Purpose and Peace in Motherhood
Have you ever had those days that weigh your heart down and cloud your mind with thoughts and feelings of complete and utter inadequacy? The kind of days that make you question the point of your life? If so, you are not alone friend.
For as long as I can remember I have been passionate and purpose-driven, eager to make waves in this world, equipped with a heavy load of God’s transforming grace and love to share. I remember lying in bed as a young girl, dreaming of how God would use my life to do incredible things, absolutely sure I was destined for more than mundane.
In all the years since my dreams, desires, passions and longings have stretched and grown - even transplanted at times by the good and gracious author of my life. Part of the transformation of my early dreams was the desire that grew in my heart to marry and have a family who I could selflessly and wholeheartedly serve with my gifts and unconditional love.
In a culture that has seemed to discount and mock the ministry of marriage, motherhood and homemaking, I longed to make a difference in the lives of my husband and children one day, as I could see no better way or place to serve. There seemed to be such great purpose in that calling.
And so, I moved forward in faith, and God graciously granted me the desires of my heart. I found a husband to love, cherish and serve alongside, and we’ve been blessed with a full quiver of little hearts to raise and guide through life hand-in-hand with Christ.
My life is one that is full of missional purpose each and every day. And yet…..still I find myself struggling some days, grappling with fickle feelings that tell me I’m worthless, useless, ineffective and inconsequential.
The reality is that the enemy of our souls is on a mission just like we are, and he will do anything he can to twist our thoughts and beliefs to render us ineffective at fulfilling the purpose placed on our lives as wife and mamas. He knows that if he can strike us down, there will be a ripple effect that swings in his favor.
When life feels overwhelming and lacking in purpose as you unload the dishwasher for the millionth time, break up the third squabble between your kids in the last hour, and realize your daily diet staples have become cold chicken nuggets and half eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, remember this truth:
“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16, New International Version).
God is on a mission to fulfill the purpose he set you apart for - notice what I said there? HE is the one who will fulfill your purpose, in his great, and perfect power! We need to work on developing the same confidence declared in Job 42:2 when he said, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2, NIV)
Even on the days when you feel less than and lacking purpose, GOD’S purpose for your life will not fail, and we can rest easy in knowing that “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV)
When your heart is troubled and anxious and your sense of purpose wanes, get on your knees before Jesus and remember these truths, which will be like soothing balm to your hurting soul:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV).
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21, NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
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)