The Joy & Pain of Motherhood

Have you considered the expectations that Mary had as the earthly mother of Jesus?

She already wasn’t ready to enter motherhood, having not committed to marriage yet. Was miraculously told that the invitation was upon her to host the Son of God. She seems to take this news very well and submits her body, future, and reputation to the Lord’s will. She then has a rocky and unpredictable journey and birth, far from family and comfort. Up to this point, her faith and willingness to be a servant with all her being is tremendous. I’d assume that any parenting advice she could ask for or receive would not exactly fit her task to raise a son that would have another Father’s will to obey and who would walk through this dusty life unlike any other had – sinlessly. Who could possibly help prepare her for THIS parenting experience? (I’d like to think the angels made other visits of reassurance to her and Joseph!)

Mary experienced so many “firsts” as the host of the Son of God and at only eight days old learns a little more about the joyful side of what she will witness in Jesus who would be the “salvation…prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:31-32)

But then the painful side of raising One who was born to die young was added to His dedication in the prophecy –

Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34 – 35)

“a sword will pierce through your own soul also”

What was the Lord preparing her for through Simeon’s words? Many of us have experienced painful moments in the lives of our children or because of the lives of our children, but without the heavenly warning.

How was Mary able to bear pain differently because she knew it was coming?

Some of you can see the painful or challenging times coming too.

Perhaps it’s a different stage that you aren’t ready for, or the consequence that has to follow their decisions. The upcoming surgery, or the thing you can’t protect them from. Little by little, Mary had to learn to let go of any attempt to control His future, seemingly even at the Temple at age 12.

Is there anything that the Lord is calling you to let go of, to heal your pierced soul this Mother’s Day?

The link below is a sermon addressing more of Mary’s journey and prayers that you can follow along with to lay down these burdens, hurts, or areas of unforgiveness, perhaps toward your own mother as we approach Mother’s Day again. My husband addresses many hurts that go with parenthood, the missing out on being a parent, or wounds that came from our own upbringing that are silently suffered on days like Mother’s Day.

We invite you to listen, follow along, pray and journal with the message and prayer time.

Topics:

  • Prayer for Mothers whose souls have been pierced
  • Prayer for Childless Men and Women who long to be parents
  • Prayer for Grown Children toward their Mothers

Listen Here

It is our passion to see life transformation through the process of Discovering and Giving over the lies and woundings that hinder us and Receiving the truth and fruit that sets us free. If you need help to go a step further in praying through the pain of motherhood, we’d love to set up a time to meet and pray with you privately, on-line or in person. You can set that up here.

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