A drink for weary mommas

Photo: Olivia Brant

This post is for the mommas who are tired.  This is for the momma who feels like she is not getting through; that she has failed. This one is for the momma who is begging for a break through; for just a tiny indication that her prayers are being heard. 

Momma, you have invested too much; spent too many sleepless nights in prayer; shed too many tears to give up now.  You have fought hard.  I know.  I know the loneliness you feel. The exasperation. You are just so tired.

 

Can I gently remind you that you were not meant to carry this?  I know I need the reminder. We were not cut out for this.  That's right.  Stop carrying the weight for being unable to do what only God can do.  Only He can change a heart.  Only He can heal.  Only He can take an impossible situation and make it possible.  Is it possible that you are fighting a battle that is not yours?  Is it time for you to let go and let God handle this?  Watch and see how He is going to work it out. 

I don't know your situation. I do know that nobody will love or pray for your children the way you do. So keep loving them. Keep praying for them. This story isn't over yet.

 

Are you perfect?  No.  Have you made mistakes?  Maybe.  I have.  Big mistakes.  Will you believe me when I say you are not a failure?  I'm not.  Because we are not quitters.  We are not alone.  We are all facing challenges.  I'm right there with you.  And God is with us.

Do you know the story of Hagar in the Bible?

Hagar and her son Ishmael have been cast out into the wilderness and their supply of food and water have run out.  She is in the desert.  Can you imagine?  Like Arizona in the summer during a drought.  She is tired.  The hot sun has drained her of all energy.  She is alone on this journey with her child and she has no idea how she is going to care for him.  Their future is uncertain. 

She is about to give up.  She places her son under a bush and goes about a bow's shot away, sobbing.  She does not want to watch him die. 

But God hears.  He always hears.

"What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."  - Genesis 21:17

Momma.  Don't be afraid.  God hears you.  He hears your children.

Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. - Genesis 21:19

That well was there the whole time.  Hagar had only go a bow's shot further to find it.  And to think she almost gave up.

You and I also have a well. 

"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” ... - John 7:37-38

It's crazy to die of thirst when there is a well within reach.  Maybe your eyes are weak today and you can't see beyond your circumstances.  Ask God to open them.  And then momma, get up, take your children by the hand and lead them to the Water.  Love your child.  Pray for your child.  Point your child to Jesus. 
Don't forget the times God has been faithful in the past.  He has brought you this far. Drink.

That well was not Hagar's first encounter with God.  He had been faithful to her at another well, about 14 years earlier when she had run away from her mistress Sarai, who had mistreated her. 

Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.”  The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son.  You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery ..." - Genesis 16:9-11

The encounter meant so much to Hagar that she named the well:

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. - Genesis 16:13, 14

You have a God who sees you struggling.  He hears your cries.  Lift your eyes and go to the well.  There is rest for your weary momma heart.