What is the greatest work you can do for the Lord as a mother? Of course, there is no greater ministry than mothering and caring for the needs of your children. God has given your precious children to you to nurture and train on His behalf! He is your Employer! Be encouraged and don’t grow weary in well doing.

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

God doesn’t want us to just ‘do’ our mothering ministry - but to "abound" in it. I checked the word "abounding" in the Greek Lexicon and was amazed to see the depth of meaning.

It means ‘to super-abound, to excel, to exceed, to increase, be in excess, be better, more abundant, enough and to spare.’ It comes from a root word that means ‘sense of beyond’ - ‘to go beyond what is necessary, superabundant in quantity and superior in quality.’ This is how we are to mother - not half-heartedly, but with all our might! To do more than is necessary! To go the second mile! To aim for excellence!

This is the challenge. But don’t forget the promise! God has promised that our mothering ministry will not be in vain! Mothering is a "labor of love" (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

This word ‘labor’ is used to denote, ‘not so much the actual exertion of work, but the weariness that we experience - it means ‘toil as in reducing strength, labor, weariness.’ Oh yes, I know that many times you feel weary. Sometimes you feel as though you have no strength left, but God’s promise comes to encourage you, "I will not forget your work and labor of love." (Hebrews 6:10). You will receive your reward!

May God abundantly bless you and strengthen you, "not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy...." Colossians 1:11 The Message Bible. Isn’t that wonderful?

Have a great week as you super-abound in motherhood.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL