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In a perfect world, raising a child would encompass a godly husband and wife working together as a team. Sadly, I know this isn’t always the case.
My heart breaks for those of you who are carrying the burden of raising your children. For whatever reason – death, divorce, mitiliary service, job, disconnection, unsaved spouse – you are alone and you are the sole person doing all you can to “impress upon your children” (Deut. 6:7) the love of God.
Do you ever wonder if your child will truly understand faith in Christ with the unfortunate circumstances you have been thrown?
Beth Moore, in her book Paul: 90 Days on His Journey of Faith, hold some encouragement for mommas – especially those who are traveling the parent road alone.
But, before I share her words, let me provide some background information.
In the New Testament are two books entitled 1st and 2nd Timothy. These books were written by Paul to his young friend and travel partner Timothy whose mother was Jewish and a believer but his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1). Like so many, Timothy was raised by one saved parent and one unsaved parent. Whether two thousand years again or today, this can be very difficult.
The words of 2 Timothy 1:5 offer strong encouragement to (parents). Paul wrote of the “sincere faith that first lives in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.” Yes, you can rear godly children in spite of imperfect circumstances. Lois and Eunice lived their faith. Timothy saw genuine examples of faithfulness. Their lives were devote to God even when [others weren’t around to watch]. They were genuine – not perfect, but real. Their sincerity won Timothy to the truth.
Do you see? Timothy, whom Paul considered a friend and fellow ministry partner, was raised in imperfect circumstances.
What “impressed” the love of God upon Timothy? The sincere faith of his grandmother and mother.
Beth ends with the following words of encouragement to all parents:
Hang in there, parent! Let your children see the sincerity of your faith. Let them see you praying and trusting. Nothing carries the weight of sincere faith!
About a year ago, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that a deep love of God is caught more than it is taught. I can teach my children the Bible, pray with them, and assist them in memorizing Bible verses but unless I am living the faith, it will never be sincere and real to them.
This means that I must be daily in the Word and living a life of prayer.
And for those of you who don’t have the optimal circumstances, don’t give up. Your child doesn’t need a perfect mom. He or she needs a momma who realizes she doesn’t have what it takes but has a personal relationship with a God who does.
Read more about spending time daily in the Word and prayer.
