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Moving Onward

In 2013, 23-year-old Christian aid worker Kayla Mueller was taken captive by ISIS while serving in war-torn Syria.

Others were held captive with her and later escaped. They reported that her treatment was brutal in every way imaginable; but that her faith, courage and compassion were unwaveringly demonstrated.

When others planned an escape, she refused to join, certain that being the only American would endanger their chances.

After her death was confirmed in 2015, Kayla’s family released her final handwritten letter. She wrote, in part:

“I have come to a place in experience where, in every sense of the word, I have surrendered myself to our creator b/c there was literally no one else… by God + by your prayers I have felt tenderly cradled in freefall. I have been shown in darkness, light + have learned that, even in prison, one can be free. I am grateful." - Kayla Mueller

It is difficult to imagine what it must have been like for Kayla's parents to let go when she announced she was going into a war ravaged region to serve God's purposes. Kayla had no guarantees, nor did her mom or dad. What they did have, was the confident faith to move onward in trusting God.

In serving Him, Kayla surrendered her life. Yet her letter proves the truth that God was with her and doing a good work until the day she saw Jesus face to face. Even in that terror filled situation, she was gently cradled by God's good care, surrounded by darkness but living in the light of His purpose and love.

As God completed what He began through a faithful mom, Marsha Mueller would later attest:

"Kayla taught me so many things as her mom. She’s still teaching us."

REFLECT

• How does this story challenge your understanding of God's goodness in caring for our children at all times?

THE MOVE OF SEPARATION

After letting go of Moses as a baby, and then seeing him as a grown man stand with his people, Jochebed had to let go once more when her son became a prodigal of sorts.

READ

Exodus 2:11-15 NLT

11 Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. 12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.

...Then Moses was afraid, thinking, “Everyone knows what I did.” 15 And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian.

We can imagine the heartbreak Jochebed must have felt at hearing that her son had committed murder. Did she fear all the hopes she had for him would now be gone forever?

Before, she had been separated from him culturally, as a slave was separated from the ruling class. He was a son living in another household - but at least he was near. In this new and uncertain season, he would be distant from her in every way - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

REFLECT

• What emotions do you think she felt?
• What doubts about God's goodness might she have had? What experience/truths did she have to combat those doubts?
• What doubts about her own mothering do you think she might have experienced?
• What things might she have prayed for her son after his rash act and departure?
• What might she have prayed for herself?
• Have you ever been a prodigal?
• How did God continue to work in your life in that season?

ONE MORE THING

• God is always teaching us, even as we teach our children. As Kayla's mom learned from her daughter, what are you learning from God through your children?

THE MOVE OF TRUST

The Bible record does not tell us the rest of the story from Jochebed's side, although we get great detail about the rest of Moses' story. We can however, make some sound assumptions.

Through all the separations from Moses, Jochebed was still the hands-on mother to Miriam and Aaron. She did not stop doing all that she knew to do while she waited for God's purposes in her son's life to unfold.

Miriam's and Arron's lives are a testament to her full engagement as a mom who partnered with God to train up her children as long as she was able.

When she was no longer able, the lessons and the love she invested were entrusted into God's hand to carry forward. She could no longer cradle her children in her arms, but God could!

READ

Consider the words of Moses, the son who returned to God and to his people 40 years after fleeing in sin, to guide others in following the Lord. (Exodus 2 - Deuteronomy 34) Near the end of his own life, this was what he knew for sure.

Deuteronomy 3:22 NIV

Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 NIV

Be strong and courageous ... The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

REFLECT

• When have you experienced God "fight for you" in your life?
• How do you need God to fight for your child today?
• In what way does knowing that God promises to never leave or forsake your child (Hebrews 13:5) give you comfort and confidence?
• Is there any way God is leading you to let go as a mom and trust Him today?