Discovering Purpose Through the Models of Motherhood

 

Summary

Today’s reflection centers on the profound and varied models of motherhood found in Scripture and in our own lives. From the very beginning, God has woven purpose into every life, and mothers—whether by birth, adoption, mentorship, or faith—play a vital role in shaping that purpose. The story of Moses is a powerful example, not just because of his own calling, but because of the many women who shaped his destiny: the courageous midwives who defied Pharaoh, his biological mother who risked everything to save him, his adoptive mother who saw beyond race and background, and his sister who watched over him. Each of these women fulfilled a unique purpose, often unseen and uncelebrated, yet essential to God’s plan.

Purpose is not something we invent for ourselves; it is something we discover as we align our lives with God’s intentions. Too often, we ask self-centered questions about our goals and dreams, forgetting that we were made by God and for God. Our lives only make sense when we start at the right point—seeking God’s purpose above our own plans. This is true for mothers and for all of us, regardless of our role or title. The unseen people—teachers, nurses, coaches, mentors—are often the ones who shape destinies, quietly fulfilling their calling and impacting generations.

Motherhood, in all its forms, requires sacrifice. Sometimes it means letting go, trusting God with our children’s futures, and believing that His plans are greater than our own. Whether it’s a mother releasing her child to God’s will, an adoptive parent embracing a child not their own, or a mentor investing in someone’s life, each act of faith and love is honored by God. The challenge is to recognize and honor those who have shaped us, and to step into our own purpose—helping others fulfill theirs.

Ultimately, living out our purpose is the greatest way to honor those who have invested in us. As we celebrate mothers and all who nurture life, let us remember that every life has meaning, every sacrifice matters, and God rewards those who fear Him and serve others. May we surrender our plans, embrace God’s calling, and leave a legacy of purpose for the generations to come.

Key Takeaways

- Purpose Begins with God, Not Ourselves
True purpose is not self-generated but discovered in relationship with our Creator. When we start with our own ambitions, we miss the deeper meaning for which we were made. Only by seeking God’s intention for our lives do we find lasting fulfillment and clarity, realizing that we are made by God and for God. [37:34]

- The Power of Unseen Influence
Many of the most significant contributions to our lives come from people whose names are rarely celebrated—midwives, teachers, nurses, mentors. Their quiet faithfulness and courage often set the stage for great destinies, reminding us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. We are called to honor and emulate these unseen heroes by investing in others’ lives. [45:46]

- Sacrifice and Release Are Central to Love
True love, especially in motherhood, often means letting go—entrusting our children and loved ones to God’s greater plan. This act of faith can be painful, but it is necessary for growth and for God’s purposes to unfold. The willingness to release, rather than control, is a mark of spiritual maturity and trust in God’s sovereignty. [52:26]

- God’s Family Transcends Biology and Background
The story of Moses’ adoptive mother shows that God’s love and purpose are not limited by race, background, or bloodline. Compassion and obedience to God’s call can make anyone a parent, mentor, or spiritual guide. We are invited to look beyond surface differences and participate in God’s redemptive work through adoption, fostering, and spiritual parenting. [59:03]

- Living Your Purpose Honors Those Who Shaped You
The greatest way to honor mothers and all who have invested in us is to live out the purpose God has given us. Our legacy is not measured by the length of our lives, but by the impact we make and the faithfulness with which we pursue God’s calling. As we fulfill our purpose, we become part of the chain of influence that shapes future generations. [01:06:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:55] - Worship and Introduction
[29:38] - Life Models for Motherhood
[30:46] - The Role of Mothers in the Bible
[34:35] - Four Models of Motherhood
[35:54] - Starting at the Right Point: God’s Purpose
[38:23] - Moses: Raised for a Purpose
[40:23] - The Unseen Influencers: Midwives
[43:33] - God’s Purpose for Every Life
[45:46] - Honoring the Unseen People in Our Lives
[50:15] - The Sacrifice of Moses’ Biological Mother
[52:26] - Letting Go and Trusting God
[58:13] - The Role of Adoptive Parents
[59:03] - Compassion Beyond Race and Background
[01:03:16] - Fulfilling God’s Purpose and Supporting Others
[01:04:36] - Prayer and Response
[01:06:42] - Living Your Purpose and Leaving a Legacy
[01:07:18] - Closing and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Models of Motherhood and Living with Purpose”

---

### Bible Reading

- Exodus 1:15-21 (The courage of the Hebrew midwives)
- Exodus 2:1-10 (Moses’ birth, his mother’s sacrifice, and adoption by Pharaoh’s daughter)
- Luke 1:26-38 (The calling and surrender of Mary, mother of Jesus)

