Editor's note: In an effort to reach out to single mothers in the Body of Christ, Crosswalk is posting a series of articles by Hope & Help for the Single Mom based on their CD set 21 Principles of a Healthy Single Mom. For more information or to purchase the full CD set visit www.hope4singlemoms.com.
A single mom e-mailed me telling me about her life. She said she felt like God's throw away. Her finances are few and she can't afford a decent place for her and her children to live. Even though she has been praying for a Christian husband, she feels like the Lord does not think she is good enough for one. The only way she can describe her life right now is doom and gloom. She sees no hope for the future.
Unfortunately, that is the case for many single moms. We are faced with so many situations that can, if we let them, leave us feeling hopeless. There is usually a lack of finances, court cases, child custody issues, decent housing issues, child care issues; loneliness, this list goes on and on.
We have a choice though to focus on our situation, or focus on Gods truth. What does God say we should do in regards to hope? Ecclesiastes 9:4 says; "Anyone who is among the living has hope." If you are reading this, you are alive and you are to have hope!
It is too easy as a single mom to put our hope in the wrong things due to some of the situations we face. Due to the financial challenges some single moms face, we put our hope in money, thinking that if we have enough finances, everything will be better. Or we put or hope in a new husband, thinking that if someone can take care of me, I will be ok. Putting our hope in the "if only" is a very dangerous place to be for we are not focusing on reality. This kind of focus also drives us to be self-centered instead of God-centered.
What are we to put our hope in as a single mom? Psalm 131:3 says; "Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore." God is asking us as single moms to put a quiet trust in Him and Him alone. When we are able to strip away our pride that keeps us focused on ourselves and put a quiet trust in God, we find peace and contentment, nestled in the arms of our ever loving Father.
What does God say will happen to us as we put our hope in Him? Isaiah 40:31 says; "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."
When a single mom will put her hope in the Lord, she will find strength for action beyond human expectation, even when she feels lifeless. Job 14:7 says; "At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. " When we put our hope in God, no matter how far life has knocked us down, new life begins with God, new strength comes to you, and new victories will come to you when you hope in God.
A single mother that has accepted Jesus Christ was called to have hope in Him. Ephesians 4:4 says; "There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope." Jesus tells us that if we love Him, we will obey him. Today, choose to obey Him and have hope for yourself and your children.
21 Principles of a Healthy Single Mom offers meaningful messages, helpful advice and loving encouragement for every single mom. To inquire about and order the CD packages, call 1-888-430-HOPE, or visit the website at: www.hope4singlemoms.com.
Dr. Charles Stanley says of the 21 Principles:
"If a single mom will follow these 21 Principles, there is no way for her to fail. She will watch herself grow in her own strength and abilities and become more confident as the leader of her home.
The 21 Principles of a Healthy Single Mom is a practical asset for single mothers to apply specific, workable, successful guidelines to her life."
Receive weekly support and inspiration by joining the Crosswalk Single Moms Connection. To join, click here.