Lately, I’ve been reading in Acts. Luke wrote this book about the journeys of Paul, while traveling with him. In Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas return to Lystra and are “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God’ they said.”
We need strengthening as God’s disciples to remain true to Him even when the everyday gets hard. I am talking about our everyday ordinary life. God knows we need strengthening in our mothering, house-keeping, loving our husband, shopping, on and on. There should be no surprise that it is going to be tough and the road will seem long, yet Christ is both our prize at the end of our race, as well as the rhythm of our race.
As we encourage our disciples, we need to strengthen them for the hardships as well as encourage them to remain true to the faith. Our little ones will one day face this world on their own. It is our job to prepare these hearts to run leaning on God’s strength, always looking to Him their hope of glory. Their race is tough too. It is hard to obey and constantly fight the battle within to get their own way. But these hardships are to be expected. Keep strengthening and encouraging them to win the race.
Acts 20: 28-29 reminds me that my children are the flock God has given me to oversee. In my sheppard role I must remain alert to the wolves trying to devour my flock. These sheep depend on me to be alert to the dangers creeping in and to alert them, as well as chase the evil away. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…………savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.”
Be strengthened and encouraged Mom to strengthen and encourage your flock!