A Mother's Faith

This morning in church, our pastor read from 2 Timothy.  It is a perfect passage for mother's day, and also fits in so well with this blog.

2Tim. 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2Tim. 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,  and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

These scriptures and the message from my pastor this morning, inspired me anew to live out my faith before my children.   Paul attributed Timothy's sincere faith to the influence of his mother and grandmother.  What an awesome statement Paul made.   It is such a strong desire of my heart that my children will be guided to Christ by my faith and example.  I would love for someone to say of my grandchildren---you have the faith your grandmother had!

I have been so blessed to have a godly mother and grandmother!  But, even for those who haven't, you can start a new "heritage of faith."  You can break the cycle and begin a new spiritual heritage for future generations!

Here are some things I have noticed about mothers who have lived out their faith before their children:

1)  They talk about Jesus ALL the TIME.  The name of God fills every sentence they utter.  Their faith is so sincere--as Paul describes it in 2 Timothy 1.    When all someone can talk about is Jesus--you know their faith is sincere.  I want to do this more.  Sure, I do it some--even everyday, but not enough.  In fact, there have been moments when I haven't given praise or credit to God when talking with someone for fear of being labeled a "Jesus freak."  But, you know what?  What an awesome thing to be called!  I want my children to speak His name with boldness, and, at the same time, to speak it with such gentleness and love.

2)  These moms are calm in the midst of storms.  I have had opportunities to visit with some mothers during times of grief, pain, loss, and suffering.  It completely floors me when I leave a hospital room feeling blessed by the person I went to visit.  When I walk out of a room feeling blessed, motivated, challenged, and humbled---that really says something about a person's faith.  This happened to me very recently.  I went to offer comfort and prayer, and left there feeling like I'd been in the presence of a woman who was godly, wise, and full of joy--despite her circumstances.  Wow.  I want to be like that.  A woman of faith is like that.

3)  They speak with such wisdom and discernment.  Mothers (and grandmothers!) who live by faith consistently utter words of wisdom to all around them.  They do it so gently and so humbly at the same time.  It is really amazing.

4)  They KNOW the Word.  They can speak scriptures like nobody's business.  The truth is constantly being spoken to their children and to those around them.  Timothy's parents did this as well!  He knew the Holy Scriptures!   These things were taught to him by his family.  If you are a parent, it is so important that you teach your children scripture memory--and teach them the truth about the power of God's word!  It teaches, corrects, rebukes, and trains in righteousness!  I am amazed at how fast Caroline has memorized scripture.  After reading this passage this morning, I was convinced that I should be teaching her more scriptures more often.  And, not only that, but applying them in my own life when different situations arise.

5)  Their children follow after them.   I have seen this time and time again.  And, Paul obviously saw it in Timothy.  Timothy was convinced!  His gave his life to the preaching and teaching of the gospel!

So, all you moms out there---lets be like Lois and Eunice. Let's pray for sincere faith, teach our children the Holy Scriptures from infancy, and live out our faith before them.

And, thank you mom for being such a godly influence in my life--from infancy to now!  I am praying that Caroline and Julianne will "continue in what they have learned and have become convinced of, because they know those from whom they have learned it..."  and I pray that those around my daughters will be able to say, like Paul,  "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Judy and in your mother Kristin and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 

I know that is your desire too.

Love you and happy Mother's day,

Kristin