Dear Mom,
Are you tired? Weary? Wondering if you can do this mothering thing? Wondering why God chose you for motherhood, the hardest job (but also the most wonderful job)?

Whether you waited and wanted for years and years like Sarah did, for God to finally bless you with a child, or whether you were surprised by the gift of motherhood like Mary was, and then wholeheartedly embraced it as your God-given calling, you are deemed special in God’s eyes.

He chose you because He trusts you.

He knew before your child was born that you were the right one to raise your child.

Perfect? No.

But the perfect one to raise your child.

Being a mother is the hardest job

Whether you gave birth to your child who shares your physical DNA, or you lovingly chose to give your child a home through adoption or some other means, you have been entrusted by God with one of the most important, most difficult, and most rewarding jobs there is. Being a mother is the hardest job.

Motherhood: a tremendous responsibility

According to Psalm 127:3-5, children are a gift from God. Yet motherhood is also a tremendous responsibility. An essential role of the mother is to firmly discipline her children in love, while teaching them to fear the Lord (Hebrews 12:5-11, Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 19:18, Proverbs 23:13-14, Proverbs 29:15-17).

Our role is also one of nurturing, to provide our children with a safe environment of support, acceptance, affection, and unconditional love despite their faults and failures (Titus 2:4, Ephesians 4:29-32, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Peter 3:8-9).

From the day our children are born, we as mothers are in a unique opportunity to model for them living with integrity, doing what we say so that they can learn what it means to live in a way that pleases God (Deuteronomy 4:9, Proverbs 10:9, Psalm 37:18).

We are to be available to them throughout the day and night (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), teaching them the Word of God and a biblical worldview (Deuteronomy 4:10, Psalm 78:5-6, and Ephesians 6:4), while also helping them develop their skills and discover their strengths (Proverbs 22:6) as well as the spiritual gifts they’ve been given by God (Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12).

Big responsibility?

Yes.

It’s the hardest, most wonderful job there is.

But God has huge faith in you.

I know what you’re thinking (because I’ve been there). You’re not sure you have what it takes, right? You look around and see all the other moms doing it so much more perfectly.

Can I let you in on a little secret? The same enemy who sought to destroy Eve, the mother of all living things, is hell-bent on destroying you too! Those thoughts you have about your inadequacies as a mother? They aren’t your thoughts. They are from the same enemy who served up that big red delicacy to Eve on a shiny distorted platter.

Here’s what you need to remember: God chose you. He is 100% for you. And He loves your child even more than you do, so He isn’t leaving you on this journey alone. He is going to guide you through this parenting journey, working ALL things together for the good of you and your child!

6 Promises from God to Guide Mothers on the Parenting Journey

1. God will direct your steps

When you’re tempted to think, “I don’t know what to do,” remember, “God will direct [your] steps” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. God will give you wisdom

When you berate yourself believing that you “aren’t smart enough,” remember that God says that if you ask, He will give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30).

3. God’s grace is sufficient

When parenting is difficult and you feel like you can’t go on, remember that God promises that His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).

4. God will supply all your needs

When you are at the end of your parenting rope, and you don’t think you can manage a situation, remember that God promised that He will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19).

5. God did not give you a spirit of fear

When you are afraid, remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

6. God has already forgiven you

And perhaps my favorite: when you have made a mistake as a mother, and find it difficult to forgive yourself, remember that God has already forgiven you (Romans 8:1), and you can use this as a teachable moment with your child.

Sweet Friend, motherhood is hard. It isn’t for wimps. Which is good, because you aren’t one. God chose you because you were created for such a time as this. And with God’s help, you will survive this physical and emotional roller-coaster, and your child will be better for it. Trust God. You aren’t in this alone.

Because of Him, #HopePrevails!

 

(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)

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Hope Prevails Book and Hope Prevails Bible Study {hope for overcoming depression}

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