The Bible is full of mothers who allowed God to use them to do extraordinary things.  I believe there is no mother more significant than Mary, the mother of our Savior Jesus Christ. She found herself entrenched in unimaginable circumstances.

Just like many of us.

Can you envision a teenage virgin receiving the news you are going to birth the Messiah? Or, how to credibly explain this revelation to the man you have yet to marry?

I suspect Mary struggled with her immense responsibilities. We often forget Mary had other children as well. I doubt any of us can comprehend what was surely a very unusual family dynamic. Mary and Joseph actually lost Jesus only to find him days later. Can you even imagine losing the young Messiah!?

God did not open up the heavens and rebuke them for their carelessness. Likewise, we should cut ourselves some slack when we fail in things far less significant.

Mary is also a great example of how to draw the potential out of our children. One of the first miracles Jesus performed was prompted by his mother.  When Jesus says “my hour has not yet come,” Mary is having none of it.

Instead, she told the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” Upon her  insistence, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding.

As parents, it is also our responsibility to speak to the potential in our children. This may mean IEPs, tutors, therapy, or simply opening ourselves up to new ideas. Whatever it takes, we must minister to the potential we know is there. Most people doubted Mary and many may doubt us as well. However, we must stand firm on whatever God leads us to do for them.

Lastly, Mary was there for Jesus through His trial. When she saw Him crucified, she didn’t leave Him. A mother’s love can endure and eventually find joy beyond the darkness.  

Everyone has some need.

Some needs are obvious. Others don’t manifest for years. Regardless, God equips us to do those things He calls us to do. Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus.

We’ve been chosen too…

Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me. Mark 9:37 NKJV

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:13 NKJV