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Exodus 1:15-21, what did the Hebrew midwives do when Pharaoh commanded them to kill the Hebrew baby boys? What was God’s response to their actions? ([43:33])
2. According to Exodus 2:1-10, what steps did Moses’ biological mother take to protect him, and who else played a role in his early life? ([50:15])
3. In the sermon, what are some examples of “unseen people” who shape destinies, both in Moses’ story and in our own lives? ([45:46])
4. How did Pharaoh’s daughter respond when she found Moses, and what does this show about her character? ([59:03])

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the midwives chose to fear God rather than obey Pharaoh’s orders? What does this teach us about courage and faithfulness in small, unseen roles? ([43:33])
2. The sermon says, “Purpose is not something we invent for ourselves; it is something we discover as we align our lives with God’s intentions.” How does this idea challenge the way people usually think about their goals and dreams? ([37:34])
3. What does the willingness of Moses’ mother to let go of her son teach us about trust and sacrifice in following God’s plan? ([52:26])
4. How does the story of Pharaoh’s daughter adopting Moses illustrate that God’s family and purpose go beyond biology, race, or background? ([59:03])

---

### Application Questions

1. Think about the “unseen people” in your life—teachers, nurses, mentors, or others—who have shaped your story. Who comes to mind, and how can you honor or thank them this week? ([45:46])
2. The sermon challenges us to start with God’s purpose, not our own plans. Are there areas in your life where you are holding tightly to your own dreams instead of seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to surrender those to Him? ([37:34])
3. For parents or mentors: Is there a situation where you need to “let go” and trust God with someone you care about? What fears or worries make this difficult, and how can you pray through them? ([52:26])
4. Have you ever been called to invest in someone’s life—maybe as a mentor, teacher, or friend—even if it meant your work would go unnoticed? How did that experience shape you, and what did you learn about God’s way of working? ([45:46])
5. The story of Moses’ adoption shows compassion that crosses boundaries. Is there someone in your life who is different from you—by background, race, or experience—whom God might be calling you to love or support? What is one step you can take this week? ([59:03])
6. The sermon says, “Living out our purpose is the greatest way to honor those who have invested in us.” What is one specific way you can live out your God-given purpose this month, and how might it impact others? ([01:06:42])
7. For those who feel unseen or uncelebrated: How does knowing that God sees and rewards faithfulness—even in small or hidden roles—encourage you today? ([44:36])

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group discover and live out their purpose, to honor those who have shaped them, and to have courage to invest in others, whether seen or unseen.

Devotional

Day 1: God Has a Purpose for Every Life
Every person is created by God for a unique and meaningful purpose, regardless of their circumstances or background. Life is not an accident, and God’s intentional design means that each individual has a role to play in His greater plan. Sometimes, we may not understand why things happen the way they do, but trusting that God knows the beginning and the end gives us hope and direction. Even when life feels confusing or when we question our path, remembering that we are made by God and for God helps us find clarity and peace. [37:34]

Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God has a purpose, even if you don’t fully understand it right now?


Day 2: The Power of Unseen Influencers
Behind every person who fulfills their purpose, there are often unseen individuals—mentors, teachers, nurses, coaches, or friends—who have shaped, encouraged, and supported them along the way. These people may never be recognized publicly, but their faithfulness and willingness to serve make a lasting impact. Just as the Hebrew midwives in Exodus protected the lives of the children, many people work quietly behind the scenes to help others step into their God-given destiny. Take time to honor and remember those who have influenced your journey, and consider how you might be that unseen encourager for someone else. [45:46]

Exodus 1:15-21 (ESV)
"Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 'When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.' But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, 'Why have you done this, and let the male children live?' The midwives said to Pharaoh, 'Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.' So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families."

Reflection: Who is one “behind the scenes” person God has used to shape your life, and how can you honor or thank them today?


Day 3: The Sacrifice of Letting Go
True love and faith sometimes require the courage to let go and trust God with what we hold most dear. Moses’ mother, Jochebed, demonstrated this when she placed her son in a basket on the river, surrendering him to God’s care and purpose. Letting go is never easy, especially for parents, but it is often necessary for God’s plans to unfold. Whether it’s releasing a child, a dream, or a plan, surrendering to God’s will opens the door for His greater purpose to be accomplished in and through us. [52:26]

Exodus 2:1-4 (ESV)
"Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him."

Reflection: What is something or someone you need to release to God’s care and purpose today, trusting Him with the outcome?


Day 4: Compassion Breaks Barriers
Pharaoh’s daughter saw a Hebrew baby and, moved by compassion, chose to adopt him as her own, disregarding differences in race, background, or religion. Her willingness to step into God’s plan for Moses’ life reminds us that compassion and obedience to God’s prompting can break down barriers and change destinies. God calls us to look beyond outward differences and respond with love and action, becoming part of His redemptive work in the lives of others. [59:03]

Exodus 2:5-10 (ESV)
"Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, 'This is one of the Hebrews' children.' Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, 'Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?' And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, 'Go.' So the girl went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, 'Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.' So the woman took the child and nursed him. And when the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, 'Because,' she said, 'I drew him out of the water.'"

