The hours are long, the work is hard, and monetary compensation is non-existent. Early mornings, late nights, endless housework, sometimes while working outside the home.
Oh yes, the rewards are great! Laughter, affection, and the joy of watching little people learn and grow. Mothers give their lives to their children without hesitation to nurture, train, and teach them as they eventually become functioning adults. And when our children are threatened we become like fierce lionesses, rising up and willing to fight to protect our little cubs.
In the New Testament, we see an example of a mother with great faith who advocated for her child's healing. One day, while Jesus is resting after some long travel, he is boldly approached by a Gentile woman seeking healing for her daughter. She is an outsider, without a male escort, or invitation to approach a rabbi, yet she shuns societal convention by approaching Jesus and asking for a miracle. The woman recognizes Jesus as Lord and falls to his feet, begging for mercy for her child. When challenged, she admits she is undeserving of anything but scraps, proving her faith in Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus is faithful and she returns home to find her daughter healed.
“A woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.” Mark 7: 25-30 (NIV)
When my son was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of three, I would have done anything to bring healing to his little body so he would survive. I cried out to God in prayer, begging for a healing miracle.
My faith was tested again when he was diagnosed a second time one year later and the prognosis was grim. He was not expected to survive. Again I prayed and petitioned Jesus to heal my son. And He did.
Like the Syrophonecian woman, I fell at Jesus’ feet and begged for a healing miracle for my son. Despite the odds, he was healed.
As we approach Mother’s Day, I encourage you to pray for your children like the Syrophonecian woman, falling at Jesus’ feet and begging for their healing. Jesus hears your prayers even when they are not always answered the way we think they should be. Not everyone is healed, despite our faith, and only God knows why. But don’t let that injure your faith. Keep persisting in hope for a miracle.
Note: This devotion was published by "The Round Farmhouse Ministries" on their FB page in May 2022 as part of their Mother's Month of May series.
Wow, what an incredible testimony and a reminder of the beauty of our calling as mothers. Thank you!