Encouragement for "Singles"

Hi "Single" Ladies! This is a note of encouragement to everyone who feels like they are spiritually single in their homes. As we are called to teach our children about God and His Ways, sometimes it seems really hard when you are the only one in the house making the effort. This week in Mom Time, Shelley encouraged us through the story of Timothy, as in 1 and 2 Timothy in the New Testament. He was a young pastor that Paul was encouraging in his ministry. Timothy's faith in Jesus Christ was instilled in him through his mother and grandmother. Other texts confirm that his father was into idol worship and other religions of the day. In our day, that might look like a workaholic dad who is only concerned about bringing home a paycheck for his family, looking to the short term instead of the eternal, or perhaps a dad who was raised with "religion" and doesn't understand the need for relationship. Either one can make for a discouraging atmosphere as you seek to instill the Lord's wisdom instead of the world's in your kids.

The second word of encouragement concerns Paul, the author of 1 and 2 Timothy, as well as many of the letters in the New Testament. This is the same Paul, formerly known as Saul, who held the coats for the men who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This is the same man who went from house to house, dragging Christians off to prison. The Lord converted him in a mighty way, taking Saul's passion for persecuting the church and turning it into a passion for serving Jesus Christ.

If there is someone in your life that seems like a really tough nut to crack, take heart. Remember that no heart is too hardened for God to soften. Cover that person with your prayers, asking the Lord to turn that person's life to Him. Never stop showing, through your own example, how God changed the direction of your life. Don't decide that it is hopeless. That denies the power that belongs only to God.

We serve a mighty and powerful God, who has all things in His hand, in His timing. As you strive to do the best for your kids, hang onto Isaiah 40:31 which says, "But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Take heart, ladies, you are never alone.