But the other woman, Sarah, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the free woman, and she is our mother (Galatians 4:26).
Before I became a mother I did not think it a very difficult job. I knew it wasn’t easy, but I also didn’t think it arduous. I grossly underestimated motherhood.
Sometimes being a mother is jolly hard. I don’t recall my own mother struggling as I seem to. Perhaps I was oblivious to it. At times it is overwhelming. I am quite capable when it comes to looking after myself, and am happy to deal with the consequences. But the weight and responsibility of caring for little ones is more than I expected. Joyous. And gut-wrenching.
Recently I have been challenged. The Spirit of God has called me to be a mother of grace. He does not want me to see motherhood as hard. I am to see it as easy. I am to be a mother out of rest, not burden. Where my parenting begins in grace, because that is, after all, where it belongs.
Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was a mother of grace. She did not get everything right. She made mistakes. She even answered God back from time to time. But she was not a mother of law, she was mother of freedom and grace.
The past few weeks of my life have been testing, especially related to family and my ability as a mother. I have made mistakes, and may have even given the Creator of the Universe some cheek. When first invited to be a mother of grace, I thought it was about showing more grace to my children. I now see that it is more about showing grace to myself. That when I exercise grace in the hard times, the burden becomes light, and the road ahead, free.
The Blame Game
When things go wrong, we look for someone, something to blame. Quick to point the finger, quick to judge. That, my friend, is the opposite of grace.
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him” (John 9:1-3).
Parents just want to do what is best for their children. I often find myself second guessing, longing for the gift of hindsight before making decisions. You feel as though everyone scrutinises your parenting ability, from relatives and friends, to complete strangers. Jesus did not enter into discussion as to whether this child’s parents were at fault. Neither should you.
Things happen. In this world you will have trouble. Stop looking for someone to blame, or taking blame upon yourself. Instead, allow the power of God to manifest in your situation. I don’t know why things go wrong, but I know God longs to show himself strong. When you find yourself feeling condemned or disappointed, pray that God’s power will manifest.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
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SOURCE: Crosswalk
Sarah Coleman
BCNN1 WP 