“Her children rise up and call her blessed” – Proverbs 31:28
Through motherhood, God has demonstrated his faithfulness to those who remain steadfast and put their trust in His promise, despite what seems like a hopeless situation. The Bible is full of examples of God demonstrating the unique capacity mothers have in exercising courage and strength in situations regarding their children and the wondrous fruits that are produced as a result of their faith.
Our Maternal Clouds of Witnesses
Mary, the mother of Jesus, exercised ultimate obedience and trust in God. Luke 1:30-33 tells of her faith and trust in God, as she gave up her Son to Him. The Son who was promised to her to be the Savior of the world. From the moment of conception, she knew Jesus did not belong to her, and the purpose of His life was to fulfill God’s divine plan for you and me. She held on to the promise announced to her by the angel Gabriel, and when the time came for the promise to be fulfilled, she still remained steadfast in her faith in God. The Bible does not go into great detail about exactly what Mary experienced as Jesus was persecuted, tortured, and crucified. Still, one can’t begin to imagine the immeasurable agony a mother would experience witnessing her child go through even a fraction of what Jesus did, especially given His innocence. Yet, as she witnessed the crown of thorns placed on his head, the casting of lots for his clothing, the torture and abuse, Mary demonstrated strength and courage and remained faithful to God, trusting in His plan for Jesus and for all humanity.
1 Samuel 1 tells us the story of Hannah, who was barren for many years. The Word says that the Lord closed her womb. She prayed “with bitterness of soul” and in anguish, vowing to the Lord that if He remembered her and blessed her with a son, she would give that son to the Lord, all the days of his life. God honored her faith in His ability to bless her and remembered her. That son, named Samuel, went on, even from a young age, to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord, eventually becoming a great prophet and intercessor for the people of Israel. Because of Hannah’s faith, God was able to use her seemingly hopeless situation and show Himself mighty not only on her behalf, but also, on behalf of the nation of Israel through Samuel.
Similarly, both Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7) and Elizabeth (Luke 1:13-17) experienced barrenness for many years. God, in His perfect timing, blessed them even as they were far beyond childbearing years, with sons who grew up to be men of God who played pivotal roles in His plan for Israel and humanity.
Gratitude for Mothers + Prayers of Hope, Comfort and Reconciliation
Many of us today can testify to the faith of our mothers through ceaseless prayers and guidance in life and in the ways of the Lord. As we reflect on the special love our mothers have shown through their sacrifices for us, I pray that God blesses all of our mothers and all the mothers in our UA community. I also pray for those who have lost a mother or whose relationship with their mother is distant or broken, that God would bring comfort, reconciliation, restoration, and forgiveness. Happy Mother’s Day!