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs your compassion today, regardless of their background or story? How can you show it in a tangible way?


Day 5: Fulfilling Your Purpose and Helping Others Fulfill Theirs
God calls each of us not only to live out our own purpose but also to help others discover and fulfill theirs. Whether as a parent, mentor, teacher, or friend, we are invited to invest in the lives of those around us, encouraging them to soar to new heights. Our legacy is not just in what we accomplish, but in the impact we have on others as they step into God’s calling for their lives. Living your purpose and helping others do the same is the greatest way to honor those who have invested in you and to glorify God with your life. [01:03:16]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or support today in discovering and living out their God-given purpose?

Quotes

I want you to think for a second about your purpose in life. I thank God for my mother who birthed me and had to release me from my home to be a blessing to you. She would like and my mom, mother would like everybody to be there but sometimes you have to release your children to God's purpose in their life. [00:29:51]

Motherhood plays an important role in the Bible. It binds the beginning and the end. These stories offer us a glimpse into the heart of God. And so we start at the beginning. Taken from the side of gifted with life. The first woman named Eve was the mother of all living. But she was also a mother in her own right. [00:31:22]

Whether a mother in faith, mentorship, adoption or by birth, you play an important role in the stories of generations to come. To all the Sarah's happy mother's day, I'm making her do a lot of work today. Nick, you got to take her out. [00:33:54]

You realize a lot of us try to start our life starting out not at the right point. Okay? You got to start the right point here. And I want you to think about what is the point of having children. Amen. The point of having children is not just to say these are my kids. Okay? I hate to tell you the Bible says these are God's kids. [00:36:08]

God has purpose for every human being here. And sometimes some people get off track with their purpose and later on we have to help them find their purpose in life here. And uh but you know what? You didn't create yourself. So there's no way you can tell you what you're created for. Okay. You have a creator, right? [00:37:42]

You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, your life will never make sense. Okay? And to understand here that uh God raises children for a purpose. And I want you to think about the four different aspects we're going to see in Moses's life of how God raised him for a purpose. [00:38:05]

But you understand here that behind every person that we always see, there's always an unseen person that is actively putting in their life here. There's always that person that we don't know about that has contributed to your life. Now, I want to ask you a question as you look over your life today here. [00:45:40]

How many had a motherlike figure as a teacher? I had some teachers shape me. Or little guy that I was shaped me and I would not be the person I am. And I thank God for the teachers, the nurses. I thank God for the coaches in my life. Amen. How many had a coach men or woman in your life who shaped you and made you who you are? [00:47:45]

One of the best things I'll put a PR in here if you want to help me next year here. But we need some more climb workers in our school system here. And all it is is a mentorship program for an hour and a half every week. You get to help troubled kids. Amen. And we get to work behind the scenes. [00:48:24]

You know, my young son Joshua does not know the doctor that saved his life. He died in my arms. Okay. my wife seven months here. But I thank God for that doctor who my son has never met here. I thank God for the epileptic doctors up there at the Morgan when my son back there who's over there who works a job here that he had seizures. [00:48:59]

All three of her children played a role. One of them was a worship leader here. One of them was a prophetist. Aaron was a priest. He was the spokesman for Moses here. Okay. And you understand as a mother, all of your children, you have to let them be who they are, who God made. How many understand that all of our children are different? [00:51:36]

But can you imagine letting go and seeing that And she was a pretty smart lady too because she knew she knew where the river went and she said very very wise woman here but my point is okay to let go would be very hard and I admire I admire people I admire a person I'm thinking of right now and you know who we're talking about who had to make a sacrifice one time with their children. [00:52:22]

They said no. God has a greater purpose for him. Okay. And you understand here that before we look down on people and we say, "Hey, how could they ever do this here?" Maybe God will reward you for your sacrifice. Amen. You're understanding here that Some of the greatest people that accomplish here in life here that maybe got it together. Thank God. [00:53:33]

She didn't look at race. Let me say that one more time. She didn't look at race. She didn't look at race. She didn't look at religion. She didn't look. She looked and she had compassion for a child and said, "I believe I'm part of God's plan for this child." Now, you know what? Today, folks, I thank God for adopted people that adopt children. [00:59:00]

Today, folks, I thank God for adopted people that adopt children, who do not look at their skin color, who do not look at their tone, who do not look at anything. They look at their purpose in life for what they will do. And you know what? Today, we benefit from that. We benefit from the adoption system here. [00:59:20]

We all have a purpose in life are you fulfilling God's purpose in life are you helping other people's purpose in life because your life will be done someday you know what went on to do great things We need those teachers in that classroom. Amen. We need to support them. Stand by. We need those nurses. We need those adoptive mothers and those biological mothers. [01:03:20]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 12, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

What is the biblical view of motherhood's purpose?
How do unseen people influence our life purpose?
In what ways can individuals fulfill God's plan today?