Falling Down, Raise Me Up

Do you ever just feel like a total failure? There are rarely days when I feel that all has gone perfectly, in fact, I can’t even remember the last time that happened. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. My calling in this life is to be a wife and a mother. I am to glorify God through those things yet often times I seem to fail miserably! This calling in my opinion is one of the greatest in life because it holds such eternal consequences!

Other people will see accomplishment and evidence of great work in this area of my life but often times I only see my failings. I know how often we skip our family devotionals. I know how often I loose my temper. I know how often I lack compassion. I know how neglected my Bible reading can be. I know how lacking my prayer life can be at times. I know the things that go through my mind and that occupy my thoughts that are not glorifying or edifying. These are things that others do not see.

I truly feel as if I fail more than I succeed! Yet, I look at my family, I look at my children, I listen to the comments and encouragement of others. I see the hand of God at work! When I receive praise I am keenly aware of the fact that any good is not because of me but in spite of me. I work hard, often not hard enough but it is not my work that accomplishes anything praise worthy. It is the Lord’s work. It is only by his hand, grace, mercy, instruction, and power. It is God who deserves the praise!

I am encouraged by these words:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I often pray that God would do amazing things with our family and these children that he has entrusted to us. That he will do a mighty work in their lives. That they would bring honor and praise to his name. That the Lord would be glorified in their lives. That the Lord would grant me the wisdom, dedication, love, and ability to do all that he has called me to in raising these arrows.  I ask that if anyone is ever led to pray for me that these are things that are lifted up before the Lord on my behalf.

I wish for other mothers to be encouraged to not be discouraged in the daunting yet indescribably rewarding task of raising children for the glory of God!  Remember it is not all dependent upon you.  God will accomplish his purposes.  Just keep praying, keep striving, continue in love and obedience.

Let me leave you with this benediction and may you be encouraged just as these words encourage me:

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Hebrews 13: 20-21

And remember, be a light to your children and God will do the rest.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  Philippians 2:12-13