“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (ESV)

I stared at the days-old leftovers in the fridge — looking more like a science experiment than something that once was edible — and the tears began to flow. It had been one of those weeks. One where I was reminded of my shortcomings and inadequacies as a mom around every corner.

The kids were bickering, the house was a mess, and I was barely staying afloat with my chronic pain. All I could hear were the whispers, You’re such a failure as a mom. Everyone has it together except for you.

As I wiped away the tears, my son asked if I was OK. I didn’t have the words to explain what was wrong, so I quickly replied, “I’ve just had a hard week.”

Much to my dismay, my son immediately responded, “Mom, you work so hard for us, and we rarely show you how much we appreciate it. Come on — Eli and I are going to take care of you.”

They grabbed my daughter’s toy foot spa, brought down their beanbag chair, and rubbed my shoulders as they tried to encourage me.

At that moment, it was as if God was saying, Sarah, I see you — your imperfect efforts, fears, worries and insecurities. And I’m using the very children you think you’re failing to remind you that I’m at work in ways you can’t see. My grace is greater than your failures, sins and shortcomings as a mom.

God knew I needed the reminder that He gave me children not because He expects me to be a perfect mother but because He wants me to be a vessel that points them to a perfect Savior.

And I imagine I’m not the only one who needs that reminder daily. If you're a mom, God didn’t give you your children and circumstances because He thought you could juggle a million plates without dropping any. No, He entrusted these precious children to you and me to draw us into dependence on Him. And as we fall on our knees in humble dependence, His grace, wisdom and strength will meet us right where we are.

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6).

Sister, if you’re feeling the weight of your shortcomings as a mom, rest in this — His grace is enough for you today. Bring your weaknesses, insecurities and sin battles to the Lord, whose grace and forgiveness are always greater. And as you lean on your Savior’s grace, you will become a conduit of that grace into the lives of the precious little ones you’ve been entrusted with.

Yes, we will fall short as moms every single day. But praise God that He gives more grace.

Lord, I long to love and lead my children well but so often fall short of being the mom I desire to be. Thank You that Your grace is greater than my inadequacies. Help me rest in that truth today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

For more practical encouragement in motherhood from a mother/daughter team of authors, grab a copy of Sarah Walton and Linda Green’s new book, He Gives More Grace: 30 Reflections for the Ups and Downs of Motherhood Through the Years.

For encouragement in the difficulties of life, you can grab a copy of Sarah’s bestselling book Hope When It Hurts.

ENGAGE

If you’d like to connect with Sarah, you can follow her blog at Setapart.net or on Instagram at @sarahpwalton.

To connect with Linda, you can follow her blog at Chosenandcalled.com.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of He Gives More Grace by Sarah Walton and Linda Green. To celebrate this book, Sarah and Linda’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Tuesday, January 16, 2024.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 103:14, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (ESV).

What is one weakness, insecurity or struggle that you can bring to Jesus today to receive His grace, wisdom and rest?

© 2024 by Sarah Walton. All rights reserved.

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