Shirley

Mothers are usually the ones who care for and nurture their children. Although fathers are equally important to the child’s wellbeing and growth, mothers are more often the ones who shape the lives of their children. Besides the nurturing and the loving care she provides for her children, praying for them is of the utmost importance to a God-fearing mother. I thank God for my mother who stayed on her knees. I am convinced that I’m still alive today because of her prayers. There’s a song that comes to my mind when I think of a praying mother. Part of the lyrics says, “My Mother prayed for me, had me on her mind, she took the time to pray for me. I’m so glad she prayed for me.” The scriptures give a glimpse of mothers who prayed for and helped shape the lives of their children:

First there was Jochebed, the mother of Moses. When the new Pharaoh, who didn’t know Joseph, came to power, he became concerned about the growth of the Hebrews. So, he enslaved them, and ordered all male Hebrew babies be killed at birth. Jochebed hid Moses for three months and then placed him in a basket which floated down the Nile River. She believed that God would protect him. Moses was found by Pharaoh’s daughter who raised him as her own son. By the providence of God, he was nursed by his biological mother, Jochebed. Like Jochebed, a good mother will search for a way to protect and save her children. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage, and is considered one of Israel’s greatest leaders.

Then there was Hannah, the mother of Samuel. She was the favorite wife of her husband Elkanah, but she was barren. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had many children and would taunt Hannah regularly. Being desperate, Hannah took her request to the only One who was able to give life where there was no life. She prayed earnestly and asked God for a son and vowed to return the child back to Him for service all the days of his life. Not only did God grant her request but gave her more children. Samuel held the offices of priest, prophet and judge and was the one who anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel.

I have learned throughout my life that no one should be counted out. God has a way of leveling the playing field for His purpose. Never taunt, ridicule, or disrespect others because God sees it all. We should always show compassion and should give others the level of respect we desire for ourselves. Remember, there are NO spiritual celebrities in God’s kingdom.

Last, but not least, there was Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. She and her husband Zechariah, a priest, were old in age and childless. The Angel Gabriel visited Zechariah and gave him the news that his prayer had been answered and that his wife would give birth to a son, who was to be called John. Zechariah doubted God’s word. Because of his unbelief, God caused him to become mute temporarily. Even though she was past childbearing age, Elizabeth was overjoyed and had faith that she would have the child. When Mary, the mother of Jesus visited her cousin, Elizabeth, the child inside Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. The child inside her womb was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth and would grow up to be the forerunner for Jesus, our Savior. Jesus said of John, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11a

Mothers, I cannot stress enough the importance of praying for your children. Some of us would not be here today if it were not for the blessing of a praying mother.

Happy Mother’s Day from the Daughters of Zion Women’s Ministries!

Elder Shirley Freeman
www.dozwm.net

Shirley's Desk

The Blessing of a Praying Mother