"Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--"so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Ephesians 6:2-3
God created the family unit and gave mothers a unique role in it, starting with Eve. But Eve showed us that for all the well-deserved accolades we give them, mothers are only human. In the rough and tumble of an unforgiving world, Eve failed the test when she was tempted (Genesis 3:6) and she experienced heartbreak and sorrow when one of her sons murdered the other (Genesis 4:8). Mothers, like everyone else, need God to help them and guide them as they raise their children and care for their families.
While millions celebrate Mother’s Day, there will be others weeping for the mothers who failed them, the mothers who didn’t come through, the mothers who put themselves first and the mothers who are absent. The one thing constant in all these situations, whether of joy or of sorrow, is the presence of a loving God who will never leave nor forsake his children.
So, on this Mother’s Day, pray for mothers, that they will keep Christ first in their lives, so they can be the women God intended them to be. Pray that with Christ in the lead, they will be able to resist the temptations that come their way. Pray also, that they will be able to endure the heartbreaks and the sorrow that come from being human.
God’s command says, “honor your …and mother, that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy a long life on earth.” There are cases where this may come naturally, praise him for the gift of your mother. But there may be cases where this is not easy to do. Keep Christ first, then ask for his grace and guidance so you can handle this test as it should be handled. Then rest in Him and rely on Him for comfort and consolation.
Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over me. Bless mothers everywhere and bless my mother, that she may be strengthened as a Christian woman. Let the example of her faith and love shine forth. Grant me a heart that will honor her always with a spirit of profound respect because it is your will. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen!