Coffee with Eunice (Bible Mommies series)

Eunice: Passing Down a Godly Heritage

I'm interviewing my last Bible mommy today. Kinda sad. I've enjoyed meeting these godly and very real women face to face. Poking around in their stories has left me with lessons I can use with my own children and grandchildren. I hope that's true for you, too. Today, I have Eunice, the mother of Timothy, with me.

Eunice, perhaps more than any other Bible mommy you understand what it's like to raise a son without the influence of a godly father. What was that like?

It's true. Timothy's father was a heathen Greek, actually a Greek-speaking Jew. I was a Jewess by birth. I converted to Christ when the apostle Paul made his first missionary journey through Derbe and Lystra. From that point on, I had a passion to train up my son in the things of the Lord.  My husband however did not support me. He even opposed me when I allowed Paul to circumcise Timothy. Yet, the best I knew how I honored my husband for his authority in our family, tried to respect his leadership, and treated him with kindness.

That must've been difficult without the support of your husband.

Yes, it was. But God raised up Paul to take Timothy under his wing. In essence, he became like a father to my son. And then, there was my mother, Lois. Together, we taught Timothy from childhood to honor and study the holy Scriptures. That laid the foundation for his future ministry with Paul and as a pastor. 

Wow, two godly women, leaving a godly legacy. We certainly can't overestimate the influence of a godly mom and grandmother. You might say, the Church owes you both a debt of gratitude. You passed on a rich, faithful heritage to Timothy, and God used him to build and encourage the early Church. His influence has been felt ever since.  What lessons would you say you learned as a mom?

Trust God, even if your husband doesn't. Even if he opposes your faith. Even when he doesn't help out. Pray for him. Point out specific areas in his life that you do respect. This will go a long way in winning him over. Don't spend all your time at church. Be respectful of your husband's needs. Don't argue over silly things. Keep the peace as much as possible. Honor your husband's authority unless he asks you to do something contrary to God's Word. Only then are you to obey God rather than man. 

Make good use of the godly influences in your child's life--like a grandparent. So valuable. I can't emphasize that enough. And ask God to raise up a godly man in your church to take your child under his wing. Pray, and be on the lookout for a faithful influence in your child's life. Be diligent to train your child, prepare his heart for the work God has for him. Nurture him in the faith. Walk it out alongside him. Your example is more important than your words. Certainly, your child needs both, but make sure you live what you tell him. 

Thank you, Eunice. I can't think of a better lady to finish out our series. The role of godly moms and grandmothers is so vital in our culture, in any culture! Thank you for serving as a faithful example to us in how to train our children. 

For more of Eunice's story, read 2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1, 3.

    

Coffee with Elizabeth (Bible Mommies series)

Elizabeth: Full of the Holy Spirit

Our next guest could've been jealous, yet she knew her role in God's story and was grateful for His plan. Elizabeth, in your old age, you carried the cousin of Jesus. When Mary came to visit and you heard her greeting, your baby leaped in your womb and you were filled with the Holy Spirit. You blessed Mary and her child. Surely, at some point, you must have felt at least a little jealous that she was chosen to carry the Savior and not you.

To be honest, it never crossed my mind. I was just so thankful to have a child and to raise him to serve the Lord. Each of us has a purpose, and we must fulfill what God has given us to do. That's all that matters. I felt so honored that the mother of my Lord should visit me. 

When your son was born, many assumed he'd be named after your husband, Zechariah.

Yes, but I spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John," for that is what the angel instructed my husband to name him.

You are a woman of great faith, Elizabeth. You believed the Lord's promise to Zechariah. And you praised Him for His mercy and favor. 

Indeed, I did. Such joy and delight to have a son! And God had clearly defined his purpose: To bring many of the Israelites back to the Lord their God. To go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, "to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." I was overwhelmed that I should mother such a son with a high calling like that. 

So true. Still, when he grew up and lived in the desert, ate locusts and honey, you must have wondered at times. Was this what he was called to do?

She laughs. Well, he did look rugged. But I had full confidence that he was preparing the way for the Savior, so I let go. 

Letting go . . . another common theme among our mothers. What lessons would you say you learned?

That each of us has a role to play in God's kingdom story. It's important to submit to that purpose and allow God to use us and our children.

For more of Elizabeth's story, read Luke, chapter one.

Coffee with Mary (Bible Mommies series)

Mary: Willing to Let Go

Unarguably, our next guest is the best know Bible mommy I've interviewed yet. Even she noted that generations after her would call her blessed. And indeed, she was, but that blessing didn't come without serious sacrifice.

Mary, you're a woman of great character, yet of humble beginning and means. But your humility, no doubt, is one attribute that God cherished in you. He favored you, so exalted you among women by commissioning you to bear His Son. You were an earthen vessel bearing His foremost treasure. How did you cope with this divine stewardship?

