Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Motherhood is NOT defined by the physical aspects of giving birth only

Psalm 113:9 

In tribal society a woman’s “status” was defined by the number of children/sons she brought into the world.
A Mother displays the glory of God through her every being-ie , Character,  competencies, dedication, selflessness, patience and the raising of her children . 
Barrenness is not an impossibility to God.
Sarah was one of the many women who experienced a miracle.  
God promised Abram that Sarah will be the Mother of all nations, but it was only realized through the third generation-Jacob and Rachel.
Rachel was a woman who overcame the challenge of barrenness through the birth of Joseph and Benjamin. Unfortunately she died while giving birth to Benjamin.
Joseph’s two sons Ephraim and Manasseh received a double blessing from Jacob.
Read Genesis from Chapter 29 to Chapter 49

Excellence
Her success as a mother is evident through the life of Joseph, who became a powerful, influential ruler in Egypt.
Joseph was able to resist the sexual temptations that Potiphar’s wife made towards him. 
He had the Spirit of God in him and was therefore wise and discerning in governance and the interpretation of dreams. 
He prospered during adversity because of a good attitude and God’s favour on him
Do whatever your hands find to do, with excellence.
Do it as unto the Lord, not for praises from people/children/family. 

Extraordinary
She was not exempted from pain and problems in her life, but she handled her situations and challenges in a dignified and graceful manner at times and sometimes not.
She experienced great emotional turmoil at times 
Laban, her dad, married her sister (Leah) off to Jacob; before she could marry him
This led to insecurities; envy toward Leah.
She got angry and sad at times
She protected her family ‘s financial well-being  and future
What is extraordinary about Rachel’s story is that her son, Joseph came to the Hebrew nation’s rescue during the famine. 
She prepared him for this role as leader during his childhood. Mothers have the privilege to lay 
the foundation in a child’s life like a value system. 
She is highly regarded by the Jewish nation, even though Leah was Jacob’s first wife. 

Example
Rachel must have raised Joseph by setting the example this is why he made such a remarkable impact wherever he found himself.
He in return, influenced and raised his 2 oldest sons-Manassah and Ephraim to be leaders of great nations.
When Jacob met them, he adopted them as his own; and blessed them with a double blessing.
She did not only have a beautiful appearance, but was beautiful from within too.
She was willing to risk her life to make Jacob a happy and proud father-.

There are numerous children, without parents/mothers .Likewise, there are numerous parents who cannot have children. 
Child-headed households in South Africa are becoming a norm in some communities.
Some children may have biological mothers, but they are failing in their roles as caregivers, nurturers, teachers, mentors and Intercessors. 

Conclusion
God can make any woman a happy mother; even if she is barren.
He can do so by giving her a baby of her own or he can give her adopted children to care for.
Ways in which a Mother can represent Christ through :
Setting the example when raising her children (her own or as a Surrogate Mother) to be caring, well-balanced, God-fearing individuals.
Whatever she puts her time and energy to, is done in excellence
By being  extraordinary through her personality and diligence in following His Commands
Motherhood is not defined by the physical aspect of giving birth only, but by a woman’s 
emotional, spiritual and mental input in someone else’s life.



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