"....(He will) gently lead those who are with young." Isaiah 40:11b

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Quiet, Grace Filled Mom - Lesson 20

2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NIV) “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.”

All throughout the letters written to the young church (in the New Testament), Paul and Timothy are constantly telling the people that they are praying for them. I often wondered why these little statements were so important that they were recorded in the Bible for generations upon generations to study. I may not have the theological chutzpah to tell you why others may read them, but I think I finally understand why God put them there for me (us) to read. But first, I have to tell you a little of my history…

A few years after I was married, I was given a medical diagnosis that shattered my world. Beyond the specific medical this and that, I was told that I was infertile. For a girl who wanted nothing more than to grow up and become a wife and mother, that was a whopper of a bitter pill to take. I wanted babies, and I wanted them NOW. God led me to a wonderful group of women called Ladies in Waiting, who eventually merged and became an international online ministry called Hannah’s Prayer, a Christian support group for married women facing the difficulties of infertility and/or infant loss. Those years were so incredibly hard for me. I even reached a point where I felt I just couldn’t pray for myself any more. My prayers seemed all dried up. Yet, for some reason, I could pray for others. Each week, we would compile a list of prayer requests and praise reports. I was able to rest in the knowledge that even when I was so weary that I couldn’t lift my eyes to heaven on my own behalf, my friends would be faithful to pray for me, and I was also faithful to pray for them. This was 10 years ago. Some of those ladies are still my dearest and closest friends. I can still count on knowing that they will be faithful to pray for me when I need it the most. Best of all, it takes all my fingers and toes to count the amazing blessings (children) that God has placed in the arms of these beautiful women (and myself).

As mothers, we need to support, stand by, and pray for each other. We aren’t in this Quest to become Quiet Grace Filled Mothers alone. Is there another mother with whom you share a similar journey? Do you have a friend with older children who has been through the “fire” and can offer a shoulder? Sometimes, finding a friend to share your joys, sorrow, challenges, and prayer request with is hard. I know! I am an Army wife. Each time we move, I ask God to please bring at least one close friend into my life. He has blessed me each time, without fail. Just ask the Lord, and wait for the blessing! Don’t be afraid to search out a mother’s Bible study, MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, or even a PTA friend. You never know where God will plant that special Mom-friend for your life. If nothing else, know that as I write this devotional, I am praying for each and every mother that will ever read it.

Prayer: Oh Father, you are so wise. Thank you for teaching us that we need to pray for each other as we walk in your Word and try to become Quiet Grace Filled Mothers. Thank you for the words that seem to spill out of my fingers, and onto the page. Please, Lord, bless these words. Help them to encourage each mother who joins this quest with me. Thank you for ________________. She wants to be more like you. We both want to learn to parent our children the way you parent and guide us. Please help us to turn to you and listen to the wisdom you share in the Bible. Thank you for our children, and the many ways you have filled our arms and families. Amen.


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