Resilient mothers

The dictionary definition of resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Heb 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”

Heb 12:1-3 tpt

1As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.

2We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!

3So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures.

A resilient mom keeps her eyes on Jesus at all times vs 1

A. she looks to Jesus for Help

Ps 121:1 “I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there?”

B. The Source of a Mother's Strength (Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

A. Understanding that strength and resilience comes from God

B. Stories of biblical mothers who exhibited resilience (e.g., Hannah, Mary)

C. Practical ways for mothers to draw strength from God daily -Write down your thoughts and reflections on a daily basis

Prayer and fasting are key ways to connect with the Holy Spirit

2. A resilient mom has crazy faith

A. Crazy Faith: Thoughts or actions that lack reason but trusting fully in what you cannot explicitly prove

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV): Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

B. Relationship Between Hope and Faith: Faith is rooted in hope and hope is the gasoline that fuels faith

c. Faith works in reverse; whatever you have hope for, you’re building confidence in.

Formula of Faith: Intellectual Agreement + Trust = Faith

Intellectual Agreement: Believing something to be trueTrust: Actually relying on the fact that something is true

Many people can say that they believe in Jesus being God (Intellectual Agreement) but few will put weight on it (Trust)

EX.) You know that a small chair can hold you as much as a bigger chair, but you put more weight in the larger chair than the smaller chair

EX.) Not following God’s will because we chose to believe and put weight on our own plans

Faith isn’t only believing in God, but also believing and trusting God’s will in your life

Faith is:

In the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the Old Testament in Christian traditions), the concept of faith is multifaceted and doesn't have a direct one-to-one translation. Here are a few key Hebrew words that relate to the concept of faith:

1. **Emunah (אמונה)**: This is often translated as "faith," but it also has connotations of steadfastness, stability, and reliability. It's about trustworthiness and faithfulness, rather than belief without proof.

2. **Bittachon (בטחון)**: This word is often translated as "trust" or "confidence" and is about a deep sense of security and reliance, often in God. It's a trust that comes from a relationship and experience, not a blind faith.

3. **Yachal (יָחַל)**: This term often gets translated as "hope" or "wait." It implies a sense of expectation and trust in God's promises.

In the context of the Hebrew Bible, faith is more about a trusting relationship and faithful action rather than mere intellectual belief. It's about trusting God and being reliable in one's commitment to God's commandments.

The confidence in who God is

The hope for what God has for you

The assurance in what God did He will do again

We have to put our whole weight in what God has for us.

Live your life on the limb for God!

3. A resilient mom finds joy in any moment, you might ask, what exactly is 'crazy faith'? Crazy faith is believing against all odds. It's trusting in God's plan even when things seem impossible. It's the kind of faith that a mother has when she prays for her child, even in the darkest of times. A resilient mom with crazy faith doesn't just hope for the best, she believes in it.

a.

4. A resilient mom extends mercy and tenderness

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4 – "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

The Hebrew word for "mercy" is "רחמים" (Rachamim). This word is derived from the root "רחם" (Rechem), which means "womb," indicating the depth of caring and compassion associated with this term. Rachamim is often used in the context of divine mercy in religious texts. It signifies a deep and profound sense of compassion, kindness, and love, often associated with forgiveness and leniency.

a. Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. A resilient mom extends mercy, not just to her children, but to all those around her.

Scripture Reference: Luke 6:36 – "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

As a mother, it can be challenging to always show mercy, especially when we feel wronged or hurt. However, we are called to extend mercy as God has shown mercy to us. This might look like forgiving a child who has made a mistake, or showing compassion to a struggling friend or family member.

B. Tenderness is a gentle, caring, and kind nature. A resilient mom extends tenderness to her children and to those around her, even amidst the toughest of circumstances. This is a mom who does not give.

The Hebrew word for "tenderness" is "רכות" (Rakut). This term is used to convey a sense of gentleness, kindness, or a soft touch, much like its English equivalent. It is often associated with physical tenderness but can also refer to emotional gentleness or kindness.

Colossians 3:12 – "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and

As a mother, demonstrating tenderness can be difficult when facing trials, but it's an essential aspect of Christian love. Show tenderness by responding to your children's needs with gentleness and understanding, and by being there for them in times of hardship.