Today's message at church was titled just this - "A Promise for Moms." The sermon notes were more of a letter to Moms from our Father, God. It was a very good message and one that I will hold on to forever. I think it is a good reminder for all the Mom's out there. So, I thought I would share it with you...(with some of my notes from the sermon - in purple).
Also - Happy Mothers, Day - Mom! You are the BEST Mom and Grandma out there! Thanks for being a great Mom and my best girl friend! :)
Now here is a letter to all Moms - from our Heavenly Father....
Dear Mom,
On this day set aside to honor you, there are a few things I would like you to remember.
1) When you suffer, I see you.
The verse that was referenced was Genesis 16: 6-8. In this passage Hagar was a Mom-to be. Things got so bad for her, that she left where she was at. She wasn't running to God - just running away from her situation. However, God knew where she was at and HE came to her. He called her by name and knew her very situation. What a great promise!
6 "Your servant is in your hands," Abram said. "Do with her whatever you think best." Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. 7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" "I'm running away from my mistress Sarai," she answered.
2) When you pray, I hear you.
In I Samuel 1:10-18 Hannah was unable to conceive for many years. She prayed and gave this situation to God. After praying fervently she felt peace about her situation. God not only listens, but he does something, too. It doesn't say how long it took, but in I Samuel 20 it says that she conceived a son! So, keep praying - God is listening and has a plan.
10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."
12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."
15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."
17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."
18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
20 So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, [a] saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."
3) I will give you:
Strength when you are tired!
29 He gives strength to the weary increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Wisdom when you are at a loss...
5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Joy through the ups and downs.
3May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I’m the only one who loves your kids more than you do, and I am always with them. – I love this!
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
God is always with us – so he is also always with our children.
And to relieve some of the pressure that you put on yourself, remember that I do not and will not condemn you.
We all fall short, but God is smiling over us. There is not condemnation for those that are in Christ (Romans 8:1)
I Promise!
With Love,
Your Father God
