A Word of Encouragement for Single Moms
The other day I was watching a television report about single mothers in the U.S. As I listened to those women share their stories of financial struggle, loneliness, worry, and the challenges their children face, I was tempted to think things would probably never turn around for them.
But that's not true.
I know we're living in tough times, but God is a never-ending means of support for you, much as He was to Hagar, the first single mom mentioned in Scripture.
Genesis 21: 9-14 tells the story of a tumultuous family problem involving Isaac, the son God promised to Abraham in his old age, and Ishmael, his son born to Hagar. Though Abraham's wife, Sarah, was the one who originally suggested that her husband sleep with her maid, she later insisted that the son produced by that union and his mother be "cast out" of their home.
The Bible says Abraham placed the strap of the water bottle on Hagar's shoulders. The Greek translation of the word shoulder is shek-em', which means "place of burden." Like many of you, Hagar was left with the overwhelming responsibility of raising a child alone without the provision and protection of a father.
With no more water to drink, death seemed imminent for the boy and his mother--until God intervened.
"Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation," God said through the angel (Gen. 21:18).
Today the Father continues to reach out and help single mothers. He is not only a never-ending source of love, protection and provision; but His Son, Jesus, is living water for single moms who thirst for Him. Just when Hagar thought she and her son would die, God showed her a well of water located in the middle of the desert!
So don't feel defeated in your attempt to be a good mother to your children. Seek out other single moms in your church, neighborhood, apartment complex, work and other places and encourage one another.
I know from personal experience that if you have God, you have hope.
Valerie G. Lowe is the editor of spiritledwoman.com and associate editor of Charisma magazine. She is the founder of Keep the Faith Single Moms Ministry.
But that's not true.
I know we're living in tough times, but God is a never-ending means of support for you, much as He was to Hagar, the first single mom mentioned in Scripture.
Genesis 21: 9-14 tells the story of a tumultuous family problem involving Isaac, the son God promised to Abraham in his old age, and Ishmael, his son born to Hagar. Though Abraham's wife, Sarah, was the one who originally suggested that her husband sleep with her maid, she later insisted that the son produced by that union and his mother be "cast out" of their home.
The Bible says Abraham placed the strap of the water bottle on Hagar's shoulders. The Greek translation of the word shoulder is shek-em', which means "place of burden." Like many of you, Hagar was left with the overwhelming responsibility of raising a child alone without the provision and protection of a father.
With no more water to drink, death seemed imminent for the boy and his mother--until God intervened.
"Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation," God said through the angel (Gen. 21:18).
Today the Father continues to reach out and help single mothers. He is not only a never-ending source of love, protection and provision; but His Son, Jesus, is living water for single moms who thirst for Him. Just when Hagar thought she and her son would die, God showed her a well of water located in the middle of the desert!
So don't feel defeated in your attempt to be a good mother to your children. Seek out other single moms in your church, neighborhood, apartment complex, work and other places and encourage one another.
I know from personal experience that if you have God, you have hope.
Valerie G. Lowe is the editor of spiritledwoman.com and associate editor of Charisma magazine. She is the founder of Keep the Faith Single Moms Ministry.
posted by Valerie G. Lowe at
1:58 PM
3 Comments:
Thanks, Val. As a single mom who often finds herself frustrated and not knowing what to do, it helps to know that God has my back. I call to Him often for help and He has never, ever let me down. Thank you for your encouragement today. I needed it. BE BLESSED
Wow, Val...What a word.Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
~COME HELL OR HIGH WATER "I WILL STAND"~
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