After meeting so many moms through speaking at mom conferences and churches, I quickly realized they were hungry to hear directly from God through the reading of His Word, building community, and feeling not-so-alone.
I also know the impact that reading God’s Word daily has had in my own life. I love when moms realize the difference God makes in your life, and in turn the difference you’ll make in the lives of your family.
I’m not sure which stage you’re in as you read this. You could be expecting your first baby, you may have received your long-awaited child through adoption, you may be multiple kids into this parenting thing, or you may be through the hands-on parenting season and praying for your adult children and maybe some grandkids.
Just for the record, moms are never really out of the parenting scene; our roles just look different. New seasons of parenting await.
No matter where you are, it starts with you. You can be the difference. Your kids are watching you, which means you’re a living, breathing representation of God’s love. I don’t say this to bring shame, condemnation, or guilt, but as a reminder and an encouragement. Your role is so important! You are so important. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart, so hang in there and hang on. It’s a journey.
Your kids are watching you, which means you’re a living, breathing representation of God’s love.
Paul is instructing his son in the faith, Timothy, and the church in Rome, of the importance of caring for themselves in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (emphasis mine)
And the same is true for you. You must care for yourself before caring for others. I know some days that’s really hard, like when you realize it’s three in the afternoon and you still haven’t brushed your teeth. Mama said there’d be days like this, right? But carving out time to focus on yourself is important.
If you’ve done any flying, you know that before the airplane even takes off, flight attendants spend several minutes discussing safety protocols. One of the safety items is the oxygen mask and how to handle it if needed. If you’re traveling with someone who needs help with a mask, like a child or an elderly person, you’re instructed to put on your own mask first so you don’t lose consciousness before you can help those around you.
Similarly, us moms need the life-giving connection to God before we can try to help others. Otherwise, we’re sharing limited, frazzled resources and that’s the quickest way to burn out.
Every step you take closer to the heart of God will help transform your thinking and actions. When we allow our heart, mind, and soul to be captivated by our time with God, He will reveal the most important next step in our hour, day, and month.
Let His presence bring order to your thoughts as you set aside alone time with the One who holds your days. Allow His peace to permeate a few minutes of your day to bring wisdom, clarity, and direction.
Allow His peace to permeate a few minutes of your day to bring wisdom, clarity, and direction.
And because your life is transformed as a child of God, making time to read His Word will affect those around you. You’ll begin to treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s a ripple effect from God to you and then to others. You won’t be perfect and you’ll miss the mark at times—we all do!—but it’s so worth faithfully pressing on and continuing to walk out this thing we call motherhood.
Maybe you’re a mom who works outside the home and you can barely get out the door, but once you do, you have a half-hour commute to work. Or maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom who gets some downtime while your children nap. These are the perfect times to listen to a podcast, audiobook, or Christian radio station. Really, it’s just about being intentional about doing something—anything—to deepen your relationship with God.
So, arise and strive to be the difference in your marriage, your parenting, and your daily life. Fixing your eyes on Jesus will change your outlook and attitude. The best thing you can do for your family is to seek the greatest treasure—Jesus. The One who has all the wisdom and knowledge we need.
PRAY WITH ME
Oh God, You are worthy of all my praise. I thank You that You never leave me nor forsake me. You know my heart’s desire to draw closer to You and know You deeper. There are so many areas in my life that vie for my attention, but I know time with You is needed and well spent. So please help me carve out a few minutes each day to be refueled by Your strength and wisdom. You’re the source of all I need. Meet me here. Develop in me a love for Your Word and a heart that burns for You. In Your holy name, O God, I pray. Amen.
How are you planning to spend time with Jesus each day?
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Jessie Seneca is a national speaker, author, and leadership trainer. She founded More of Him Ministries in 2010 with the desire to help others experience God’s touch on their lives. The author of ten books with her newest study, Mama, You Be the Difference, Jessie offers online seminars and Bible studies and is also a popular conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Most days you’ll find her walking her two furry friends, Murphy and Baxter, and enjoying her role as Mimi. Visit Jessie at More of Him Ministries.