Passing On A Legacy Of Faith

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 NIV

“For the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” William Ross Wallace penned this poem over 100 years ago, and the words still hold true. The second Sunday of May marks the one day a year in the United States that recognizes mothers for all their efforts and the impact they have on each one of us. This one day out of the year was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson’s proclamation in 1914 in recognition of mothers.

History is filled with the stories of great men and women who owe their foundation of success to a praying, faithful mother. God uses the imagery of a mother’s love to help Israel understand His judgment and hope. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)

John and Charles Wesley became leaders in a powerful spiritual awakening, yet behind them stood a powerful prayer-warrior mother, Suzanna. Her ten children knew that when she pulled her apron over her head, she had entered her prayer closet, creating a sacred place within a chaotic home where she prayed for each of their spiritual walks.

Charles H. Spurgeon became known as “The Prince of Preachers,” yet behind him was his praying mother, Eliza Spurgeon. She prayed fervently for him and all her children that they would walk faithfully before God all the days of their lives. Spurgeon’s brother, James, wrote of his mother: “She was the starting point of all the greatness and goodness any of us, by the grace of God, have ever enjoyed.”

James Hudson Taylor became the missionary to the nations, yet behind him was his praying mother, Amelia Hudson. She was a mother unknown to the world, but not in the kingdom of God. She never stopped praying for her rebellious son that he would come to faith. Hudson Taylor would embark for China in 1853, where he would spend 54 years as a missionary to the people and establish China Inland Missions. He left knowing that his mother was still praying for him.

Timothy became a leader in the early church, yet behind him were his praying mother, Eunice, and his praying grandmother, Lois. Paul, writing to Timothy, acknowledged this great legacy that was being passed down to the next generation. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5)

Samuel became the prophet to the nation and anointed the line of David, yet behind him was a praying mother, Hannah. “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…” (I Samuel 1:11)

Luther Little became a prominent Baptist pastor in the last century, yet behind him was a praying mother. At 15, Little knew he was called to preach. His family all made fun of him, except his mother. However, she would never live to hear him preach. The day he was to preach his first sermon, his mother wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t go. She told him, “You go on, and when you come back, you can tell me about it.” Three months later, at her deathbed, each of the boys said their goodbyes, but to her youngest, Luther, she told him, “You go on and preach the gospel, and when it is over, come on home, and I will be standing at the gate, and then you can tell me all about it.” Years later, Dr. Little wrote, “I am going on to preach the gospel as she said, and when it is over, I expect to find her at the gate, and through all eternity, I can tell her all about it.” (from an article by Joe McKeever)

“Woman, how divine your mission

Here upon our natal sod!

Keep, oh, keep the young heart open

Always to the breath of God!

All true trophies of the ages

Are from mother-love impearled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.” (Third verse of the poem, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle)

Mother’s Day consumer spending in the U.S. this year is expected to reach a record $38 billion. For this reason, Anna Jarvis, who championed the original idea of Mother’s Day, opposed its commercialization. What she envisioned was a simple day of remembrance. However, most of the $38 billion of flowers, jewelry, candy, and cards are from the heart to tell mothers and wives how important they are in your life.  Economist and researcher Mark Matthews writes, “Consumers are gifting from the heart, seeking unique gifts that create lasting memories for the mothers in their lives.”

Mother’s Day! What a great reminder to honor those who rock the cradle because praying mothers will raise up young men and women who will go on to rule the world. Mothers who may not make Time’s magazine Person of the Year or become social network influencers, but their calling will be greater, becoming eternal influencers through godly children. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)

God is Great! Ps 70:4

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