The Influence Of Motherhood

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

Mothers can change the course of history. The Bible has many powerful mothers. Sarah gave birth to Isaac. She's mentioned in Hebrews 11 among the Heroes of Faith. She gave birth to what would later become the nation of Israel. Rebecca changed the world when she had a son named Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Then there was Leah, a mother who married a husband who didn't even love her. But she gave birth to Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, from which the law came. Moses came out of that tribe. So, she gave birth to the tribe of Judah. Out of an ugly marriage, this mother gave birth to the tribe through which the Messiah would come. You don’t have to have a perfect life to be a great mother who raises up world changers. Mothers of all walks can influence the next generation in profound ways that no one else can.

Hannah was the mother of Samuel. What if she had not travailed and prayed for a son? Her son was the one who had the discernment to spot David, an ordinary boy, and pour oil on him and say, "He's not a shepherd; he's a king.” Bathsheba raised an incredible son despite her circumstances. She didn't choose to be with David. He sent for her, she didn't have a choice. The guards went and picked her up and brought her to him. She gave birth to Solomon, who became known for his wisdom, power, and success. Her fingerprints were all over his life. Proverbs 31 is almost certainly written about her by her son, Solomon. He built the temple where God’s glory dwelt, and his mother’s influence was evident in everything he did. 

The Bible called James and John “Sons of Thunder.” Do you know why they are called that? Because they acted with boldness. They had a very strong mother. Can you picture this woman? The Bible said that crowds were surrounding Jesus and she just moved them out of her way. She grabbed Jesus and said (paraphrased), "Now I know you're building your kingdom, and when you build it, I want you to put John on one side and James on the other and give one the right hand and the left hand of power. You can choose which one gets the right hand, but I want my babies to be successful, and I want you to give them this.” She was bold and wanted the best for her babies. She had a mighty spirit of motherhood. 

Thank God for all these mothers and the roads they paved that impact us today. Where are you making a road? Your prayers make a road. Your example makes a road. Getting your family into a bible believing church makes a road. You're paving a road either closer to God or further from God. You're either making a road to be more like Him, or you're creating a road that is leading your family further away from Him. How much better is the world today because of these great matriarchs of the Bible? How many lives did those mothers impact? Even Jesus, when hanging on the cross, looked down at His mother and said, “Take care of her because she took care of me.” When a mother influences a child, she influences history.

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