Mothering and Ditch-Digging

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watched over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." Psalm 127:1

I love this in regard to our children coming to know the Lord. It does not all depend on me and what I do or do not do that will lead my children to fully understanding Jesus loves them and is their Savior. The Spirit and the Lord must be at work in them! (Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:6) Especially, since Solomon doesn't suggest that the builder stop the building process or the watchmen abandon his post, but that their efforts alone are not enough! er.

She goes on to say, "When Joram become king of Israel he faced a problem. He and his allies decided to cross the desert to surprse Mesah, a king refusing to give him tribute. After a week's travel, they found themselves in deep trouble: no water. In desparation they sought God's help.

'Make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your catttle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also hand Moab over to you. 2 Kings 3:16-18)

God gave Joram's team a part in solving their problem. Their part was digging the ditches, which is hard, unromatic work. But they were party to a miracle. The water came, and Moab was defeated.

Mothering is like ditch-digging. As mothers we can do nothing to persuade or convince our children to love God. We can dig the ditches, but we can't fill them. We can teach our children about God, pray for them, life the Christian life before them, and expose them to others who love and serve God. But only God can give them spiritual life. God doesn't need our help, but in His soverign plan He invites us take part actively-to colabor with Him as He works in their lives. "

I don't know about you, but I actually find that both freeing and challenging. It challenges me to continue my priority to pray for my children and doing my part in digging the ditch! I am thankful for you mothers who are also digging and spurring me on in love and good deeds in our mothering!