She smiles. One day at a time. Certainly, I didn't understand all that God was doing. I knew from day one that the baby I carried was the Son of the Holy One, that He was sent to save His people, yet I didn't fully comprehend all the ramifications. I didn't understand what that gift would cost me. Not really. 

The "not knowing" can sometimes be as difficult as the knowing. What was that like for you?

Another blessed gift. If I had known my son, God's Son, would have to die in order to save us . . . well, I don't know if I could've lived with that agony. God was gracious in revealing His plan one step at a time. My job was to surrender to God's plan for myself and for my child, though I only knew a piece of the story. 

I've often thought this about my own children. How wonderful of God to bring them into the world as babies so that we can grow with them. We surrender a little bit more of them with every passing year. Not only were you a woman of surrender, Mary, but you were also a woman of praise. In Luke 1:46-55, you sing a song to the Lord. You thanked Him for being your Savior. It intrigues me that perhaps you were the first to acknowledge Him as such, at least after Old Testament times. 

Yes, I had studied the Old Testament scriptures. I knew about God's mighty deeds, His mercy, the rulers He had brought low, and those He had lifted. I knew He'd helped Israel all the way back to Father Abraham. And knew of His promise to send a Savior.

You must have known, too, that your son could do wonderful things. I'm thinking of the time you told the servants at the wedding in Cana when the wine ran out to do whatever Jesus told them. 

Yes, I knew He was special. She chuckles. When He was 12, I found Him in the temple teaching the religious leaders. He told me He had to be about His Father's business. I have to admit, I was a bit angry He hadn't mentioned He was staying behind when we set out to go back home. But after that, He continued to submit to our authority. Yet, I always pondered such strange happenings. God had a very special plan for my boy. And my heart always did a little tug when I remembered He wasn't really mine, only entrusted to me to raise for a short time. 

Is it still painful for you to think of that awful time when you had to make a full surrender?

I'd been warned, when Jesus was only eight days old. In the temple when Joseph and I consecrated Him to the Lord. An old man named Simeon said a sword would pierce my heart. I shuddered at the thought; I didn't want to think about what he might mean. After all, I was a new mother with such a precious infant son. I only wanted to think that nothing could ever shake the happiness I felt whenever I looked into His round face or watched Him suck at my breast. Those days were such happy days. Yet, all during His growing years, we both experienced ridicule, since it was thought he was an illegitimate child. Such teasing and abuse. But all that only made Him stronger. For me, well, at times I was tempted to grow bitter, but in the long run, I believe God used the ridicule to grow me too. And then, of course, the cross. How can a mother possibly process that horror? Still, all had become clear for me by then. I knew Jesus was fulfilling the purpose God had sent Him to fulfill. I had to let Him go. So, I remained quiet. In great anguish, yes, but quietly so. And after all was said and done, I remained faithful to God. 

What lessons would you say you learned?

My child was not my own, only a gift to give back to the Lord and train for His divine purpose. And to trust God with my child, no matter what. That the difficult times do pass, and God has better things coming. My son died, yes, but He rose from the grave, never to die again! This story does have a happy ending. Though I had to wait for heaven to be with Him, now as I look back, it did not seem like such a long wait, but only a few days. And now, I enjoy His presence forever! I would say to your readers, hold on, you who believe in the Lord. He will not let you down. No matter what happens today, eternity is coming when you will be with Christ!

Thank you, Mary, for your insights. For more of Mary's story, read Luke, chapters one and two; John 2:1-5, 19:25-27; Acts 1:14

 

Coffee with Bathsheba (Bible Mommies series)

Bathsheba: The Mother of a King

Great to have you with us today, Bathsheba!

Thank you. To tell you the truth, I'm a bit nervous. I may not be like your other guests. She lowers her lashes. Let me just say upfront that my past is sordid.

I'm aware of that, but please, I hope you will relax and know that I don't look down on you. Who am I that I should do so? After all, my Lord told the woman caught in adultery, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and sin no more." Jesus always presented truth and grace to the hearer.

Her shoulders noticeably relax. Thank you for the reminder. It's amazing that I would even be mentioned in the ancestral line of my precious Lord, not by name, of course, but as the wife of Uriah. God doesn't overlook our sin; no, He paid a huge price to take care of it. And those who come to Him receive forgiveness on the basis of Christ's work on the cross. I praise Him for that. 

Those of us who believe in and follow Christ know what you mean. Tell us a little bit about your journey as a mother.

Well, my first baby son by King David died. But later, God blessed us with another son. We named him Solomon. I knew he would one day rule the kingdom, so I worked hard to prepare him, and perhaps in some ways, to make up for the terrible mistake I had made with David. 

What types of things did you teach him?

