As a new mom, I began to notice my ministry responsibilities changing over the last couple of years. After my first child was born, I continued serving in many areas of ministry—my daughter just came along. Then my second child was born and I had to prioritize my time differently. My one year old and two year old needed my best attention. So, I limited myself to two ministry opportunities outside of my full-time ministry job.
At first, I was confident in my decision, but a couple months down the road, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough to serve the ministry. I began to cry out to God and ask him: Where do I fit? How can I be used by You? What is my purpose?
I had been praying this for weeks before I got an answer. One day, my two year old came to me after I hurt my finger and said, “Mommy, let me pray for it.” As she said a five-word prayer, God spoke to my heart. I realized I may be giving up ministry opportunities outside the home, but raising godly children is something only my husband and I can do. I began to see endless opportunities by not only teaching my children about God, but also by showing God to my children through my actions and words. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach and show my children how to live a life for God.
God also began to show me the families around me. I was taking my two year old to a mommy-and-me gymnastics class. After one of the classes a mom came up to me and said, “You go to church, right?” I answered “Yes.” She replied, “I have never prayed before, but have seen a lot of other people’s prayers answered. I need prayer. Will you pray for me this week?” I quickly answered, “Not only will I pray for you this week, but I will pray for you right now.” Light bulb! This is my opportunity to plant seeds into these families!
I am sure I am not the only ministry mom with “littles” that needed to take a step back. But just like God reminded me, as mothers we have one of the most important callings. If we open our eyes to the opportunities we do have around us, we will see the amazing purpose in this season!
For moms in this season with me, I want to encourage you with these verses. They are a great reminder of the importance of this season!
- “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
- “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
- “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14).