The devil is a powerful enemy. He takes great delight in exploiting our deepest fears and insecurities.
Parenting often leaves us feeling that we are not good enough, that we don’t measure up – that we are inadequate.
It is a comfort to know that with the help of the Holy Spirit living within, we are equipped to face every challenge that comes our way.
From newborn sleeplessness to teenager rebellion, we can find hope, comfort and help in God’s Word, His Spirit and even His people.
The daily tasks that face us as mothers can seem unmanageable and relentless. Then add -
- a disobedient child
- a sibling argument
- an unexpected mess
- sickness
- marital tension; the list goes on and on!
It’s no wonder that we find ourselves struggling to keep going. It’s so easy to try to do it all in our own strength and forget the promises that we have been given by our heavenly Father.
He has assured us of His presence
“I will never leave you nor forsake you”—(Hebrews 13:5).
No matter how tough our day gets, He will be by our side throughout.
He has promised to guide us
“in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”—(Proverbs 3:6).
When we just don’t know the next step to take or the right decision to make, we can look to Him for direction.
He pledges to support us
“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape”—(1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV).
Although sometimes we feel that our children have pushed us beyond our limit, He knows exactly how much we can handle.
He honours our efforts
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”—(Proverbs 22:6).
How encouraging to realise that our feeble example and teaching can influence the next generation.
He fills us with confidence
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”—(2 Timothy 1:7 ESV).
It is often the case that, only when I come to the end of myself, I fully trust in Him, as I am reminded of my weakness and helplessness – my inadequacy.
Then I can only rest in the power and grace of God who has said -
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”—(2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV).