She smiles. Oh, all the wonderful things any mommy teaches her child. Stuff about the sky, the moon, obedience, eating right, but most of all, life and his place in it. I had no idea just how much I'd actually taught him, but I understand he wrote down much of my practical advice in a book titled Proverbs. Practical information about relationships with women, friendships, alcohol use, civil rights, choosing a bride, and money. I wanted him to be equipped for life, especially as the future king. Sadly, while he started out on the right track, asking God to give him wisdom and understanding in ruling His people, my son later succumbed to the wiles of women, many women, and strayed from his love for God. It may be cliche, but most teaching is caught rather than taught. She shakes her head. I suppose he mimicked his parents' affinity for sexual pleasure outside of God's ordained plan and thus, took many wives and concubines who worshipped other gods. 

But he did leave us some good warnings in the books he wrote.

Yes, he did. And for that, I'm thankful. 

What would you say is the number one thing a mother should do for her child?

Teach and train him to love and serve the one, true God. In that way, she will prepare him for life. 

Thank you, Bathsheba. I know my readers value your input as a mom. For more of Bathsheba's story, read 2 Samuel 11-12.

Coffee with the Shunammite Woman (Bible Mommies series)

The Shunammite Woman: Faith to Believe

I've thoroughly enjoyed all my Bible mommy guests over the past few weeks. We have another fine example today. She's in good company with many of my other guests, for she too experienced infertility. Yet, she demonstrated a giving heart and great faith.

It's no secret that you're a woman of great means. On more than one occasion, you reached out to the prophet, Elisha, even asked your husband to make a room for him on the roof. 

Yes, God blessed Gehazi and me. We simply wanted to give back to Him out of our abundance. And we so enjoyed visiting with the man of God when he would come through Shunem.

And he enjoyed your company and appreciated your sacrifice for him.

Oh, it was nothing, really.

Still, he wanted to make it up to you, didn't he?

Yes. He asked my husband what he could do for me. Gehazi told Elisha we had no son, and he was old.

What happened?

Well, Elisha asked Gehazi to call me. When I came, Elisha told me that this time next year, I would hold a son in my arms. I couldn't believe it! I thought he was teasing me.

But you did get pregnant, didn't you?

Yes. The joy of our hearts. 

Sadly, tragedy struck. Tell us about that difficult time in your life.

Gehazi was in the field with our son. The boy complained about a severe headache, so my husband told a servant to carry him to me. She sniffs. The child died on my lap. But I didn't say a word. I simply carried him to Elisha's room, laid him on the bed, and shut the door behind me. I called Gehazi and asked him to get a servant and a donkey so I could go to the man of God. He didn't understand since I hadn't told him about our son's death. All I said was, it will be all right. 

Such composure . . . and faith. 

I knew if God could give me a son, He could also raise him up, so I chose to believe He could do the impossible.

Did He?

When Elisha saw me approaching, he sent his servant to greet me. He asked, "Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?" She smiles. Such a caring man. Then I said, "Everything is all right." 

Wow. I would've been a basket case by now. 

God gave me peace. I can't explain it any other way. When I reached Elisha, I took hold of his feet. Gehazi tried to push me away, but Elisha said, "Leave her alone. She is in bitter distress, but the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me why." Then I came unglued. I told him how I asked for a son, that I'd said, "Don't raise my hopes." Elisha immediately knew something had happened to the boy. He told Gehazi to run and lay his staff on the boy's face. But I stayed with Elisha. 

Did the boy live?

There was no sound or response at first. Gehazi came back to Elisha and told him the boy had not awakened. When Elisha reached the house, "my son was lying dead on the couch. He went in, shut the door and prayed to the LORD. Then he got on the bed and lay upon the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out upon him, the boy's body grew warm. Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out upon him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes." That's the way Elisha said it happened. Elisha called for Gehazi who called for me. When I saw my son alive, I knew God had heard Elisha and answered all our prayers! I was so grateful, I threw myself at his feet. Then I took my son and went out. 

Quite the story. I'm sure you learned many lessons during this time.

Yes, God is faithful to teach us in the good and the bad times. My faith took a huge leap when I gave birth to my son. After that, I knew God had a plan for him, even though I didn't understand why he died. I trusted that God would work through Elisha. So I chose to believe. We must choose to trust God with our children even when circumstances seem impossible.

So true. I suspect many of my readers are dealing with difficult situations with their children. Perhaps some are struggling with a wayward child or a sick child. 

So my question to you, dear reader, is "Do you have faith to believe God can do the impossible?"

For more of the Shunammite woman's story, read 2 Kings 4:8-37. 

Coffee with Hannah (Bible Mommies series)

Hannah: True to her Word

Welcome, Hannah! Another exceptional Bible mother. You prayed, you exalted the Lord, you spoke boldly. And God answered. I'm sure at times you wondered if the LORD was listening, yet you kept coming to the temple and pouring out your heart and your tears to Him. What did you say to God?

