Embracing Motherhood: A Journey of Stewardship and Faith
Summary
This morning, I want to share a message that is close to my heart, especially on this special day, Mother's Day. For those who don't know me, my name is Yolanda Raquel Schwader, and I am on staff here at Bless the City Church. I am also excited to announce that I am pregnant and expecting a baby in August. This journey of motherhood has been a profound experience for me, and I resonate deeply with the saying, "The days are long, but the years are short." As I reflect on my journey, I realize how quickly time flies, even though the daily tasks can sometimes feel endless. [42:00]
Three and a half years ago, my husband and I started this church, and it was also the time I stepped into motherhood. It was a challenging period, especially with the onset of COVID-19, moving into a new house, and managing a newborn. Despite the chaos, it was a time filled with smiles, tears, feedings, and constant demands for attention. Motherhood, I have learned, is not about fulfilling our desires but about the child and, most importantly, about honoring God through our stewardship of this precious gift. [42:32]
Motherhood is a beautiful yet challenging journey. It is full of doubts, regrets, and the desire to go back in time to relive precious moments. However, it is also incredibly rewarding and one of the best gifts God has given me. I acknowledge that for some, today might be a difficult day, a reminder of loss or unfulfilled longings. But remember, it is your heart, not your womb, that measures your true worth. God wants to fill every space of sorrow with His joy and give you good gifts. [45:16]
As we look at Proverbs 31, we see a woman of noble character who fears the Lord. She is far more precious than jewels, and her husband trusts in her. She is diligent, rising early to provide for her household and working with willing hands. She is a good steward of what God has given her, taking care of her family and extending her hand to the poor and needy. This passage reminds us that we are all called to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us, whether it is a relationship, a job, or our home. [46:03]
The Proverbs 31 woman is not just a model for women but for all of us. She is caring and generous, opening her hands to the poor and reaching out to the needy. She is not afraid of the future because she trusts in the Lord. This trust and fear of the Lord are cultivated through daily time spent with God, worship, and reading His Word. As we do this, our trust in Him grows, and we become more like Him. [48:12]
I encourage you to take time this week to press in with the Lord. Set aside time daily, even if it is just ten minutes, to spend in His Word and in prayer. As you do this, your life will transform, and you will become more like Him. Jesus is the one who makes us people of noble character, and as we look to Him, He makes us more like Him. [51:48]
Now, I would like to take a moment to honor all the mothers here today. Please stand as we pray a blessing over you. Lord Jesus, we bless these women who have displayed noble character, who have been good stewards, caring and generous, and who have trusted in You. May this day be filled with joy, peace, and reconciliation. May they be celebrated, cherished, and treasured for all the hidden things they have done. In Jesus' name, Amen. [52:44]
### Key Takeaways
1. Motherhood is a Journey of Stewardship: Motherhood is not about fulfilling our desires but about honoring God through the stewardship of the children He has given us. It is a beautiful yet challenging journey that requires us to rely on God's strength and wisdom. [42:32]
2. True Worth is Measured by the Heart: For those who find Mother's Day difficult, remember that your true worth is measured by your heart, not your womb. God wants to fill every space of sorrow with His joy and give you good gifts. [45:16]
3. The Proverbs 31 Woman as a Model for All: The Proverbs 31 woman is a model of noble character, good stewardship, and generosity. She is diligent and caring, extending her hand to the poor and needy. This passage calls all of us to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us. [46:03]
4. Cultivating Trust in the Lord: Trust and fear of the Lord are cultivated through daily time spent with God, worship, and reading His Word. As we do this, our trust in Him grows, and we become more like Him. [48:12]
5. Daily Time with God Transforms Us: Setting aside time daily to spend in God's Word and in prayer transforms our lives. As we do this, we become more like Jesus, who makes us people of noble character. [51:48]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:00] - Introduction and Personal Announcement
[42:32] - Journey into Motherhood
[45:16] - True Worth and God's Joy
[46:03] - Proverbs 31 Woman
[48:12] - Good Stewardship and Generosity
[51:48] - Encouragement to Spend Time with God
[52:44] - Prayer of Blessing for Mothers
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Proverbs 31:10-31: "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman as described in the passage? ([46:03])
