05/09/2024
A Praying Mother
A drill sergeant was frustrated in his efforts to make a soldier out of a certain recruit. The trainee lagged behind on marches, used any excuse to go on sick call, grumbled constantly about the food, and never made his cot properly. But one day, a noticeable change took place in the young man’s attitude. When asked to what he attributed the soldier’s change in attitude, the drill sergeant explained, "Threats and punishment didn’t work, so I had to resort to the ultimate weapon: I called his mother!"
We can never underestimate both the temporal and eternal influence that a mother has over her children. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s recognition of young Timothy’s faith as the product of the influence of a Godly mother and grandmother. In 2 Timothy 1:5,Paul said, “5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China, also had such a mother. By the time he was 17, Hudson had completely lost his faith in God and was living in rebellion towards his overly strict father. Hudson’s mother became convinced at this point, that the only thing she could do was to commit him to earnest prayer. So, during a short trip away from home, she locked herself in her room and for hours pleaded that God would extend mercy to Hudson. And then, all of a sudden, she believed that God had answered her prayer. Her heart turned from pleading to praise, and she worshipped and thanked God that he had, indeed, saved Hudson.
Meanwhile, Hudson had been at home. Bored and discontent, he began looking for something to do. He wandered into his father’s library and, though he pulled book after book from the shelf, found nothing of interest. Finally, he spotted a tract titled “Poor Richard.” He read the story, then came to the simple words “the finished work of Christ.” At that very moment, Hudson understood that Christ had done all that was necessary for salvation and the only right response was to accept that work by faith. Right there, he fell to his knees and committed his life to the Lord, promising to serve him forever. He soon learned that as he was on his knees praising God for his salvation, his mother was doing the very same thing, though many miles away.
A few days later, he and his mother were reunited, and he immediately exclaimed, “I have some news to tell you.” Before he could say anything more, she replied, “I know what it is! You have given yourself to God.” She explained that for days she had already been rejoicing in his salvation. Praise God for Praying Mothers!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Blessings,
Pastor Brian