Mary, Did You Know?

Mary, Hannah, Rebecca, Sarah - these were all women who didn't know what the next step was.  Living during a time in history where the jewels in a woman’s crown were the children she bore, these women each had unique situations that threatened the very existence of their crowns.  Whether it was Mary’s suspicious pregnancy, Hannah’s inability to conceive, Rebecca’s uncommon pregnancy, or Sarah’s lack of belief that she could even get pregnant at an advanced age, these situations caused these mothers-to-be to ask the question, “Now what?”  Each woman had a legitimate reason to worry and wonder about how they were going to handle their new circumstance.  And yet, in spite of the controversy, difficulty and uncertainty of the moment, each woman was able to connect with God on a personal level and quiet their spirits enough to be able to hear the gentle voice of God as he whispered, “I’ve got this, and I’ve got you in the palm of my hand. Trust in me.”  

Their blessing was found in choosing to trust God and trust their abilities to be a part of His story. Are you willing to trust in the One who’s plan for your life is far greater than anything you could hope or think?”

What has your journey to motherhood been like?  Full of hills and valleys? Full of what-if’s and questions?  Each experience is unique and each journey is meant only for its traveler.  The only constant is God.  How comforting is it to know that in the same way God knows each and every star and calls them by name (Psalm 147:4), He knows you, your name, your struggles and concerns and how to bring peace, comfort and counsel to your heart.  Just like Mary, you may be wondering what the future of your baby may be and the role you will play in it.  God knows and He has equipped you with the strengths and talents to be that supporting hand in your child’s life.  Perhaps like Hannah, pregnancy wasn’t a given and God had to intervene. In those moments of wondering if it will ever happen, God can give you the peace that calms your spirit and brings you joy (Psalm 94:14).  Your story might resemble Rebecca’s where you are unexpectedly carrying “two nations” in your womb and you are wondering about the future.  God is right there extending His hand ready to help guide you (Isaiah 41:13).  Perhaps your life journey took different turns and you find yourself in the new role of mother-to-be a little later in life like Sarah.  God looks at you and says, “You are fully equipped with all you need to be the perfect mother for your child.  I have given you the skills and gifts you need to fulfill your role as the mother to your child” (Philippians 4:13).  Needless to say, motherhood and its complexities is full of opportunities to draw close to Him and take hold of His promises to walk alongside us as we grow into our role as mothers.  He is the only one that is able to take all that you are, your hopes, dreams and aspirations and use them for His Glory.  He is able to fulfill your destiny and allow the blessing of motherhood to be a significant part of that process.

Awesomely Distinguished was written with the sole purpose of being a resource that makes this process a meaningful and enjoyable one for both you and your baby.  As your womb grows and your baby develops, your understanding of God and His role in the lives of you and your baby also have the chance to blossom and grow deeper.  Your “now what?” has an answer that is found in Him.  Your wondering what the next step will be is answered as you come to draw closer to God in meditation of His word and relationship with Him.  You realize that no one has all the answers at once.  You begin to learn that as your relationship with God grows so does the peace and confidence that each new experience of motherhood will be a positive one meant to help you fulfill your destiny.  Things don’t always go right, and you might not know what the next step is.  But God does and He is right there ready to help you each step of the way.  The uncertainty of tomorrow doesn’t have to be a scary thing.  By putting God first, you realize that there is a beauty in the not knowing.  There is a deeper level of trust that is found in having to depend on Him.  The wonderful thing is that He never disappoints.  Instead, He guides, teaches and allows you the opportunity to grow to your richest and fullest potential as a mother, a woman, and child of God.  Mary, Hannah, Rebecca, and Sarah are just examples of women who faced the unique challenges of motherhood.  They were women who found themselves in unchartered territory and only had a word from God that was stored in their hearts about the little ones they had been entrusted with.  Their blessing was found in choosing to trust God and trust their abilities to be a part of His story.  Are you willing to trust in the One who’s plan for your life is far greater than anything you could hope or think?