I made a vow. I said, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

That's quite a prayer of commitment. 

I saw no other way. My husband, Elkanah, couldn't quite understand my grief. I'm not sure most husbands really understand what it's like to be infertile. He thought his love was enough. And perhaps, it should've been. But oh, how I wanted a son. My rival, Elkanah's other wife, bitterly teased me day after day about my condition. Year after year, I endured her ridicule.

I can only imagine how difficult that must have been. What happened after you prayed?

I kept on praying, really. There was no immediate answer. And one day, the temple priest, Eli, saw me silently praying (my lips were moving). He accused me of being drunk, which only added to my pain and grief. When I told him about my prayers, he blessed me and supported me in my request. 

So, did God answer your prayer the way you wanted?

Yes, He most certainly did. Not long after that day, I discovered I was pregnant. I gave birth to a son and named him Samuel because "I asked the LORD for him." As the day approached to take Samuel to the temple, I stuck to my word and gave him back to the LORD.

That must have been hard. How could you do it? Give up your young son?

A promise is a promise. I prayed to the LORD for the child, and He granted my request. I had to give his life over to the LORD and worship Him. 

Did you ever see Samuel again?

Oh yes. Every year I made him a little coat to take to him when Elkanah and I went to offer sacrifices at the temple. 

Such a story. What lessons do you think you learned from mothering?

Don't be afraid to release God's blessings (your children) back to Him. He knows best about their future since He has a plan for their lives. 

Thanks, Hannah, for joining us today! May we all be as true to our word as you were. And may we all trust God enough to place our precious children in His loving arms.

For more of Hannah's story, read 1 Samuel, chapters one and two.  

Coffee with Jochebed (Bible Mommies series)

Jochebed: Faith in the Face of Fear

I don't know about you, but I've enjoyed meeting for coffee with Sarah, Hagar, and Rebekah thus far. Today, we have Jochebed, Moses' mother, joining us. I'm intrigued with this Bible mommy who showed great faith in the face of fear. Imagine living in a time period when the head governing official mandated the killing of every male baby. Unthinkable. Yet, in the midst of this horror, God spared the life of one babe in order to raise up a leader to deliver His people. And He used an ordinary woman to accomplish His purpose. 

Jochebed, I can only imagine that it took a lot of faith to place your baby in the Nile, along with crocodiles and who knew what else. You put your child in the very river where Pharaoh's murders took place.

Yes, it was daunting. But I didn't feel I had much of a choice. Moses' cry grew stronger by the day. I declare, that child had quite the set of lungs. Jochebed smiles. But I truly believe God showed the way of escape by giving me the idea of the basket. Still, it wasn't easy placing my precious baby boy inside and closing the lid.  And launching the basket into the river, well, that took prayer and trust. 

I'm sure you were glad to have his older sister, Miriam, stand guard.

Oh, yes. Miriam was always such a helper. When the Princess came to bathe in the Nile, along with her maidens, of course she spotted the basket. But Miriam thought quickly and asked the Princess if she could get a nurse from the Hebrews for the baby. You see, the Princess knew the child was a Hebrew slave. But she felt compassion for the babe and wanted to take him as her own. 

How did that make you feel? That she wanted to take Moses to be her child?

Jochebed sighs. I felt both relief and grief. Relieved that God had saved my baby but sad that eventually, I would have to let him go. After he was weaned. But in truth, isn't that what every mother must do? Whether it's when a child is young, or when he's grown, we still have to let go.

So true. In rearing my three daughters, I came to understand that there was a "letting go"process at each stage of life. Birth released the baby from my body so that now I was not the only one interacting with my child. That first trip on the school bus proved another agonizing release. And so forth. But I grew with the child and learned to let go a little bit more with each phase. Thankfully, God never asked me to give up my child as you did Moses, at such a young age. He did ask me to surrender them emotionally and mentally to serve around the world in missions as adults. But God gave me some sweet surprises in return. Seven grandchildren to date are a few. 

Oh, how special. Certainly a special gift for me was seeing how God trained and used my son, in fact, all my children, to serve Him for such a compelling purpose: the deliverance of our people. I couldn't have been more proud. 

What would you say you learned from being a mother?

So many lessons. But I would say the three biggest: 1) Trust God. He knows what He's doing with your child. 2) Sometimes a parent must defy a civil authority in deference to God's will. 3) It's important to teach your child early on that God has a special purpose for his life that only he can fulfill. In short, teach your children then release them to do what God wants. 

I've enjoyed our time together, Jochebed. Thank you for being a wonderful example of motherhood.

Jochebed blushes. Only by God's grace, that's for sure. 

For more of Jochebad's story, read Exodus, chapter two and Hebrews 11:23. Next time, we'll pull up a chair and drink coffee with Samson's mom. Until next time, praying you grow as a Bible mommy.