Last week we talked about being eternity minded and we can’t leave out our kids. How are we preparing them for the reality of this life as well as eternity? Even writing it sounds overwhelming. I’ve made so many mistakes as a young mom but as I knew better, I did better. Here’s the thing, it’s on the job training. We don’t go into it as experts. We need all the help we can get. Give yourself some grace for the mess-ups. We need to remember that God loves our kids more than we do and God says we can ask for wisdom. So, with that, I’ve been thinking about two moms in the Bible:

1. Jochebed: Moses’ mom. We know she was his mom from Ex.6:20 and Num.26:59. Exodus 2:1-10 tells the story of his birth. We know the story how Pharaoh wanted all the boy babies killed because Israel was growing in numbers.

“…When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” Exodus 2:2&3

Jochebed was from the Levite tribe (who were the priests of Israel) , so we know that she was a godly woman and feared God over man.

When I read her story, I am struck by the trust she must have had in God to be able to leave her child in a basket. I think of the things that could have gone wrong and I’m not sure I could have walked away.

But it often comes down to trust, doesn’t it? Can we truly give our kids to God? Do we really believe that His love far surpasses our own?

We see later in Exodus 2:8-10 that the Pharaoh’s daughter gave Moses back to Jochebed to nurse and take care of him. I wonder what she spoke to him in the quiet of those hours nursing and playing. She must have poured out the story of Israel and about God. It was in his heart even when he grew up in a completely different culture and influence.

We see in Exodus 2:11 that Moses knew the Hebrews were his people.

Our kids will make their own choices and some will have us shaking in our boots. Look at Moses, he killed an Egyptian and ran away (Ex.2:11-15). I think Jochebed kept trusting and praying.

Jochebed shows us: how to completely trust God for His plan in their lives; how to prepare our kids for all they are going to face in the world, in school, with friends, with enemies, with social media.

We need to remember that God’s kingdom is upside down from the world’s and following God is not always popular or culture friendly. But God will give us the strength and wisdom on how to protect our kids and prepare them for what they will face.

2. The mom of James and John: Matthew 20 tells us how she went to Jesus and asked if they could sit on either side of His throne. I see in her our desire to want the best for our kids, to have them succeed in life.

I think this can be a warning for us to be careful how we push our kids. We need to be taking the time to understand our kids and what God had put in them specifically.

Jesus says two important things:
1. He asks them if they can handle what He is going to be walking through. (Matt. 20:22) Are we asking too much of kids and placing them in situations they are not able to handle?
2. Jesus talks about the importance of serving over being first or viewed as superior to others. (Matt. 20:27) There is nothing wrong with succeeding and being good at something, God gave us talents to be used for His glory. Are we also teaching how to be humble and serve others?

I love the definition of humility as being known for who we really are. The things we are good at, as well as, the things we struggle with.

We need to fully prepare our kids and not just tell the good stuff. As we let them make choices, we can help them navigate their way through it. Listen, I know, this can be nail-biting and hard, but what a great way for us to practice trusting God. We can’t model it if we don’t believe it and live it.

So whether you are a parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, friend or teacher we need to trust God and get His wisdom as we pray and prepare our kids.

I hope you have a very awesome day!
All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

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