2. According to the sermon, what does Yolanda say is the true measure of a person's worth? ([45:16])
3. How does the Proverbs 31 woman demonstrate good stewardship in her daily life? ([48:46])
4. What encouragement does Yolanda give about spending daily time with God? ([51:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Proverbs 31 woman serve as a model for both men and women in terms of stewardship and generosity? ([49:19])
2. What does it mean to measure one's worth by the heart rather than the womb, and how can this perspective bring comfort to those who struggle on Mother's Day? ([45:16])
3. In what ways does daily time spent with God transform a person's character according to the sermon? ([51:48])
4. How can the example of the Proverbs 31 woman help us understand the importance of fearing the Lord and trusting in Him? ([50:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. What has the Lord given you to steward, and how can you be a better steward of these gifts? ([49:19])
2. For those who find Mother's Day difficult, how can you allow God to fill spaces of sorrow with His joy? What practical steps can you take to open your heart to His comfort? ([45:16])
3. The Proverbs 31 woman is diligent and caring, extending her hand to the poor and needy. How can you incorporate acts of generosity and care into your daily routine? ([50:17])
4. Yolanda encourages setting aside daily time for God. What specific time of day and place can you commit to spending ten minutes in God's Word and prayer this week? ([51:48])
5. How can you cultivate a fear of the Lord in your life? What changes might you need to make in your daily habits to grow in trust and reverence for God? ([50:48])
6. Think of a person in your life who might need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them this week in a way that reflects the caring and generous spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman? ([50:17])
7. Reflect on the statement, "The days are long, but the years are short." How can this perspective help you appreciate and make the most of your current season of life? ([42:00])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship in Motherhood
Motherhood is a journey that goes beyond fulfilling personal desires; it is about honoring God through the stewardship of the children He has entrusted to us. This journey is filled with both beauty and challenges, requiring a reliance on God's strength and wisdom. The daily tasks may seem endless, but they are opportunities to serve and glorify God. As mothers, we are called to be diligent and faithful in our responsibilities, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. The true essence of motherhood lies in the selfless love and care we provide, reflecting God's love for us.
[42:32]
"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:27, ESV)
Reflection: How can you see your daily tasks as a mother as opportunities to honor God? What specific actions can you take today to be a better steward of the children God has given you?
Day 2: True Worth from the Heart
For many, Mother's Day can be a difficult reminder of loss or unfulfilled longings. It is important to remember that true worth is measured by the heart, not by one's ability to bear children. God sees the value in each person and desires to fill every space of sorrow with His joy. He offers good gifts to those who seek Him, and His love is not limited by our circumstances. Embracing this truth can bring comfort and hope, knowing that our worth is found in God's love and not in our earthly experiences.
[45:16]
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on any areas of sorrow or unfulfilled longings in your life. How can you invite God to fill those spaces with His joy and remind you of your true worth in Him?
Day 3: The Proverbs 31 Model
The Proverbs 31 woman is a model of noble character, good stewardship, and generosity. She is diligent in her work, caring for her family, and extending her hand to the poor and needy. This passage calls all of us to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us, whether it is a relationship, a job, or our home. By following her example, we can strive to live lives that honor God and reflect His love to those around us. Her trust in the Lord and her fear of Him are the foundation of her noble character.
[46:03]
"She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." (Proverbs 31:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you be a better steward of the resources and relationships God has given you? How can you extend your hand to help those in need today?
Day 4: Cultivating Trust in the Lord
Trust and fear of the Lord are cultivated through daily time spent with God, worship, and reading His Word. As we dedicate time to these practices, our trust in Him grows, and we become more like Him. This daily commitment helps us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can develop a deeper trust in His plans and purposes for our lives, allowing us to face the future without fear.
