A Mother's Biblical Example

MY HUSBAND AND I realized in our mid-life marriage that the chance of having a child was decreased due to my age. This was further complicated by a progressively painful condition called endometrosis that often results in infertility. My gynecologist informed us it was not utterly impossible but extremely improbable I would ever carry a child.

In time we adopted a newborn. The circumstances surrounding our son’s adoption were divinely orchestrated. We named him John because the name means “God’s gift.” We felt blessed. Now our family was complete, or so we thought.

I came to realize that God has His own timetable for our lives when fifteen months after John’s adoption I became pregnant at forty-eight.

We discovered with God all things are possible. I immediately identified with Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. The Bible says Elizabeth was “well-advanced in years” when she was told they would have a son (Luke 1:18). There has never been another time when I felt closer to God and sensed His power as during our son John’s first year and during my only pregnancy with Joshua.

Elizabeth was a devout woman. She knew her son was appointed to do a great work. I also pray for wisdom as we raise John and Joshua. All parents wonder what their children will be like as they mature. Much of what they will become depends on how we teach them and whether we inspire by good example. Most character traits are acquired through contact with parents--what a weighty responsibility. In December Joshua celebrated his eleventh birthday and John will be thirteen. Our sons are receiving a Christ-centered world view and know their lives have a purpose.

I’m meeting the challenges, frustrations and triumphs of mothering while seeing them through the wonder of childhood. I find support and direction through reading God’s Word and other publications, through my husband, Christian broadcasting and a mother’s support group. When some days are rough and I feel the demands of child rearing, I want to remember when God answered the desires of our hearts in His own way. Becoming a mother at midlife has been a rewarding experience and my faith in God has deepened as a result.

In her book “Women of The Bible” Frances Velde in a character sketch of Elizabeth says, “The names of many prominent women glitter in history, but none with more radiant luster than that of believing Elizabeth. She attained the noblest virtues possible to women. How wonderful to know that every Christian woman can possess these same virtues by the grace of God.” Elizabeth of old has been a spiritual inspiration for me.

_______________

Published in Virtue magazine, April 2000

This article copyright P J Davis 2005 and may not be reproduced in any form without her express permission.


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	A Mother’s Biblical Example

	by P.J. Davis

		MY HUSBAND AND I realized in our mid-life marriage that the chance of having a child was decreased due to my age. This was further complicated by a progressively painful condition called endometrosis that often results in infertility. My gynecologist informed us it was not utterly impossible but extremely improbable I would ever carry a child. In time we adopted a newborn. The circumstances surrounding our son’s adoption were divinely orchestrated. We named him John because the name means “God’s gift.” We felt blessed. Now our family was complete, or so we thought. I came to realize that God has His own timetable for our lives when fifteen months after John’s adoption I became pregnant at forty-eight. We discovered with God all things are possible. I immediately identified with Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. The Bible says Elizabeth was “well-advanced in years” when she was told they would have a son (Luke 1:18). There has never been another time when I felt closer to God and sensed His power as during our son John’s first year and during my only pregnancy with Joshua. Elizabeth was a devout woman. She knew her son was appointed to do a great work. I also pray for wisdom as we raise John and Joshua. All parents wonder what their children will be like as they mature. Much of what they will become depends on how we teach them and whether we inspire by good example. Most character traits are acquired through contact with parents--what a weighty responsibility. In December Joshua celebrated his eleventh birthday and John will be thirteen. Our sons are receiving a Christ-centered world view and know their lives have a purpose. I’m meeting the challenges, frustrations and triumphs of mothering while seeing them through the wonder of childhood. I find support and direction through reading God’s Word and other publications, through my husband, Christian broadcasting and a mother’s support group. When some days are rough and I feel the demands of child rearing, I want to remember when God answered the desires of our hearts in His own way. Becoming a mother at midlife has been a rewarding experience and my faith in God has deepened as a result. In her book “Women of The Bible” Frances Velde in a character sketch of Elizabeth says, “The names of many prominent women glitter in history, but none with more radiant luster than that of believing Elizabeth. She attained the noblest virtues possible to women. How wonderful to know that every Christian woman can possess these same virtues by the grace of God.” Elizabeth of old has been a spiritual inspiration for me. _______________ Published in Virtue magazine, April 2000 * * * This article copyright P J Davis 2005 and may not be reproduced in any form without her express permission. Top of Page