Handling The Ups And Downs Of Life
Part 1 - How Do You Handle Motherhood?
1 Sam. 2:18-21 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. 19Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. 21And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Motherhood appears to be at a glance, simple, however, when we look close we can tell it is complicated. We are able to see some of the positives and negatives if we but look closely.
Positives -To bring life into this world is an awesome experience (from my pain-free perspective.
To experience the bonding, the hungry consuming love, to nourish, nurture and help mold newborns can be very rewarding.
Negatives - It is a staggering, sobering responsibility not to be attempted by the squeamish or cowards.
It can be physically and emotionally taxing, as well as costly and risky.
Share Diana's "take" on Jr./Sr. names.
2 Cor. 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
So how do we handle motherhood?
First we see we handle it…
With Prayer
Religiously/repeatedly (Extensive, Eagerly, Enduring)
We also see it needs to be done because of the…
Responsibility of molding a new life
And we can see the…
Rewards of raising believers (imagine Hannah's pride/satisfaction)
Next we can see motherhood needs to be approached…
With Permanence
Not a fad - it is God's plan
No place to quit - the carry around training babies
No allowance to go back
We can also see we need to approach this…
With Purpose
Intentions of unconditional love
(share mom's talks with friend at the laundromat - her perfect kid)
Intentions of unselfish involvement - ownership
Intentions of upbringing or raising a believer - Hannah
And we can see the need to be a mother…
With Precepts (godly teachings)
Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Biblical guidelines taught
As standard (needed)
As special
We need to be someone, who has…
Behavior that is transparent (in view for them to see, emulate and copy )
And in you they need a…
Believer, whose life is trustworthy
Build confidence in Christ
Bring to life our Father
Bid welcome to a needful soul
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 051202am