A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SINGLE PARENTS

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SINGLE PARENTS

 It’s never easy going it alone.  Yet there are multiplied thousands (possibly millions) of single Moms or single Dads who make things happen for their family day after day after day.

 These Moms or Dads could be ‘single’ for a variety of reasons.  Perhaps their marriages did not make it due to irreconcilable differences with their spouses.  Perhaps their husbands or wives cheated and abandoned them for younger or more attractive suitors.  Perhaps they were hapless victims of serial domestic violence and simply could not take the abuse anymore.  Perhaps they were never married and became young parents outside of the bonds of holy matrimony; and so, their children grew up with and alongside them.

 By whatever avenue you have arrived at this single parent circumstance, there are several important things you need to know:

 First of all, no child that was ever born is “illegitimate” in the Mind of God.  However, you and I arrived on this planet, either through righteous or unrighteous unions, GOD FOREKNEW our situations and crowned us with eternal love.  It’s a grace thing.  So never ever allow any person or group to label you or your child as shameful, or as a disgrace.  If you made a mistake in life (of any sort), just ask God for forgiveness, take stock of yourself, live in as much peace as possible with those around you, rise up and keep it moving.

 Secondly, please know that GOD SEES ALL your courageous effort, every day.  He takes careful note of your sacrifices, your exhaustion, your loneliness and even your pain.  Never forget that HE has a definite plan for you and your offspring.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

 Thirdly and finally, be assured of this: YOU CAN AND YOU WILL MAKE IT!  As long as you have JESUS at your side (and on your side), “nothing shall be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20) Therefore, you must focus on His covenant promise, which simply says “no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

 I see you.  But more importantly, GOD SEES YOU.  You have bandaged hundreds of cuts and scrapes; you have comforted children compassionately, wiping a myriad of tears; you have worked so hard (sometimes to the edge of exhaustion) both inside and outside of the home; you have washed more clothes and prepared more meals than anyone could possibly know; you have juggled a modest budget to keep food in your pantry, clothes on your children’s backs and a roof over their heads; and occasionally, you might have endured the ridicule or indifference of others who have never walked a mile in your shoes. 

 Nevertheless, you are still standing!  GOD has a word of encouragement, designed specifically for you: “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and HAVING DONE ALL, to STAND.” (Ephesians 6:13)  So be encouraged.  Keep moving forward.  Remember to daily affirm this: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians 4:13)  

 My friend, YOU CAN DO IT!  so STAND! 

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!