Mom, Your Work Is Not In Vain!

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Mom, Your Work Is Not In Vain!

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:57-58

⁵⁷ but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 2:14

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Psalm 98:1

A Psalm. Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

2 Chronicles 15:7

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

Devotional:

My time in the Word and in the Presence today have been sweet. Things have been sad lately, and we are leaning into the Lord as much as we can. We have struggles, and if it were not for that dependence I am sure that we would have a feeling of overwhelm. As I have been reading through 1 Corinthians, God has been gently ministering to me. Today, He is kindly reminding me that the work that I do as a mother and as a wife are not in vain.

I was dialoging a bit with a mama yesterday, and we were exchanging comments about caring for our children and how it has changed our daily reality. There are few quiet and private moments. I had been blissfully unaware that as a “lonely” single woman, I enjoyed hours and at times days of alone time. I was free to separate, spend time reading and in the Word, have quiet meals, and (though I usually did it myself) get a pedicure for these sandal-wearing feet. Sometimes, I feel frustrated because the job that I do doesn’t really have off hours worked in. I have to create those times, and that feels hard to do. I don’t want to slip into resentment toward my children and husband, and I absolutely love being the mama, so I needed these words of encouragement from the Lord today.

The picture of triumph painted in the Word at times feels foreign to me. As I talk with and pray to be able to encourage mamas, I hear so many use the word “defeated.” I can sometimes relate. If it were not for the Word living in me, I would probably feel that way much more often. I’m so thankful that God’s Word is alive and can fill us with truth to combat these attacks on our minds.

Today, and this week, I pray that God will give each of us strong arms, courage, and enthusiasm for this job that is so often exhausting. He will do it. Look for those moments of encouragement. Ask Him to fill you with joy and peace. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 2:19) for today. Let’s bring our defeat and overwhelm to Him, and let him show us how proud He is that we are choosing to seek Him and to bring our families and our stresses to Him. Don’t walk alone, friends. He is right there.

Prayer:

God, sometimes I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I sometimes feel ill equipped to serve my family, and at times it feels like too much for me to bear. I want so much to feel the joy of victory, to feel the conquering spirit. God, I ask that You would give me a boost of encouragement today. I need it, Lord.

I thank You for my husband. (Believers: What a gift that You have blessed me with a Godly partnership. Anoint him to lead, show him Your way.) (For those with unbelieving husbands: I ask that You would continue to work on his heart to lead Him to You. Woo and pursue him, Lord. Give me patience as I wait for You to work. Anoint my tongue to speak kindly and compassionately to his hardened heart.) I ask that today (area of need or concern) would be broken through. You are the One Who will cause this to come to pass. 

I thank You for my child(ren). They are a blessing from You. Show me how to serve them and train them without allowing that job to fully consume every waking moment. Teach me to set aside time to be alone with You, and time to recharge. Help me not to feel shame or guilt for the space I take. Anoint my husband or other caretakers to provide amazing care during this time. Help me to let go and allow those times not to encroach on my time.

I lift my child(ren) to You today and ask that You would intervene in (area of need or concern). You are intimately acquainted with this, Lord. You know exactly where we are. You are the Answer. You HAVE the answers. I give it to You and ask for Your guidance, wisdom, and deliverance.

I praise You, God. You are the Ultimate Victor. It is because of Your victory I can come to You with my daily concerns. I need Your victory today.

Bless my home. Cause each member of my family to be blessed and encouraged, knit, attached, and harmonious today.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.