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Posted on May 5, 2005 ...

This week we celebrate the contribution that Mother’s make in our life and in our world. Like Timothy in our recent sermon series, many of us would testify that our mothers have been one of the most significant Christian influences upon our lives. It is often through the depth and sacrifice of a mother’s love that we better understand the great love God has for us. Just as God sacrifices in grace on our behalf so also do good mothers sacrifice on behalf of their children. A special sense of personal satisfaction occurs when a mother provides her children with their wants and needs. Naturally, this feeling is enhanced when they respond with joy and thanksgiving. Mother’s Day gives us the opportunity to express this gratitude.

One of the less recognized qualities of good motherhood is when a mom must deny a request from her child. Responsible mothers know better than to give her young ones everything they ask. Sometimes Mom had to say “no” to us for our own good. During those moments there is no overwhelming sense of satisfaction. In fact, it is likely that we perceive Mom to be “the bad guy” who does not trust us or never wants us to have any fun! Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Caring Moms say “no” because they do love us and want to spare us from potential hardship and pain.

This, too, is reflective of God’s relationship to us. There are times we ask God for things that He does not supply. The Bible tells stories of righteous individuals whose prayer requests were not granted. David fasted and pleaded with God for the life of his sick son. But the little child died (2 Samuel 12). Job cried out to God for relief in the midst of his suffering. He said, "I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer;” (Job 30:20). Paul asked the Lord three times to remove a source of pain, yet it remained (2 Corinthians 12). Their requests were not denied because they were rebels, idolaters or ungodly people. These were righteous individuals. In a way far beyond our understanding, God sometimes says “no” to our requests because what we ask is not according to His will. In His Grace towards us the Lord grants many of our needs and even some of our wants. It is also through His love and wisdom that He sometimes says “no” to what we ask.

As we express our thanks this week for all our Mom’s gave to us, let us also be thankful that they did not give us EVERYTHING we asked. In doing so, they showed their love and illustrated the wholeness of God’s great love. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.