Clinging to Grace in the Trenches of Motherhood

While motherhood is a beautiful gift, there are times when exhaustion or challenging circumstances can make it feel like a bit of a war zone. The everyday chaos that comes with spilled milk, dirty diapers and crying little ones–not to mention the laundry pile the size of Mt. Everest–can cause your heart to become a battlefield

Have you been there? Perhaps you are feeling like you are in the trenches of motherhood right now. If so, I can identify. I’ve been there too. Often.

I am not a Super Mom that can handle anything that is thrown my way. There are times I hide in the bathroom and cry in frustration, wondering how I’m going to make it through the day. How I am going the meet the demands of my spirited child when I feel so weary and unmotivated? In moments like these I am desperate.

Desperate for a break.
Desperate for encouragement.
Desperate for grace.

After reading Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe, I realized I am not the first (or last) mom to feel completely overwhelmed by the high calling of motherhood. With the raw honesty of a mama to three little ones and the wisdom of a seasoned mom of four grown children, Desperate was like balm to my worn-out soul. In humility, these godly women pointed to the only true Source of help and encouragement, while at the same time giving practical advice and suggestions for walking in joy and peace in our calling as mothers.

Looking back at those moments of desperation, I can see that it is during those seasons that the grace of God becomes the most real to me. When I can almost feel the arms of my Savior wrap around me and remind me that I am not alone in this journey called motherhood.

“Each of us has a story, but God, who originated the design of motherhood  is the expert advisor to whom we should turn. God has equipped us for every good work, and I am quite confident that He who designed this role to be so eternally significant is the one who is ready to help, support, instruct, and guide. He will provide all we need for the take He has given us to fulfill. But to hear from God we much become women of the Word and women who pray, so that His voice may lead us as we grow into this role with grace.”
-Sally Clarkson, Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe  (my emphasis)

Through the chaos of the day, there is a still, small voice that calms my heart if I choose to listen. ”My grace is sufficient, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a). Note: In context, this verse is God’s answer to Paul when he prays for a physical ailment to be taken away. However, I believe the principle can be applied to any type of difficulty or suffering.

God’s grace is sufficient for desperate moms. {Tweet this}

Sufficient to qualm our fears and insecurities.
Sufficient to use us, despite our imperfections.
Sufficient to strength us when we become weak and weary.

Leaning on this grace has allowed me to see the beauty in the challenges of parenthood. To marvel at the opportunities I have to watch God work in difficult situations. Clinging to this grace gives me the ability to take joy and delight in my role as a mother. I can cherish the moments I have with my daughter and recognize the blessing of her personality and temperament.

The next time you feel like you are deep in the trenches of motherhood with no way out, I encourage you to reach out to the All-Sufficient One. I believe you will find that allowing Him to work through you will give you the strength and endurance you need to be the mother He created you to be.

Get the Book. Join the Movement.

Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe has just been released today and, in my opinion, is a must-read book for mothers. It is full of practical advice, encouragement, and (most importantly) points moms to the most important Source of help–God.

Each chapter ends with Scripture and questions to ponder, as well as a code or URL to watch a video that goes along with the chapter, making it perfect for personal or group study. I highly recommend Desperate to all mothers, especially mamas of small children.

Read the book and join a community of women dedicated to promoting Biblical encouragement and physical help for moms everywhere. Check out desperatemom.com for more information. Also, there are several amazing giveaways (think massages, house cleaning, etc)  going on over there this week, so be sure to check them out!

How are you relying on God’s grace as a mother today?

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