This May, please take time to celebrate the Ministry of a Mother! As you all know, Mother’s Day is May 8th, and motherhood was created by God. The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:2-3, “‘Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.’” To honor mothers specifically this month, Jill has some insights and thoughts about the ministry of a mother.

“When I think about the ministry of a mother, I think about caring, loving, and nurturing. I think about a 24/7 ministry of presence, of always being there to help another. I recall middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. I remember daily wiping away tears and hugging. I think about teaching, patiently, over and over, until finally, one day, it clicks and the child understands. I think of long, often teary, discussions about the challenges of life. I think about worry and fear and feelings of inadequacy, along with prayers to the One who can do the impossible. It is a calling that really never ends, to love another for as long as it takes, and as often as needed, until he feels strong enough to take the next step.

“I think God designed families this way. He put that nurturing instinct inside of mothers (and fathers) for the sake of his children. Mothering is a tremendous responsibility. A young child needs close physical contact and constant loving attention to develop a trust relationship. This trust relationship is the foundation for all of the child’s future growth and development; without it, the child will struggle for the rest of his life.”

A mom’s ministry is meant to be a picture of Jesus. From the earliest moments of life, it’s an example of God’s loves to us. This ministry is too much for anyone. Because of the weakness of our flesh, our love runs dry; we cannot be continually giving without being continually refilled. It is only by God’s constant flow of love to us, and by the work of his Holy Spirit in our lives, that we can begin to love another in this way. It is essential that we draw our daily strength and security from Jesus. Because the most important part of the ministry of a mother is bringing the child to Jesus, not just once, but continually, in prayers, in words, in actions.

We’ve posted this article to invite your comments. Please share a brief comment or testimony of how a mother (or being a mother) has blessed you, as the Bible tells us: “encourage one another daily.” Hebrew 3:13

May the Lord bless you and keep you in Christ’s love,

Pastor Shawn & Jill