promises to moms

Isn't it so true that everything that seems good and right to us naturally can often be not so good or the right thing at the right time when we are walking by the Spirit of God? I love being active, healthy, productive, etc. But lately (more often than not these past months), I am seeing with new eyes how God uses my sickness, weakness and sometimes loneliness to bring Him glory and stir my heart to worship. The Lord surely has a special place in His heart for mothers of young ones. He knows our weaknesses and struggles and has many amazing promises in His Word for us. Today the Lord reminded me of many powerful words He has spoken over us as moms.

Isaiah 40:29 "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

To me, this encourages me when Giselle wakes up from her nap early (thus my nap is cut way too short!) and I feel like I don't have strength to get her, hold her, feed her, entertain her... yet, He really is there, giving me that power.

Isaiah 49:15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..."

To me, this means that when I do not come daily before the Lord in prayer and reading of His precious word, He still is near to me and will be faithful to me. He delights in me whether I'm delighting in Him or not. I need not feel condemned when I sin, but rather rejoice at His willing forgiveness!

Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the paths of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

To me, this says, 'kate, don't look for joy in what you have, how you feel, how you look or how you would like to spend your time...rather, look for joy in Me, and you WILL find FULLNESS of JOY!' I guess what I'm learning is that God uses all our circumstances to draw us closer to Himself and for our good. I would rather have more physical strength, feel healthy, get tons done during the day and sleep well every night, but God is so near to me and showing me such beauty in Himself that I'll take this time of weakness and be THANKFUL! He is my perfect Physician and faithful Heavenly Daddy.