“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
There is not a more powerful ministry anywhere than the ministry of a godly mother. The ministry of bearing children and raising them is difficult and challenging. It is hard. It is often thankless. It is not in the limelight. It often goes unrecognized. But a godly mother has the opportunity of impacting the next generation for the glory of God! When a godly mother teaches her children the Word of God, how to know God, the ways of God, and the truth of God and seeks to model that before them, she will equip her children with a foundation that will carry them and sustain them throughout the rest of their lives.
Timothy’s life had been profoundly impacted for the Lord by his mother and grandmother. It demonstrates the powerful influence a mother has on her children.
Timothy’s mother, Eunice, had no doubt been impacted by her mother Lois. Lois taught her son Timothy the importance of knowing the Lord and following the Lord. Three generations had been impacted by a godly mother! Timothy, no doubt, was used of the Lord to impact the lives of others for the Christ as he ministered alongside the Apostle Paul. Paul entrusted his ministry to Timothy when he knew that he would soon lose his life for Christ. Only eternity will reveal the full impact of Lois on her family. And her ultimate impact upon the world! The world never noticed it, but the Lord did!
And that is the most important thing to remember. The Lord sees what you do as a mother. He knows the sacrifices that you make. He is aware of the work that you do. He sees your frustrations, your disappointments, your challenges, and your tears. He knows your burdens and your concerns. But He also sees how you love and care for your children through all of it. It is important to remember that He entrusted you with the care of specific children! He designed you and gifted you for that purpose. And as hard as it can be at times, He knew that you could do it with His help!
James W. Black