loving people to the point of life: Jesus Christ

Purpose in the Small Things
Heather Jones

So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved. Always be outstanding in
the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

God chooses to do BIG, amazing things at times – unexplainable BIG, amazing things. He heals broken relationships. He brings belief to an unbeliever. He grants life to a barren womb. He restores health against unfavorable odds. He frees the bondage of addiction. He is certainly the God of BIG things!

But motherhood can “feel” like a bunch of small things – unimportant, unnoticed small things….wiping up milk from the floor, putting a band-aid on a scraped knee, driving a carload to soccer practice or changing a diaper. It can seem mundane and many times leaves a mom “feeling” unappreciated and purposeless in her efforts.

If you know this feeling, you are not alone. I’m with you. I have gone through ups and downs throughout my 7 years as a mom of “feeling” purposeless in the small things. Does singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” for the 20th time today really matter in this moment?

With 3 children, ages 6 and under, in my home, someone is always in need of something. The 2-year-old needs his diaper changed, the 5-year-old is hungry, the 6-year-old wants a glass of lemonade, the 2-year-old needs his diaper changed again, the 5-year-old is hungry again, now the 6-year-old is hungry, the 2-year-old needs some milk…now everyone is hungry! Some days it’s a constant cycle of meeting everyone’s needs – one small thing at a time.

Allow me to propose a thought: Motherhood is a BIG, amazing thing God chose to do that is made up of seemingly small things. It is a life-long compilation of small tasks and intentional moments that make up a BIG God-ordained purpose for the life of a mother. Every “just because” hug, every need that is met, every memory that is made and every small task that we do as mothers provides an opportunity for us to reflect Jesus to our children. We reflect Him in our attitude as we wipe up the spilt milk, our joy as we meet their daily needs and our patience as we correct and discipline. The work of a mother is good and purposeful for eternity when the small things are viewed to be a work for the Lord.

But as with many things in life, our “feelings” can overshadow this truth.

God obviously knew this would be a struggling point for us because Scripture speaks to separating what we are “feeling” from what is actually true and wise according to His Word. As moms, it can “feel” like the day-to-day tasks are insignificant but “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). So, “if our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things” (1 John 3:20).

Be encouraged, Mama! The work that you do day-to-day matters. The small things add up to a greater picture and purpose God has given you, as a mother, to nourish and train your children up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6).  So, “do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Because the truth is, He is God of ALL the things!

Let’s talk about it….

  1. Recall a time when you have felt purposeless in your day-to-day job as a mom. What lie were you believing? What is a verse that you can remember as Truth the next time you feel this way?
  2. What are some of the small tasks you do as a mom every day? Take some time and pray that you would view each small task as eternal work for the Lord.
  3. What is a BIG, amazing thing you have seen God do in your life or a life of a loved one? (Besides making you a mama! 😊) Praise Him for the unexplainable and awesome work He has done!