The simple question that has shaped my experience of motherhood.
"What is my assignment, Lord?"
This is the simple question that has shifted my perspective in the most demanding moments of motherhood.
As a brand new mom in the throes of sleepless nights, I learned from Gloria Furman to see the near-constant "interruptions" of motherhood as simply a "change of assignment." So the moment I heard my baby crying when I was trying to prep a meal or finish a Bible study or just sleep (!), I would say it out loud—"change of assignment!"—and walk down the hall to care for my baby. This helped me to actively remember that my calling as a mom wasn't a disruption or a distraction from more important things, but exactly how God had chosen to grow and refine me. It helped me recognize that I was on a sacred mission from the Lord, not just surviving.
"What is my assignment, Lord?" How can I practice faithful, joyful obedience in this very moment? How can I serve God by laying down my life for others? I've continued asking myself this question for nearly 10 years because it's such a valuable tool for any season or circumstance in the Christian life.
So what does this look like practically? I'd love to share a few of the promises of God that I've leaned on in the most challenging moments:
You can download a printable version of these promises from Scripture here.
What is my assignment when I'm tempted toward laziness and would rather scroll on my phone than engage with my children? Remember Colossians 3:23-24:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24
... when my toddler has been whining for an hour or my children are bickering and I'm ready to snap? Practice Proverbs 12:18 & 16:24.
... when I'm feeling completely overwhelmed or anxious and think I can handle it on my own? Lean on Matthew 11:28.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
... when I'm just plain exhausted from sleepless nights and want to give up? Trust Isaiah 40:29.
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Isaiah 40:29
... when I feel ashamed for how I've so often failed as a mom? Rejoice over Psalm 103:10-12.
"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far is the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:10-12
Dear sister, His promises are there for the taking, to stand on when motherhood feels like too much. 💛
