For Christian moms and grandmothers . . .

Today’s devotions are dedicated to all moms and grandmothers, including me, and especially those who are or have been married to unbelievers. God gives a huge boost of encouragement with these verses.

The Apostle Paul has a working relationship with Timothy, a young pastor who is well-spoken of in many passages in the New Testament. One of the most revealing is in Acts:

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1)

In Christian circles, it seems that Timothy’s parents were ‘unequally yoked’ — that is, his mother believed in Jesus the Messiah, but his father probably didn’t. If he did, this verse very likely would have said so. His mother would have some difficulties in this relationship. In my experience, being the wife of an unsaved husband is not only a challenge, it also adds problems to raising children. In that culture, the men were far more ‘head of the family’ than now, but even now if a wife wants to teach her children about Jesus and the husband is opposed, the home will have some tension. Timothy’s mother would need much wisdom to raise her son in faith. Where did her wisdom come from?

The answer is in Paul’s second letter to Timothy where he notes some history about this young man . . .

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5)  . . . and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

Timothy’s mother was raised by a Christian mother, his grandmother. She may have been unequally yoked too. The passage does not say, but it does imply that she had faith in Christ and shared gospel truth with her daughter who then shared it with her son. Of particular importance is that they used the Scriptures to teach the boy and from them, he understood God’s plan of salvation.

As Timothy put his faith in Christ for salvation, these women continued to do an excellent job of raising this boy in ‘the nurture and teaching of the Lord’ — as Paul describes in his first letter to Timothy:

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

They taught young Timothy to love God and others with a pure heart. The only way that can happen is through the cleansing power of the Lord — given to all who continually confess their sin and rely on Jesus to purify their hearts.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

This is powerful. Had Timothy been taught that he was a talented young man and constantly told “you can do it” he would not be relying on Jesus but on himself. If his self-esteem was made a priority, he would not be confessing sin and learning to love God with a pure heart. These women knew the importance of keeping short accounts with God, chiefly that it is an expression of faith, of how much we need Him. They stayed true to the gospel message, often not popular with any age, even children.

Not all mothers pass their faith along to their children. Some are given a second chance with their grandchildren. Some women must also work through the issues of being unequally yoked. Lois and Eunice and the outcome in Timothy are God’s encouragement to keep sharing Jesus with family members, even the youngest of them. God can use grandmothers to help little ones become wise for salvation — and grow up to serve God.

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Lord Jesus, on the days when I feel old and useless, I need to remember to persevere. While Your Spirit can work in anyone without me, You have chosen to use Your people to share Your message. This is an awesome privilege. It is important to pay attention to Your guidance and just as important to make sure we give them Your Gospel message and not any other notions that contradict it!

Today’s thankful list . . .

Two amazing young women who clean my whole house in two hours.

A short nap.

Chatting with my brother about a family concern.

The ability to create posters and other helpful design projects.

Crock pot stew — smells heavenly too.

The joy of the Lord which gives me strength.