Encouragement for Today

May 7, 2024 Entrusting Our Children to God’s Faithful Care ELIZABETH LAING THOMPSON Lee en español

“When [Jesus’] family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’” Mark 3:21 (NIV)

Every mother has a moment (or 10) when she thinks, My kid is in trouble. I’m stepping in to save the day. Even Mary the mother of Jesus had such a moment — when Jesus was in His 30s!

Early in Jesus’ ministry, His influence expanded rapidly — and controversially. Scripture tells us, “Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind’” (Mark 3:20-21, NIV).

I picture the scene unfolding something like this:

One of Jesus’ brothers tells Mary, “Jesus is gathering huge crowds, stirring up controversy — and, Mom, He’s too busy to eat.”

Mary’s eyes narrow. “He isn’t eating? He’s taking this too far. Let’s bring Him home.”

The Gospel writer Mark tells us when Jesus’ family arrived, He was mid-sermon. Rather than stop preaching, Jesus reminded His listeners — and His family — of His purpose. He said, “Who are my mother and my brothers? … Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:33-35, NIV).

I wonder how Mary felt hearing those words. Years earlier, a prophet had warned that though Mary’s son would be great, a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). Perhaps this was one of those soul-piercing moments.

Jesus reminded Mary that He had a higher purpose, and God’s will came first. Perhaps Mary had expected her son to pursue an earthly crown, but that wasn’t God’s will. Jesus knew His path would instead lead to earthly conflict, criticism and a cross.

Being close to Jesus — being family with Jesus — meant embracing God’s will no matter how difficult it felt. Mary had to face her fears and entrust her son to God’s care.

This year, I understand Mary’s struggle more than ever before. My oldest child, my miracle baby — God’s gift to us on Christmas night of 2005 after years of infertility — is graduating high school. Like Mary, I am watching my child step into adulthood and pursue God’s purposes independently.

Every mother faces transitions like this, moments when our motto must change from “save the day” to “pray all day.”

Like Mary, we may watch our children walk paths we wouldn’t have chosen.

Like Mary, we may watch our children endure difficulty or pain.

Like Mary, we may long to hold them close rather than let them go.

But best of all, like Mary, we can trust that God has known our children since before we did. He has loved our children since before we did. He has a purpose and will for their lives. Even when we aren’t holding our kids’ hands, their heavenly Father is. Even when we have to let our children go, God never does.

Father, Your will is good, and Your heart is trustworthy. Please give me peace as I entrust my loved ones to Your care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Elizabeth shares about trusting God through infertility and other life detours and delays in her book When God Says, “Wait.”

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Luke 1:46-49, “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name’” (NIV).

How has God cared for your children or loved ones when you couldn’t be there yourself, and how does it build your trust to remember those moments? Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. All rights reserved.