Her Life, His Way

Dear Mom,

I know that sometimes you don’t feel enough; like you can’t even get through this week, this day, or even this hour. I know sometimes you feel like someone else—anyone else—could do a better job. I know you see those other mums who look like they have got it all together, while you feel like you’re falling apart.

I know how you feel, because I’ve felt that way myself.

But you are enough—and not because you alone are enough, but because God is. He is the one who made you “mom”. He is the one that chose you as the guardian of these souls. He gave your children to you, along with all their unique personalities and challenges. I promise that He did not give them to you to see you fail. Our good and gracious God doesn’t work like that. God didn’t create you for failure—He created you for good works and victory.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them”

(Ephesians 2:10).

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

(1 John 5:4)

You see, you and I don’t have to rely on our own strength. We can’t rely on our own strength. Hard things are designed to force us to rely on His strength when our own is inadequate. Let motherhood do that for you. Because it is He who gives you strength, let this challenge bring you closer to Him. Let motherhood cause you to:

Live in Him.

Live in His Word.

Let His name ever be on your lips.

Let Him give you your confidence and identity.

Let Him shape your journey through motherhood and make it a thing of joy and strength.

Let Him shape your soul through every struggle, as you do your best to shape theirs.

Let Him wipe your tears and carry you through every tragedy.

Let His words guide your decisions.

Throw every doubt and fear at His throne.

Let Him be your refuge and strength.

Because through all of this, what matters the most for you and your kids is not how much you seem to have it together, but how close you are to Christ.

This position that He has put us in is both a tremendous challenge and an amazing grace. Without a doubt, motherhood tests every synapse and sinew and it is so easy for us to feel like we are inadequate. But when you feel like that, instead of feeling despair, lean into that feeling and allow it to draw you closer to the One Who can give you strength for this moment and every moment after. Lean into Him and allow Him to perform His sanctifying work through this struggle.

Because motherhood is hard—and any hard work done in faith, lifted up to the Father, is sanctifying and soul-shaping.

“Count it all joy, [mothers], when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let [her] ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given [her].”

(James 1:2-5)

So never doubt this, momma — your God created you capable, gives you everything you need, and has strength and wisdom unlimited for every tantrum and tragedy that comes your way.

In Him, you are more than enough.

Love, Chantelle Marie