Beatitudes for SAHMs-9

Beatitudes for 'Stay at Home Moms' (part 9)

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

We have previously discussed persecution and how it relates to SAHMs in our everyday lives. This Beatitude carries that even further, discussing how we are persecuted when people insult us, and say false things about us. The Living Bible states it as, "When you are reviled and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers - wonderful!" The Message tells us, "...count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer even! - for though they don't like it, I do!"

We know that this verse applies first and foremost to those who have truly suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who have been or are imprisoned, those who have died for their beliefs. We know that there are those who are at this moment seeking to lead people to Christ and who are by that very act risking their lives. We know there are missionaries working in countries where it is illegal to believe anything but the faith of the state. This type of persecution is far and away more serious than anything we could ever experience as SAHMs.

But, SAHMs who have made the thoughtful and prayerful decision to follow God's will for their lives and their families by being at home can feel persecuted and even lied about. We have discussed previously the woeful lack of support and depiction of SAHMs in the popular media. We know that the implied message of our society is that, as a woman, you must have a career to be fulfilled. We as SAHMs know this is untrue - our career of choice - being at home with our kids is truly fulfilling. As SAHMs we must not let ourselves fall into the self-persecution that can happen so easily.

Satan will always try to make us second guess following God's will. For SAHMs that can result in self-persecution and self-doubt. Questions arise.... What would our finances be like if I were still working for pay? How come I am the only mom who stays at home in our neighborhood? And a million others like it.

But we must continue to seek God's strength to follow His will. In James 4:7 we are told "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (NIV) Pray SAHMs, read His word, when you are feeling unsure about your decision to be at home, when you wonder if you heard Him clearly, ask Him again! Ask Him for strength, ask Him for assurance, ask Him for peace and he will give it to you. In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks received; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

This, of course, ultimately refers to seeking Jesus and His wonder gift of salvation. But, God will hear us when we pray and will answer our prayers. He will listen to us when we seek His face about the tantrums our toddler has. He will listen to our pleas when we are just plain weary from a day with the kids. He will give us the strength to continue in our daily careers as SAHMs, He will grow our self-esteem in what we do, He will honor and bless our decision to follow His will for our lives.

Turn to His word daily for strength, for direction, for guidance and for peace. Pray for His will and His hand to be visible in your life. It may not be and easy road and you may feel like you are alone out there. But, we know that our ultimate reward is the satisfaction of following His will for our lives, and our children's lives - and being with Him eternally in heaven.

Take heart SAHMs - there is one who understands, loves and looks after you. Seek His face.


About the author:

Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy.' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families.

[ by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000 ]