The Gift of a Mentor

Be a Godly Mentor for Mothers of Young Kids

Isn’t there something special about grabbing your favorite hot drink, your Bible and a warm blanket to cozy up to the story of the birth of our Savior? No matter what the year has dealt you, I hope you will be able to see the wonder of the greatest story ever told.

Let’s start at the beginning. An angel and two women. The angel Gabriel brought the news of Elizabeth having her son, John, who would be the forerunner, to make people ready for the Lord. Then Gabriel came to Mary, the favored one, with the good news of the Savior’s birth. . . And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus (Luke 1:31). Once Mary heard the news and accepted her lot, she arose and went in a hurry to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was six months ahead of her.

A young woman seeking the advice, wisdom, and care from an older woman.

Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew she needed to talk to another woman she could relate to and who would understand her situation. She needed a spiritual mentor.

Thankfully, Elizabeth accepted Mary with open arms in her time of need.

No condemnation. No judgement. Only love.

Imagine with me for a moment all that may have transpired within their three months together: the feeling of the first flutter, encouragement as Mary would need to go back and face her family and community, how to swaddle a newborn, the fun games you play with boys. Not only was Mary going to be a new mother, but a newlywed. So, how to treat her husband right was probably at the top of their conversation too. I even wonder if Mary was with Elizabeth for the delivery? I don’t know, but how amazing would that have been?

Important things to look for
when seeking a mentor like Elizabeth:

● Walks worthy. Choose someone who walks with the Lord. Elizabeth was a great mentor because she had been taught to walk with the Lord. Her lineage runs back to Aaron, the priestly lineage. She followed God’s guidance and married a priest herself.
● Righteous character. Not perfection, but upright in the way she lives.
● Filled with the Holy Spirit. Watch for her to display the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Elizabeth was filled with the Lord’s Holy Spirit. She had the Lord’s wisdom, and as a result, recognized Mary’s concern.
● No sign of jealousy. Elizabeth called Mary blessed and encouraged her in her faith through her own example. Elizabeth was wise and knew God’s power to work all things for good. She recognized the Lord’s hand at work in this situation.
● An advisor. Elizabeth is quick to advise Mary, to encourage her, to strengthen her faith, and to help her through this difficult time in her life. She has the experience that Mary lacked. As a result, Mary is encouraged to bring the Son of God and Savior into the world for the good of all mankind.
● Older and wiser. Just as Elizabeth was older than Mary, you want someone who has gone ahead of you and has the gift of hindsight. One who will encourage you to be the Titus 2 woman.

Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited. Titus 2:3-5 (NET)

Mentoring is not always a program. A lot of times it organically happens as you meet women that pour into your lives. This type of mentoring is a true gift that may take time to develop. I like to call it Sistering. My dear mentor and friend, Linda says it best… “Sistering is two women coming together to share their hearts and lives and when they depart from their time together, each one believes that she was the one that received the greatest blessing.”

Therefore, let us encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV).

And wear kindness, truth, sound wisdom, and discretion as your necklace.
From Proverbs 3:3, 22-23 (NCV)

Oh, won’t you and I take seriously the care of the generation behind us and watch for moments to be that older, wiser woman and pour love into them with grace?

For those of us who have been in a Moms in Prayer group for several years, let’s look for opportunities to come alongside young moms and mentor them in how to pray for their kids and schools. The Booklet is a great resource for this.

Have you had a godly mentor who encouraged you in your relationship with God and in prayer?

Are you praying about a godly mentor to come alongside you as a young mom?

Comment below.

Jessie Seneca is a national speaker, leadership trainer, and the founder of More of Him Ministries. She is the author of books like: Raising Girls Diaper to Diamond and Friendship, Sisters for a Journey. Jessie lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, John. They have two daughters and a two wonderful sons-in-law who bring with them her two grand-dogs: Harvey and Breck.