One of the ways Western mothers get help with childcare is by getting an Au Pair or a young foreigner who will help with caring for kids and housework in exchange for board, lodging, and foreign language learning.
As busy mothers, having another pair of hands for chores and extra eyes to look after the kids is very helpful. But moms who follow Jesus, can count on another kind of help, and the best one at that.
“He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Isaiah 40:11
The Bible tells us that God promises to help out mothers by guiding them, giving them physical and emotional strength, protecting them and their children, and providing them with their needs.
And as long as we do our part as moms — be diligent with teaching the children about God, nurturing them, and taking care of our home — He will not overlook our prayers, and help us in areas where we need His power. This passage from the Book of Job illustrates this point:
“Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God for help, and wander about for lack of food?” Job 38:41
Another Bible story that could prove this truth is about the Widow who received a miracle through one of God’s Prophets. The godly man turned the only thing left in her home into a source of livelihood for them soon after she did what he had told her to do– gather oil jugs. By trusting God’s word, the widow was able to repay their debt, avoid the enslavement of her sons, and meet their day to day needs.
“Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” 2 Kings 4:3-4
As moms, we can get a lot of encouragement by taking time to read the stories of mothers like us who received God’s help in the time they needed it most. When we take the time to know God’s character and promises, we get to have an unlimited source of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to power through the difficult days of motherhood.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Moreover, when we intentionally center our family life on Jesus, He will give us a better perspective about raising our children. We will get the opportunity to enjoy raising them, and be grateful for our experience and the unconditional love that they give us.
When we anchor our life on Jesus, He will transform us –from just surviving our day-to-day parenting existence, He will make us thrive in our motherhood journey. Let us all cling to Him as we raise our children into His likeness!
“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 2 Kings 4:1-7 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What area about your parenting is the most difficult? How can God’s promises and character help you with it?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you very much for holding our hands through our parenting journey. Thank you for your immutable character, and unchanging promises. Please give me the confidence to hold on to You and your words. Amen.
