Mothers Around the World

Throughout the month of May, we are honoring women around the world who bear the title of being a mother.* What better way than to have our global leadership team bring a word of encouragement to mothers of all generations? Our Regional Coordinator of Africa, Sphiwe Nxumalo-Ngwenya, addresses each mom in the season that she’s in and we want to share her word with you today.

Mothers have been entrusted by God to bring his special gift to the world. There are five ‘types’ of mothers that I want to address:

Aspiring mothers

I know it feels long in the waiting, but do not lose hope. Remember Hannah of the Bible who “bitterly wept” before God for a child (1 Samuel 1:10). As she kept bringing her requests before God, she surrendered her desires to the Lord. As she aligned her heart with his will, the Lord granted her the desires of her heart. Sister, may you continue to have faith in him who is able.

Adoptive mothers

Sometimes we are called to raise children not of our own blood. I think of Pharoah’s daughter who cared for Moses and raised him up as her own. Continue showing yourself as a virtuous woman. Your children will see your love and integrity as you walk in the strength of the Lord.

Anticipating mothers

There are women who are expecting and maturing in their minds to give birth. Mary and Elizabeth are examples of women in the Bible who were pregnant with children, yes, and with great purpose. God spoke directly to them and comforted their hearts with his great promises. For the pregnant woman, he is speaking also to you. Just as the Lord does, may you also speak life over your child in the womb and continue to as you cross the threshold of motherhood with the arrival of your sweet child.

Actual mothers

Those who are currently, physically and emotionally, being moms. Whatever season of motherhood you are in, it is not always easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult keeping up with the demands of family and your own personal life. Remember that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion for his purposes (Philippians 1:6). Through you, your child will fulfill his purposes that God has brought him or her into this world for.

Always a mother

Whether you have given birth or adopted, or perhaps even lost your child before that point, the Lord has still called you to being a mother. He holds your sweet child in heaven and honors the hard journey that comes with loss. Even when you may no longer have the day-to-day responsibilities of raising a child, perhaps like a grandmother, God carries you in each season. Once a mother, always a mother.

Whatever season of motherhood you may be in, through our influence, we can raise nations. The examples of women mentioned here are women who have changed the history of mankind. Some gave birth to great prophets, Mary to the Christ, etc. Hold on to the trust that God gives you for raising your children and continue loving. By God’s grace, serve him faithfully even in times of difficulty, so that your light may shine among your families (Matthew 5:16).

Remember to always pray for your children, for their forgiveness and guidance, that they may find God’s purpose for them, whether they are young or old. Whether you are already a mom or not yet, you have that potential as a woman, and it is God who decides how you will become one.

Ladies, what an awesome thing to be a mother! There may be some not so pretty seasons, but we are so thankful for God’s gift and how he works through motherhood to make his glory known. There is so much grace for every season, friend.

Stay connected with us on our social media channels to hear a word of encouragement from each of our leaders on our global team. We honor and celebrate all the mothers out there. Happy Mother’s Day!

*We know that God may not have called each woman to motherhood, but we know that he doesn’t stop valuing you. For those who trust in Christ, our identity is first and foremost a child of God, and we hope you know that he deeply loves and cares for you. Please reach out to us if you would like us to pray with you.

Team