A Mom's Best Sermon

Reverend Mom. That title sounds rather strange, until you consider how a mom’s life can preach the best sermon her children ever hear. What a sobering thought to realize our daily example leaves a lasting impact on our children.

Of course, diapers, dishes and drudgery can make it hard to remember how we affect future generations. Even though 20 years have passed, I remember one of those overwhelming motherhood moments in vivid detail. My three little boys had depleted my mom batteries, and I was so exhausted I didn’t know how I’d survive the rest of the day. I felt more like Stupor Mom than Super Mom.

I remember cooking dinner with a colicky baby perched on my hip and my toddler son strapped around my leg as if attached with Velcro. Just as my oldest son yelled that the cat had thrown up, the buzzer on the dryer sounded, offering the exciting opportunity to fold my 10th load of laundry that day. How could God value that?

From Sarah to Mary

I imagine mothers mentioned in the Bible often felt the same way in caring for their children. None of these moms was perfect either, yet God used them to make a difference in the lives of their children — and the world. And despite the fact that they lived so long ago, they are great role models for moms of our generation.

Sarah faced the heartbreak of infertility. She and Abraham were much too old to have children when the Lord told her they would become parents. As she held her newborn son, Isaac, in her arms, she learned that nothing is impossible with God. Isaac grew up to become a patriarch of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Jochebed found herself in a tragic situation as Pharaoh ordered all newborn Hebrew boys thrown into the Nile. Her trust in God saved the life of Moses as she placed her baby in the basket she’d woven and lined with pitch and tar. God later used him mightily as he led the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Hannah prayed for a child, and God answered her fervent prayers. When she gave Samuel back to God, her obedience offered a beautiful illustration of how our children are only on loan from Him. Her son became a judge who ruled Israel with wisdom and influence.

As a single mom, the widow of Zarephath en-countered severe hardship. But even when starvation seemed inevitable, her example taught her son about trusting God to provide their needs.

Imagine the responsibility — and the fears — that Mary must have faced as she raised God’s Son. When she held that baby boy, she held the salvation of the world in her arms. Think of the lives that are different because of a Son named Jesus.

An important job

These biblical moms learned that God can calm every fear and worry, and that He is sufficient for each moment we face as mothers. God values what we are doing. Stop and think about it: He even sent His Son to earth by way of a mother.

Never doubt that your daily tasks as a mom are important. Because a mother packed a lunch with five loaves and two fish, her child was part of a miracle. Who knows what wonder God has in store for your child because you were a mom who made a difference?

This article first appeared in the Parents’ Edition of the May 2008 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. All rights reserved.