When I was younger I had big dreams and ambitions for my life. I wanted to see the world, serve people well and use my passions and creativity to bring God glory. I was a young girl growing up in a self-focused society that valued personal achievement and performance over the idea of self-sacrifice and personal investment. Needless to say, motherhood and the sacrifice and investment it requires were not high on my priorities list at that point.

Over the next few years God began sowing seeds and doing a work in my heart that culminated in a complete change in perspective and attitude. He showed me the depth and beauty found in the high calling of motherhood and just how valuable a role and responsibility it could be if I trusted Him and stepped into it in faith.

Since then, my world has been completely turned upside down as I became a mama not once, not twice, but four times over. Every day has been an education in faith, hope, trust and perseverance, filled to overflowing with all the beautiful and brutal moments of life.

Let’s be honest: being a mother is no easy job. It’s will stretch you, test you, shape you, grow you and push you far past your limits. I can be all too easy to lose sight of the divinely-appointed purpose behind why we mamas do what we do, day-in and day-out.

But the moment we lose perspective and shift our eyes away from the one who called us into motherhood, is the moment we lose the ultimate source of peace, purpose and joy in our lives. Apart from the Lord we start losing our way. We forget that every day we are being refined and equipped to fulfill our roles well - and that is a hope we should carry with us every day.

When you’re struggling to find joy and purpose amidst the runny noses, boo boos and laundry, remember and reflect on each of these truths while taking a practical step to focus on the purpose behind your mission:

1. God places high value on the lives of children

“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” (Psalm 127:3-5, New International Version)

Despite how you may feel, try to see your children the way God does and spend time giving thanks for the blessings God has showered on you through them.

2. God equips those he calls

“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20-21, NIV)

Don’t beat yourself up or wear yourself out wrongly thinking that you have to battle through motherhood unequipped and on your own. God has always been faithful to equip those he has called to fulfill his purposes, and he’s not going to stop with you!

3. Our kids learn about God through our example

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)

We mamas have a truly special opportunity to cultivate relationships with our children that will illustrate to them the nature of their Creator. This isn’t something to be taken lightly, and the fact that God chose you to be their guide says a lot!

4. God is growing both your kids and you

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV)

When you’re tempted to throw your hands up and say, “What’s the point?” just remember that God is deep at work within you through your motherhood journey. It isn’t just about what is being accomplished in your children, but also equally what is being accomplished in you through motherhood!

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)

Finding Purpose in Motherhood