Seek First: Confidence in Christ

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For those of you who have just dropped by, I’m digging for treasure in God’s Word this month. Matthew 6:33 promises, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I believe “all these things” includes the treasures I’m seeking in the diaper pail –the jewels of joy, nuggets of wisdom and pearls of peace–but before I seek the gems, I must seek the Giver of good gifts (James 1:17). I’d be honored if you’d join me!

Seek First:  Confidence in Christ
Today’s Treasure:  Read Isaiah 43:1 and Hebrews 13:20-21
 
Somedays it seems that ANYBODY could do a better job of parenting my brood than me (On the really tough days, I may even be prone to believe a cardboard Elvis could top my best efforts. At least he couldn’t hear the whining, see the chaos or feel the stabs of insecurity when he forgot the soccer game or sent a kid to school without her lunchbox.) 
 
Truth be told, though I’ve been prone to wonder if God has indeed given me the right child, I have questioned whether I am the right mother for my children. When my child’s unique design doesn’t make sense, when I can not see evidence of God at work, or when I am faced with the consequences of my own failures, I find it easy to doubt my call to motherhood.
 
The great Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) was so revered by church leaders of his day that he was often called the “preacher of preachers.” However, Spurgeon admitted that he frequently questioned whether or not he was fit for the work to which God had called him. Despite the fact that transcripts of his messages were printed weekly in the leading world newspapers, despite the favor he garnered from his devoted congregation of 6,000 persons, Spurgeon battled insecurity. On those days when doubts stalked his mind, Spurgeon found hope in Isaiah 43:1. He said to himself, “I am what God created me to be, and I am what He formed me to be. Therefore, I must, after all, be the right man for the place in which He has put me” (Devotions for Sacred Parenting ).

I can quickly relate to Spurgeon’s insecurities. Sometimes, when the Lord uses the challenges of parenting to shape me into who He wants me to be, I begin to despair. Rather than welcome His work, I worry that I am not fit for the high calling of motherhood. What wisdom I can glean from the humble Baptist preacher who ‘parented’ thousands of young believers into maturity. As a partner of the Potter, I must stand on the truth of Hebrews 13:20-21. Not only am I the right mom for the children I’ve been given, but I am perfectly equipped for doing God’s will. Whatever I lack, God has. Whoever I am not, God is. When I feel daunted by the tasks at hand, God offers all I need. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Our confidence in motherhood does not come from perfect living. Our confidence comes from a Perfect Partner in parenting, Jesus Christ. We have been chosen specifically to parent the children in our care- that is part of our “unique” design! When we claim God’s word for ourselves, we discover that through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we DO have what it takes to raise children for the glory of God.

Parent’s Pondering: For what specific parenting challenge do I feel ill-equipped? In the light of James 1:5, ask God for the specific wisdom you need right now and thank Him for fully equipping you for the “good work” of parenthood!

Alicia

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