After ten years of embarking on this journey of homemaking, I have no regrets. When I decided to pursue this call ten years ago, I received a lot of heat and negativity towards me and my husband’s decision. Looking back now, I remember it being a very difficult place to be in. It can be heartbreaking when family or the people you love most are not supportive of one of the greatest decisions you will ever make. I remember feeling so much pressure which often caused me to second guess myself. Was I really making the right decision? How were we going to survive on one income? What about my career that I had worked so hard towards? It’s so easy to go down a path of self-doubt and listen to all the negativity the world throws at us regarding the decision to be a stay at home mother or homemaker. It can be hard to drown out the loud voices that try to convince us that we are making a big mistake. I’ve realized that this unpopular road is often a narrow one and can sometimes feel lonely. Still, amidst all of the noise, I have learned to lean into that still small voice. The word of God. It has truly been my rock, my guide and defense in times that I’ve felt despised, overwhelmed and discouraged. One wise man once said that we should be able to find our job description in God’s word. As married women there are many things we can pursue in life, but I believe what truly pleases the Lord, is when we pursue his will for our lives. As married women, I believe that the scriptures clearly speak to what our focus should be in life.
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
According to Titus 2:4-5, our focus should be our homes, helping our husbands, and nurturing our families. Now how we make this happen, may not look the same for all families but regardless, it is important to acknowledge this. As women, we have a God-given responsibility to be a good help to our husbands, to care for our children and manage our homes well. Although our role as homemakers is often frowned upon by the mainstream, we should never despise the precious opportunity that God has gifted to us. The impact we have on those in our household can be lasting. This is why it must never be taken lightly.
Now for my stay at home mothers, and homemakers out there who are wondering if what they are doing is making a difference, I’m here to tell you that it is. If you think God chose the wrong woman to bring children into the world, I’m here to tell you that you are mistaken. If you feel weak, overwhelmed and as if you have no strength to carry on, I have great news, God's grace is sufficient for you and His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Rather than frown upon or despise our roles, our role as women ought to be embraced. The narrow road is not always the easy road, but it’s so encouraging to know that we never have to walk that road alone. You can have peace in knowing that you are living the life that the Lord has prepared for you, and that he is with you every step of the way.
At times it may feel challenging, or like you don't have all the answers to life’s problems. But know this. As long as you trust in the one who does have all the answers, you can be at peace, having complete confidence in his wisdom. Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” You see, God knew that if we never had a problem or that if we had all the answers to our problems, then we would never have to involve him in the process. And sisters, God knows that this call is far too great for us to pursue it without Him.
So ladies, I want to encourage you today to embrace your role with wide open arms, knowing that you can trust His providence, guidance and wisdom every step of the way.
Here are 5 Bible verses that will be a source of encouragement and uplift you from day to day as you serve God, while serving your families.
Titus 2:4-5
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
This scripture is where we can find our job description. It clearly states what our focus as young women should be. It also describes what mature Christian women should be doing. Although motherhood is very rewarding, it is definitely not a walk in the park. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, consistency and patience. Which is why it is so honourable for women who choose to devote themselves to the call. With that said, I believe this is why God calls mature Christian women to teach the younger women. God understood that we would need encouragement and support during, what can be, one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding times of our lives.
Proverbs 31: 25
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
The Proverbs 31 woman is known as one who wears many hats. Despite her many roles, scripture tells us that she looks well to the ways of her household. This verse underscores something very interesting. Scripture says that her rejoicing will be “in time to come” this points to some time in the future. Motherhood and homemaking are like planting an orchard. You plant and sew your seeds in faith. You labour by ensuring the seeds are planted in the right environment and receive the care they need to thrive. It’s not always easy, it can be hard work, but when done right, and as time passes, the seeds sewn will turn into small trees, and then eventually into bountiful trees that bring forth their fruit in due season.
Our families are a lot like orchards and we women can have a direct impact on how well they thrive.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
With all the responsibilities we women can carry from managing a home, and nurturing our families, it can at times feel exhausting and there will be days when we feel weary. But I love this passage of scripture, because it reminds me that at my weakest moments, I can still be my strongest, not through my own strength, but through His.
Colossians 3:23
”And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"
This scripture helps to prepare my heart and attitude and motivates me to serve willingly. When our focal point is God and pleasing him, it blinds us to the negative actions of others, and helps us to serve more consistently and lovingly, regardless of whether we feel our families are deserving of our service or not. We are not just serving our families because they need us to, we are serving them, because God has called us to it. And because he has called us to it, he should be at the forefront of our minds as we serve. All of our service should be unto him and be for His glory.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
This passage of scripture, speaks to the lasting impacts of our actions today. Don’t be fooled, the actions we take today can impact our families for eternity. With such a profound reality, we ought to make every effort to seize the day by serving our families in love. Knowing that our work is of great significance and surely not in vain.
