Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and faith. In the context of Southern Africa, where many mothers face struggles and hardships, the stories of mothers in the Bible continue to offer valuable lessons about trust, sacrifice, and God’s provision. As we reflect on the lives of Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth, and even Jezebel, we can find both encouragement and warnings that help guide our own paths as mothers today.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A Heart of Obedience
Mary’s response to God’s calling was one of total trust. When the angel told her that she would become the mother of the Saviour, she had little understanding of how it would all unfold. But instead of being overwhelmed, Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
For mothers today, just like Mary, there will be moments of uncertainty and fear, but we can find strength in saying “yes” to God’s plan, even when we don’t fully understand it. When God calls us, He equips us, and Mary’s life shows us that His plan is always greater than our own.
Hannah: A Prayer of Surrender
Hannah’s story is one of deep longing and faith. For years, she prayed for a child, and when God finally answered her prayer, she gave her son Samuel back to God, dedicating him to His service (1 Samuel 1:11). In doing so, she made the ultimate sacrifice, trusting that God had a greater purpose for Samuel’s life.
Hannah’s story teaches us that God hears our prayers. Even in times of waiting and uncertainty, He is at work, and His timing is always perfect. As mothers, we may face times of difficulty, but like Hannah, we can surrender our children to God, trusting that He has a plan for them.
Elizabeth: Rejoicing in God’s Perfect Timing
Elizabeth’s journey mirrors that of Hannah. She longed for a child and, after many years, became pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth’s joy was not just in her own blessing, but in the knowledge that her son had a special role in God’s plan, preparing the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:39-45).
Elizabeth reminds us that God’s timing is always right. When it feels like we are waiting for something to change, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes, preparing us and our children for His perfect plan. Just as He did with Elizabeth, He will work through our lives, even in seasons of waiting.
Jezebel: A Warning of Ungodly Influence
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is an example of a mother whose influence led her children and others away from God. Known for her promotion of idolatry and her persecution of God’s prophets, she allowed her own desires and rebellion against God to shape her family’s path. Her son, Ahaziah, followed in her sinful ways, furthering the legacy of disobedience (2 Kings 1:2-4). Jezebel’s actions, driven by pride and manipulation, serve as a cautionary tale of the power a mother has to guide her children either toward or away from God.
Her story stands as a warning to all mothers about the impact of their choices. Jezebel’s rebellion against God affected not only her own life but also the lives of her children and her community. It highlights the importance of choosing to lead our families in the ways of the Lord, for the choices we make as mothers can have lasting consequences on the spiritual direction of our children.
Faith, Sacrifice, and God’s Provision in Motherhood
Motherhood often requires faith, sacrifice, and the constant trust that God will provide. The mothers in the Bible—Mary, Hannah, and Elizabeth—faced different challenges, yet they all placed their faith in God and experienced His provision in ways they could never have imagined. Their lives teach us that, even in the hardest moments, God is with us.
For mothers today, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet these stories show us that God is faithful. He hears our prayers. He knows our hearts. And He will provide what we need to fulfill our calling as mothers. The example of Jezebel also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of godly choices and the lasting effects they can have on our children and future generations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of faith and trust we see in the mothers of the Bible. We lift up every mother today who faces struggles. Strengthen their faith, provide for their needs, and remind them that You are always with them. Help them to trust You fully, just as Mary, Hannah, and Elizabeth did. And help us to learn from Jezebel’s story, remembering the influence we have on our children and the responsibility we bear in guiding them toward Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.