Daily Devotional

A mom’s work is never done! When my kids were pre-school age, I remember the complete and utter exhaustion.  I worked on the house, dinner and caring for my kids and hubby faithfully. But it was really hard at times. Sleep was a luxury. My plate of food was always cold and no matter how many times I picked up the clutter in the living room, behind me the kids were tearing it all apart. A mountain of laundry was a permanent fixture in the garage. I struggled to achieve some sense of accomplishment each day.
 
I worked so hard to be a good mom, but feared I was not. Every day was the same corrections, instruction, and training. In spite of my dear husband’s support, I was confused. I thought when you worked hard, you would see the progress. My efforts should produce fruit in my kids’ lives.
 
In addition, on Sundays, I worked in the nursery. On Wednesday night I worked in our children’s program. My home had a continuous flow of people because we lived next door to the church. My life belonged to everyone; my needs seemed last. Work was my life. In honest moments, I would say I hated work. Then one day I came across these Scriptures:
 
            Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
 
 Hebrews 6:10 - “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you  have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you do.”
 
These Scriptures gave me a new and true perspective:
 

• Work is God’s plan and it is good.
• Put my heart into my work because it is for the Lord.
• God sees my loving efforts and will bring the fruit in His time.
• With consistent work comes long-term results.

 
Through the years I have come to appreciate hard work. One of my greatest joys is to see that my kids have grown up to be beautiful women of God, inside and out. I did not see the fruit of my labor right away. In some cases, it took years. That’s okay. I know my best work is done when it is done for the Lord. Now, on to that mountain of laundry—for Jesus’ sake!

For Parents and Grandparents and Teachers:

1. Teach your kids that work is God’s idea. Even God works (Genesis 2:2).
2. Memorize Colossians 3:23 with your kids.
3. Remind your kids that God sees their effort.
4. Assign regular chores for your kids with a reward system in place.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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