God’s Design
Motherhood was God’s idea. Before it was a dream in a little girls’ heart, it was conceived by our Creator. In fact, it was the way that He designed humans to build His kingdom, by filling the earth with children!
In Genesis 1:27-28, we read that God created humans in His image. This truth is followed immediately by “then God blessed them.“ Interestingly enough, the Hebrew verb for “blessed” here literally means that he gave them the capacity to reproduce and be fruitful. Right away it is followed by the command, “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it.”
The process of reproduction and childbirth is truly fascinating and awe inspiring! While it is a physical process, it is also a spiritual process, both of which are sacred. The same could be said of motherhood. Motherhood was designed by God, and is one of God’s most beautiful gifts.
Dreams of Motherhood
Becoming a mom was a dream in my heart when I was a little girl. I remember playing with dolls, changing their diapers, and taking care of them. As a teenager, I came up with names for my four future daughters. Funny enough, I had four sons!
Though dreaming of becoming a mom is a good thing, sometimes this dream is broken or shattered due to the brokenness of the world. There are women who deeply long to become mothers but have never been given this gift.
Trusting God
Sixteen years ago, I was a single missionary in Poland. The dream continued in my heart. I deeply longed to have a family. As my 30th birthday loomed, I thought motherhood might be passing me by. In that moment, my heart was deeply grieved, but I submitted my life and future to God again. Only He knew what my future held, and my role was to obey and follow after Him with my life.
Fast forward 16 years. I still live in Poland… now with my husband and our five beautiful children! It brings tears to my eyes to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness to me. What he did in my life seems like a miracle. Motherhood has been one of the greatest challenges and blessings of my life. Not much can compare to its struggles, triumphs, and character-refining power.
I know that every woman’s story is different. Some stories are full of longing and heartbreak. No matter what your story may be, God is right there with you through it all. He cares for you and desires to draw you to himself.
As women, He has made us the ones who bring forth life. The name “Eve” literally means “to give life.” Whether you have birthed, adopted, fostered a child, or are praying and waiting for a child, know that your role is to bring forth life to those around you. You can do this by living in a way that honors God and pointing others to the life-changing power of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Thankfulness in Motherhood
Even as you are surrounded by children who need you to meet their daily physical, emotional and spiritual needs, may I encourage you to take time each day to stop and thank God for this gift of motherhood. Here and now, in the mess of spilled orange juice, unending grocery shopping, meal preparation, and dirty laundry, praise God for His divine plan in motherhood. What a blessing it is to bring life into the world and to be the ones called to be givers of life!
Lord, help us to be wise women who build our homes and your kingdom through raising our children in the grace and knowledge of the Lord!