[48:12]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time with God into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him today?
Day 5: Transformation Through Daily Time with God
Setting aside time daily to spend in God's Word and in prayer transforms our lives. As we do this, we become more like Jesus, who makes us people of noble character. This transformation is a gradual process that requires consistency and dedication. By committing to daily time with God, we allow His Word to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. This spiritual discipline not only strengthens our relationship with God but also equips us to live out our faith in practical ways.
[51:48]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside to spend with God in His Word and in prayer? How do you think this daily practice will transform your life and character?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The days are long and the years are short. You know, when you're going through every day and it feels like it's the same every day, you're doing all sorts of things, the days can feel very long. But then somehow you're like, how is my kid turning 10? You know? So then the years are very short." [42:00]
2. "Motherhood is actually not about you. It's not about this desire that you have in your heart. It's not about wanting to fulfill something. It's actually not about you at all. It's about the kid, yes, but most importantly, it's about the Lord and a gift that he has given you with that child, with that person. And as he gives you that gift, we're called to steward that gift for his glory, to honor him." [44:25]
3. "I just want to remind you that it is your heart not your womb that is the measure of your true worth. God wants to fill every space of sorrow, bitterness, envy, perhaps, and replace it with his joy. He wants to give you good gifts and he aches with you in all the pain." [45:16]
4. "She was a woman who exercised good stewardship. She took what God had given her. She took care of it. And she multiplied it. So in Proverbs 31.15 it says, she seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant. She brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night. Provides food for her husband. For her household. And even for her maidens." [48:46]
5. "We are all called to be good stewards. Of what the Lord gives us. So I have a question this morning. What has the Lord given you? Maybe he has given you a relationship. Maybe you are called to steward. Maybe it is a job. Maybe it is your house. What is it that the Lord is giving you to steward? We all have something. It is easy to look at someone else and be like. Well I want that. And the Lord gave this person that. But what about me? The Lord has given each one of us something." [49:19]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Motherhood is actually not about you. It's not about this desire that you have in your heart. It's not about wanting to fulfill something. It's actually not about you at all. It's about the kid, yes, but most importantly, it's about the Lord and a gift that he has given you with that child, with that person. And as he gives you that gift, we're called to steward that gift for his glory, to honor him." [44:25]
2. "I just want to remind you that it is your heart not your womb that is the measure of your true worth. God wants to fill every space of sorrow, bitterness, envy, perhaps, and replace it with his joy. He wants to give you good gifts and he aches with you in all the pain." [45:16]
3. "She was a woman who exercised good stewardship. She took what God had given her. She took care of it. And she multiplied it. So in Proverbs 31.15 it says, she seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant. She brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night. Provides food for her husband. For her household. And even for her maidens." [48:46]
4. "We are all called to be good stewards. Of what the Lord gives us. So I have a question this morning. What has the Lord given you? Maybe he has given you a relationship. Maybe you are called to steward. Maybe it is a job. Maybe it is your house. What is it that the Lord is giving you to steward? We all have something. It is easy to look at someone else and be like. Well I want that. And the Lord gave this person that. But what about me? The Lord has given each one of us something." [49:19]
5. "The only way we do this guys. Is by spending time with God. Amen. That is the only way that we can grow. The fear of the Lord in our hearts. You can have a powerful encounter. Yes. But as we seek him daily. And worship. And spending time in his word. We get to fear the Lord. We get to trust in him. Our trust for him grows. And that is what she did." [50:48]
6. "I encourage you this morning. To take time this week. To be pressing in with the Lord. Take some time. Set aside to spend time with him. Here we call it pursuing God's presence. Right. Take some time daily. Even daily. If you want to start with once a week. If that sounds like a lot. But just take ten minutes in God's word. In prayer. And as you do this. I bet you. Your whole life will transform more and more. We become more like him as we do this. And he brings us into people of noble character." [51:48]
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