He is Able!

love your children day 2

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Psalm 127:3-4

“God’s Truth always trumps however inadequate we may feel, for he longs for his Truth to become our reality.” -Mari Jo Mast

 

  • Smile. You are seen, cherished and adored by your loving Creator!
  • Read Psalm 127 & 128 (both chapters are short)
  • Record yourself speaking Psalm 127:3-4. (Listen to your recording when you feel discouraged throughout the week).

He is able!

One morning a few years ago, I read Psalm 128:3 for the very first time.

I had awoken discouraged, being a few weeks pregnant with our seventh child. Morning sickness and exhaustion plagued my days, and I desperately needed relief and healing. No matter how much I prayed or how many remedies I tried, nothing worked. It was difficult taking care of 6 children at the time, and a sense of hopelessness and depression followed. I felt like giving up–like being a Mom just wasn’t worth it.

Feelings of inadequacy and failure had overwhelmed me most of my motherhood years.

I felt guilty for having a large family with kids that were rowdy and disobedient at times. People (even Christians) made remarks about the amount of children we had, and it made me feel irresponsible and foolish. Sadly, because of how the culture and others viewed our family, I allowed myself to believe the lie that having a big family was a curse, not a blessing. I felt so much shame and condemnation. The feelings were so deeply rooted in me; I didn’t know how to fix them.

That morning as I sought the Lord for comfort, tears streamed down my face.  I opened my Bible, and it fell to Psalm 128. It was then that verse 3 spoke deeply to my heart,  “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” These were brand new thoughts for me!

God’s word changed my thinking that morning. Instead of viewing myself as a failure, I began to see how He had blessed WHO I was. He WANTED me to have children; they were His personal gift to me, my inheritance. I wept, but they were happy tears now.

I share all of this to give you hope–are you struggling too? Do you feel inadequate? Do you feel it’s not worth it to raise children with all the investments, time, and exhaustion? When your strong-willed children misbehave, do you feel ashamed? Do you feel alone?

My dear sister, God sees you right where you are. He loves your children, and His plans far exceed what you can imagine ( Jeremiah 29:11) He can turn any and all of your circumstances around quickly because he is in the business of healing the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3) and equipping you to do His will (Hebrews 13:21). He has already blessed WHO you are as a mother (Psalm 128:3). Every child he places in your care, He ordains for a greater purpose (Psalm 139:13). It doesn’t matter what the problem is, he wants to heal you so you can love your children well.

Can you trust him? Please understand that nothing is too big for God. Allow this truth to sink deep into your heart and let it change you. Ask Him for a specific Word that will heal the places in your heart that hurt, the places you’re afraid to go. You can even call a friend you trust to share your vulnerabilities and pray. Don’t hang on to your disappointments; let the healing begin.

HE is Able!

Questions to Ponder

  • Are you feeling discouraged about anything in your life right now?
  • What does God’s Word say about this?

Here is an example from my own (Deb’s) life when my children were little:

“Lord, I am feeling discouraged because my children always get into trouble when we go to my friends’ houses! It’s so embarrassing! I feel like a bad mom!!”

“God I know your Word is Truth, and it says that you are my Helper. I am not alone. You want me to stay close to you and ask for help every day. Your Word says that “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11. Help me to remember that you are gently leading me and that I can trust you.”

Faith-Filled Idea

Take the time to look your children (and husband) in the eyes and listen to them when they talk to you. If you are in the middle of something and your child is wanting to tell you something, take 1 minute, turn your whole body towards your child, look them in the eyes and listen to them. If you don’t stop to listen to your children, someday they may stop trying. Ask God to help you to know when to try to get your work done and when to stop and listen.

Love your children Day 2

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Mari Jo Mast
Latest posts by Mari Jo Mast (see all)

12 Comments on “He is Able!”

  1. Wow! This is where I am at. Having Ryker has been hard and I feel like I cannot keep up and that the Lord may think I am crazy. Ha! 🙂 I love what you said about kids being a gift from God – they are our inheritance. That brings me so much encouragement and comfort. Thanks!

    1. Awww Rachel, I completely understand! I feel crazy sometimes too…but God totally understands and wants to help! He loves you Rachel, just all allow yourself to fall back into His grace as you parent, He will catch you! Lower your expectations and simply love your children today…you are so blessed! Love you and am praying for you today friend! ?

  2. This has come at just the right time ,reminding me again just how God sees our children .My hearts cry is that I would see them as he sees them . To really take the time to listen to their hearts .Thanks for this wonderful word .

    1. I’m so glad your heart feels ministered to this morning, Sharon! God sees your heart and knows your desires. He answers! Thank you for commenting…I’m praying for you! ♥️

  3. I absolutely love you, Mari Jo. I love learning from you and reading your grace-filled messages. I need to work on this faith-filled idea. I think it will bless my children.

    1. Heather, you bless me so much. Thank you so much for those kind and sweet words, they went straight to my heart. I am so glad God put you in my life as a dear friend. I am learning from you too…I love your sweet, calm spirit and thoughtful heart. Looking forward to many more years of friendship! I love you too!

    1. I’m so thankful you are encouraged Jaime! Hope you have a great day, and remember that no matter what you’re facing, God is Able! 🙂

  4. I absolutely LOVE this Mari Jo! I feel that so many women feel criticized and judged for the size of their family, whether large or small. I am so thankful that the Lord had you share this truth- that children are a blessing and He is able to heal our hearts from the wounds that we receive from the world and the enemy of our souls. I love that God is the One who encourages us, and helps us to keep going each day, one day at a time. Thank you so much for always being so vulnerable! 🙂

    1. Thank you Deb for your positive input and encouragement! Amen, God is our healer and gives us the strength and ability to overcome no matter what difficutlies we’re dealing with. What would we do without Him? I’m so grateful!

  5. First off, Mari Jo, I love the way you put words to your thoughts! It was a needed to reminder that our children are “gifts” and that God has plans for them, which include “me” .
    He will equip us. Thank you for your words.

    1. Thank you Sarah for your kind words of encouragement! Amen. Everything changes as God gives us his perspective. Praying for you today!

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