Hope When Motherhood Is Hard: A 5 Day Devotional Sample

My daughter loves a secret, especially if it is about Christmas or an upcoming birthday. Her eyes sparkle, and a grin stretches across her face as she puts her finger to her lips and nods her head in a knowing way. She promises not to say a word to her older brothers about a package she spies on our front porch. Can you relate to her joy? How would you like to learn a secret about following Jesus in your trials? It’s the secret of contentment.

The apostle Paul faced numerous hurdles of his own, and this is what he wrote to the Philippian church: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Phil. 4:11–12). Moms who suffer know what it is to be brought low. We understand sorrow, wordless prayers, sleepless nights, and overflowing tears. We’re familiar with need—whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, or some other kind. But do we know what it is to be content? Have we learned Paul’s secret? It’s right there in verse 13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Paul learned contentment. Not overnight, but over time. So don’t feel pressured to figure out this secret soon. But here is more hope and comfort for you: no matter how much mom life does or doesn’t look the way you imagined it would, you too can learn the secret of contentment. It might seem like a lofty goal, but it isn’t unattainable. Through Christ, you and I can do all things—even suffer as moms and help our suffering children—through Christ who strengthens us. This is the secret to contentment in our motherhood trials, and it has everything to do with sticking close to Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does it comfort you to know that, in Christ, you have everything you need for your motherhood trials?

2. How is God calling you to abide in his love in the middle of your difficulties?

This plan was written by Katie Faris, author of God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood from Crossway.