Mothers as God's Extended Hand

"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you--from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." 1 Peter 2:9-10 (The Message)

Good morning! I pray this scripture may be a blessing to you as it was to me this morning. When Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, His followers became the extended hand of God. Hundreds of years later, that fact remains. He works through us. He heals through us. He calls people to Himself through us. As followers of Christ, we are the chosen ones to do His work! This scripture really struck a chord with me as a mother. Motherhood is most definitely priestly work! 

Long before our children know how to recognize the voice of God, they know how to recognize the voice of their mother. We are eternally shaping our children before they can grasp who God is and how much He loves them. It is our ultimate responsibility to usher our children into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but there is much work to be done while their little hearts and souls are being prepared for Him. What an honor!

Speaking truth over our children, praying over them, reading scripture to them even though they will not grasp its meaning for years, modeling Christ-like behavior to them and others (including our husbands...), and placing God in His correct position of first and foremost in our lives is not only a good idea, but it is a scriptural command from our Father in heaven. The fruits of our labor may go unseen for years, but it doesn't mean the seeds aren't taking root. Every spiritual investment we make into the lives of our sweet babies will help to shape their spirits for their coming relationship with Christ.

I pray that these words may be an encouragement to you, and that you will not feel like the spiritual teaching you do with your children is done in vain. We are His extended hand right now.  Before they know to look to God, they will look to us. Let's be intent upon giving them a beautiful example of their heavenly Father. Be blessed, mommies!