A Challenge to You, Mother, for Your Children (With Application for All of Us)

A Challenge to You

If you can love your children when they reject your faith;

If you can keep your hope when all others turn away;

If you can praise your God in the midst of adversity;

If you can believe the best, when others cannot see;

If you can trust the Lord to keep them safe from harm;

If you refuse the fearful thoughts that only bring alarm;

If you can cling to Him, no matter what may come…

You’ll find your job of mothering is a faithful job well done.

-Rebecca Barlow Jordan

No Simple Formulas

I wrote this poem several years ago (with apologies to Rudyard Kipling). There’s nothing simple about being a mother and no formula to guarantee success in the challenge of raising children. But God’s Word is filled with principles to encourage you as a mother–or anyone–to love, hope praise, believe, trust, and to cling to the Lord in spite of all that you see around you. Your faith, your prayers, your love, your persistence in changing and fearful times will pay off. God is faithful, and He never changes.

You are not the only one who influences your children. You are not the only one who can make a difference in that life. But if you are a Christ follower, with His help, you can influence your children–and others–in a way that “sticks.” In little ways and big ways, known maybe only to God, your loving investments do make a difference.

Never Give Up

Regardless of the direction your children choose, God never gives up on them. I venture to say, neither will you as a mother. Someday, faithful mom, you will hear the Lord’s “Well done” for your job of mothering.  God is not finished with your child–or you–or anyone of us, yet. It’s His job to shape–and change–a life. He simply asks that we be faithful to Him.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV). 

(This is the 7th in a a special series of blogs for women, moms, and grandmothers).

How about you? What have been your greatest challenges in raising children? How has God helped you in this important job?

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On Another Note

I love to give away books. If you are a subscriber to these blogs (signup on my blog/newsletter), and are interested, I will be giving away a complete set of the new Day-votions books: Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, and Day-votions for Grandmothers. I will draw a name from those who are subscribers and who will make comments on any of my past, present, or future blogs from May 15 – June 6, and give away these three books to that person. I hope you will encourage one another with appropriate comments–not ads or unrelated comments–but words that can help edify others. Use the principle, “Whatever is true, honest…lovely…of good report (Philippians 4:8). Offensive or unrelated comments will not be considered. If you’ve never commented on a blog, it’s simple, safe, and your e-mail address is hidden from public view. I’d love to hear from you and give these books away! And if you know any friends who might want to participate, e-mail this blog (below) to them.

Also, my friend Dena Dyer who writes a great blog for moms is featuring a special giveaway on her site, and is including one of my books. Check her out if you are interested.

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