Happy Mother's Day Honoring with Fulfilled Potential In honoring those who not only made it possible for us to live and breathe on the earth, but also cared for our development here, there are both common and unique representations of our treasured mothers. From diverse cultures, perspectives, and beliefs, there have been varied approaches to their loving care. However, as they have been equipped both naturally and spiritually, their sacrifice and passionate commitment of time, energy, and resources have had an eternal influence on our lives’ purpose. By acknowledging and treasuring their investments in the children they’ve believed in and cared for, their essential contributions are allowed to continue influencing. In the praise and worship of God for their amazing gifts, there is also an infusion of anointing on them and their calling. Motherhood never ends. It just evolves into ongoing opportunities to impart life that transcends the one they brought us into. From that life that began in total dependence on them, there is a transfer of that dependence to the One who gives life that will never end. Notes Bible Mothers 1. Hannah – Passion for Motherhood In her passionate prayer was a vow of complete dedication. 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (TLB) 10 She was in deep anguish and was crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made this vow: “O Lord of heaven, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you, and he’ll be yours for his entire lifetime, and his hair shall never be cut.” By giving Samuel to the Lord – his purpose was enabled before God. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (TLB) 27 I asked him to give me this child, and he has given me my request; 28 and now I am giving him to the Lord for as long as he lives.” So she left him there at the Tabernacle for the Lord to use. 2. Jochebed – Protective and Courageous From belief in son’s gifting, protected him till only God could – then… Exodus 2:1-4 (TLB) 1 (1-2) There were at this time a Hebrew fellow and girl of the tribe of Levi who married and had a family, and a baby son was born to them. When the baby’s mother saw that he was an unusually beautiful baby, she hid him at home for three months. 3 Then, when she could no longer hide him, she made a little boat from papyrus reeds, waterproofed it with tar, put the baby in it, and laid it among the reeds along the river’s edge. 4 The baby’s sister watched from a distance to see what would happen to him. 3. Sarah – Tenacity and patience in Abraham’s honor Though impossible – enabled God’s promise to her husband. Genesis 18:11-14 (TLB) 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were both very old, and Sarah was long since past the time when she could have a baby. 12 So Sarah laughed silently. “A woman my age have a baby?” she scoffed to herself. “And with a husband as old as mine?” 13 Then God said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14 Is anything too hard for God? Next year, just as I told you, I will certainly see to it that Sarah has a son.” 4. Elizabeth – In her own conception, became a mentor and comfort to Mary. In motherhood, she empowered and made possible the kingdom purpose of her’s and others’. Luke 1:39-42 (TLB) 39 (39-40) A few days later Mary hurried to the highlands of Judea to the town where Zacharias lived, to visit Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “You are favored by God above all other women, and your child is destined for God’s mightiest praise. 5. Mary (Mother of Jesus) – A Model of Faith and Surrender Natural equipping. An embrace of the impossible enabled grace for motherhood. Luke 1:38 (TLB) 38 Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” And then the angel disappeared. Supernatural anointing. Belief and obedience were long her nature because of her praise habit. Luke 1:45-47 (TLB) 45 You believed that God would do what he said; that is why he has given you this wonderful blessing.” 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how I praise the Lord. 47 How I rejoice in God my Savior! His purpose – hers. Anointed participation in the presentation of Jesus’ works. John 2:5 (TLB) 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you to.” They are honored by our fulfilled potential.