3 Incredible Ways Moms Are Changing the World

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3: 14-16

Paul recalls the godly influence of Timothy's mother and grandmother as they taught him the Word of God and nurtured his faith "from infancy." 2 Timothy 1:5 says, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." Timothy's mother and grandmother diligently studied the Scriptures, sharing the gospel and their knowledge of the Lord with Timothy at an early age and throughout his youth.

While we read of Timothy's beautiful blessing as an adult, he probably experienced some of the storm and stress of typical adolescence. Regardless, the women in Timothy's life persevered and were faithful to God, who commanded Christian parents to teach their children about the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Many parents go through the painful experience of a wayward teen, a questioning college grad, or their adult child walking away from the faith. These situations are tough, and I pray with you in lifting your children that the Lord will open their hearts and eyes to return to Him. If you find yourself in this season, be encouraged by Paul's words and the numerous Scriptures that speak to the importance of a firm foundation. And while faith may waver, those who belong to the Lord will not depart from Him forever.

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"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" John 6:9 NIV

I often struggle with the lie, "I am just a mom," I am reminded of the story in John 6:1-14 of the little boy and his lunch that Jesus used to feed over 5,000 people. The story points to the miracle of Jesus feeding many people from one little boy's small lunch. But, I can't help but think about how the lunch got into the hands of the boy; someone had to pack it for him, and no doubt it was his mother.

 If I were to put myself in her shoes, it might have been hard for her to send her son off to see this great teacher and stay home. But, because of her deep love and concern for her little boy, she made sure to meet his physical needs by packing a lunch, which provided a way for a miracle, meeting many people's spiritual needs. Ensuring her child was fed was likely another thing on her list; perhaps she didn't even give it much thought. But, something so simple, God used in an extraordinary way to touch not just thousands but millions of people as this miracle is shared over and over.

One of the first things my mother said about motherhood was, "It's not what is taught, but what is caught." Our children are watching us and looking to see how we respond to life. Do we seek the Lord for guidance, stop to pray, search the Scriptures, and consult wise counsel? Mothers have a unique opportunity to show our children what living out the gospel's call means.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. He will be given over to the Lord for his whole life." And he worshiped the Lord there." 1 Samuel 1: 27-28 NIV

One of the hardest things about motherhood for me is to accept that my children are not my own; I am simply their caretaker. Like other blessings the Lord has generously bestowed in my life, I am a steward, not the owner. I struggle to grasp that while I love my girls fiercely, the Lord loves them even more! But, when I cling to this truth, I can entirely give them over to the Lord for His purposes–even when it is hard for my momma's heart.

I think about Hannah. She was childless for years. She prayed that the Lord would grant her the gift of motherhood, and if He did, she would give that child back to Him. I can't begin to imagine—you finally get what you want, only to have it taken away. Hannah lived with the understanding that all gifts were the Lord's, including the son, whom she desperately prayed for and loved unconditionally.

But Hannah knew her son, Samuel, was created for a purpose. He, and all of us, were designed to know God and make Him known. In Samuel's case, that played out through a lifelong service in the temple. Surrendering our lives to the Lord's will and dying to ourselves daily is challenging but not impossible. Thank goodness that mothers are willing to set an example of what it means to follow Christ.

Momma, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are changing the world. Continue faithfully walking in obedience as you encourage your children to follow you as you follow Christ ( 1 Corinthians 11:1).