I'm pleased to host fellow Bible study writer and Mom, Emily Wickham, today. I think you'll find her insights helpful, and I pray that her encouragement blesses you like it has blessed me since the first time I met her! Read more about Emily at the end of the post.
By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. Hebrews 11:23 NASB
I don’t know about you, but I’ve made many mistakes as a mom—especially when my children were young. Tiredness, selfishness, and fear top my list as reasons why failures occurred. As I reflect on those years, I’m thankful for God’s boundless supply of grace as described in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” God’s grace redeems my mistakes into future opportunities for me to rely on Him and become more Christlike.
I wish I’d been more intentional as a young mom about seeking God’s help. Even so, God continues to grow me in this area. His grace flows into my regrets, washing away the past and renewing my mind today.
A couple of lessons from Jochebed’s life inspire me, and I’m hopeful these parenting tools will encourage you as well. As we implement the truths God reveals to us, He’ll show us more ways to please Him. The Lord doesn’t expect us to parent perfectly—He calls us to parent biblically as He teaches us His ways. (Click to Tweet)
Lesson #1: Jochebed and her husband lacked fear.
They hid their son rather than killing him according to Pharaoh’s order. I’m wowed by their fearlessness because I recognize how fear has hindered my mothering. I haven’t always realized its presence, but it has stretched its gnarly fingers into numerous aspects of my mom-identity. Perhaps its chief influence involved a repeated whisper that I’m just not a good mom, a lie from which God has delivered me. While Moses’s parents lacked fear from outward threats, I’ve battled fears from within.
Lesson #2: Jochebed acted wisely.
Rather than allowing her emotions to rule, she calmly prepared a waterproof basket for her baby son. Carefully she placed it in an area where the Pharaoh’s daughter bathed, leaving her daughter, Miriam, to offer the princess a nursemaid—Jochebed herself! Just as Moses’s mother received wisdom from God, we can gain its benefit today.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Instead of facing our motherhood challenges with feelings of incompetence, we should call on the Lord for wisdom. He’s available for every need, every challenge, and every crisis. He freely provides without criticizing our parenting deficiencies.
Friend, wherever we are on our parenting journeys, God walks beside us. We’ve no reason to fear because He holds our hands, and He kindly gives wisdom when we ask. Let’s allow His sufficiency to impact the way we parent here and now. Though we can’t undo our past mistakes, we can rely on God’s grace to succeed in the present.
Loving Father,
You are fearless and wise. I confess sometimes I’ve allowed fear and feelings of incompetence to affect my parenting actions, but I thank You for Your grace along the way. Please replace my weaknesses as a mom with Your strength. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
Carole here. Isn't she great? (I also thought it was nice that she wrote about Jochedbed because I recently wrote about her myself--for a guest post!) If you were blessed or have a response for Emily, please leave a note in the comments or connect with her directly through any of her social media links below. Be sure to follow and/or "like" her, too.
Passionate about stirring hearts toward Jesus, Emily Wickham writes for Journey Magazine, blogs at www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com, and contributes material to ZMI Family Ministries International. A Bible study author and speaker, she welcomes connection via Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. Emily, grateful to God for His Son, lives with her husband and children in North Carolina.
Great post, Emily and Carole. I can relate to having succumbed to fear as a parent. And I also appreciate the grace of God in forgiving me and helping me get it right the next time. Thank you for the reminder to be intentional in asking for God’s direction and wisdom as I parent.
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Thanks for stopping by, Wendy. I’m thankful for all those parenting “do overs” too.
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Hi Wendy! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I love how God hears our prayers in all things and remains ready to help. As for His grace, yes, I could never live without it.
Love to you in Christ,
Emily
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Thank you, dear Emily. xo I’m constantly amazed how anyone would want to live outside of God’s grace. I need Him every hour. Blessings, friend.
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The world certainly makes us feel like we are expected to be “supermoms!” Yet, as Christians, we know that this is not truth. There is nothing super strong about us as moms unless we have a super dependence in Christ. Thanks for the reminder Emily that our strength and wisdom as moms or just women seeking to fulfill our purpose in this world ONLY comes from Christ. When we rely on our own strength, knowledge, etc. we will be failures. And, like you, I am so thankful for His grace!
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Me, too, Lisa. Let’s work to debunk the supermom myth!
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Dear Lisa,
I read a wonderful poem lately called, “I’m Not Superwoman,” and the author’s perspective really encouraged me. Though we try and try to get it right and do so much, we inevitably fail here and there. Yet the Lord is indeed so gracious, so loving and kind. More than we can even imagine.
Thanks for reading my post and sharing the wise thoughts God gave you – I appreciate your example of motherhood. Your family is blessed!
Love to you in Christ,
Emily
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