are happening in your life and second share these things with your family.
In John 16:8 we are told, “when He [The Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The greatest need for any person is to be in right-relationship with God and, thus, to believe on Jesus. It can be easy to throw our hands up and want to quit when kids seemingly don’t respond as we hope. In fact, many will continue this into their adult lives causing much grief and sorrow for moms. Let me just encourage you, mom, that the Holy Spirit hasn’t given up on your kid. He is working every day to point out their sin, show them what is right, and warn them of judgment. You might grow weary in these things, but He doesn’t. Take strength from that. Keep strong even when you feel unappreciated because God knows how you feel.
Now, God’s best plan is a mom and a dad encouraging each other in this as they cooperate with His Holy Spirit. However, even a single-mom is not alone in this battle. God will supply even more grace for those who do not have the best situation. If your kids are without a father, then trust that in a way you may not understand, God will become their father. In fact, for yourself, though you be without a husband, God himself will give you extra grace if you will look to Him for it. Now for us in the Church, we need to have the heart of God that sees those who are “without” and choose to step in and fill up the gap. Thus we cannot say to moms, “Just trust in Jesus.” As true as those words are, if we say them so that we don’t do anything, then we are denying the very heart of who Jesus is.
Romans 15:16 says, “…ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Like Joshua, we all need to make the resolution, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Your determination to share Jesus with your family will make a difference that sets them apart from others. They will think differently from those who have never been taught the ways of God. So make sure you are in the Word, living the Word, and speaking the Word into your kid’s lives. Let them see that you too needed the Gospel to cover your sins. Help them to know that before God you are actually their older sister, just teaching them the ropes.
Yet, moms also need a chance to “recharge.” God designed us to recharge. No one can last long without laying down and sleeping at night. Often stepping away from a project for a moment can open the door to new creativity. We need times to spiritually, physically and emotionally recharge and these are often closer together than we think. They really are interwoven together. When you step away from the task at hand you can grow in understanding that this is not a quick work. It is a long range plan that works because line upon line, precept upon precept, one layer on top of another layer makes a difference over the long haul. In fact we need to recognize this in one another and be quick to help each other recharge. Find someone who “can’t take a break,” and help them get one, or seven.
Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Raising a family is warfare. No, you are not fighting your kids, though it may feel like that at times. First of all know that you must maintain your own spiritual health. This is the first line of defense. If Satan can discourage you then your young ones will become fair game as you wallow in despair.
Then be vigilant to demonstrate and teach your family to trust in God’s armor. Teach them the value and necessity of Truth, Right-actions, Sharing the Gospel, Faith in God, Salvation, The Word of God, and Prayer. Satan is not afraid of burly, muscle-bound, marines. But he is afraid of a man or woman who will dare to trust God’s armor enough to make it their daily life. Your presence in the home will help to protect against all that Satan would be free to do if you were “checked out.”
Though we may all feel inadequate to try and convince people of the Gospel, kids are an excellent place to “cut our teeth.” First of all, they trust you probably more than anyone else. However, they are difficult at times. Help your kids to “get” the Gospel. Though we are to correct our kids, our correction should always have direction. Sometimes we can be so focused on stopping wrong action that we can forget that we are still sinners saved by grace ourselves. We can use times of correction to remind kids of the reason why we need Jesus. Use the correction to turn their eyes into the direction of Jesus and God’s provision for them.
Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” Raising kids will drive you to your knees, which is good. However, we feel so inadequate at times. The answer is not to tell ourselves that we are all-sufficient. But rather, it is to recognize that God has promised to help us in our weaknesses. When we are weak then God’s strength will become more visible. As you pray for your kids know that God is praying with you. And, when you are at a loss for what to pray, know that He is not. The Spirit intercedes for you and on your behalf. Take encouragement from this reality.
We need women who will choose to raise kids for Jesus. In the midst of a world that looks like it is going to hell in a hand basket, courageous moms who dare to raise kids for Jesus are precious. Choose to be that woman. Even if you have failed, know that God can help you stand upon the failures of the past and move forward. He is all-sufficient and will supply your need no matter how great it is.
We also need a Church that will come alongside of moms and lovingly assist them. It isn’t easy raising kids and we don’t need a constant reminder of how far short we fall. But we do need those who will come alongside and help lift us up.
Lastly, we all need to remember that it is not ALL up to us. Are you a big part of it? Yes, of course! But do you shoulder the sole responsibility? No. God Himself is in the harness with you, not to mention the personal responsibility your children have for themselves. Take time today to rest and say, “Yes, Lord, I will continue to partner with you to point my kids in the right direction. Amen.”