A Mother’s Impact on Her Children: A 3-Day Parenting PlanSample

Strength to Carry On

Our competence comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Every mother deserves our support and admiration, but the single mom (or dad) merits a double dose. She must locate available and safe child-care services, work for eight or more hours every day, pick up the kids, stop by the grocery store, then come home to cook dinner, wash the dishes, change the diapers, help with the homework, bathe the preschoolers, read a story, dry a tear, say a prayer, and tuck the kids into bed. Then, after perhaps twelve hours of such toil and mothering responsibilities, she must tackle the household chores. It’s an assignment that will overwhelm even the most skillful and dedicated parent. That’s why those of us in two-parent families must reach out in Christian love to single moms and their children.

No matter what your circumstances, Mom, your best avenue to success is daily dependence on the Lord. Without regular prayer and supplication on behalf of your children, your task is simply too daunting. When you’re feeling that one more runny nose or whiny cry will send you over the edge, lay your burdens at His feet. The “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3) will give you the strength to carry on.

Before you say good night . . .

• Do you know a single mother who needs encouragement and help?
• When you feel discouraged, do you turn to the Lord for solace?
• Do you regularly seek direction in Scripture?

Father of compassion and comfort, thank You for loving and caring for us! We know that no matter how difficult the journey, You are there to pick us up and point us in the right direction. Wrap us daily in Your arms as we do the same with our children. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Parents, used with permission.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1, ESV)

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps. 121:1-2, ESV)

“Words of Encouragement for Moms” (This article by Dr. Dobson is available on our website.)