Women's Focus Ministries: Sunday Writing by Jan Andersen ...... 5/14/17

Today's writing by Jan Andersen, entitled "DIFFICULT DAYS," is about Mother's Day and how that day can be difficult for some people in a variety of situations. She goes through some ways to handle these difficult days, or how we can be helpful to others having those difficulties. God is our greatest helper. She writes, "Even when you don’t know what to say to God in prayer, the Spirit prays for you in wordless groans, and he promises to work things out for your good when you love him."

May your Mother's Day be blessed,
Jan and Corinne

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Today's Devotional:

"DIFFICULT DAYS"

Jan Andersen

Mother’s Day is upon us once again. For many it’s a time to celebrate and show appreciation for mothers, a time to honor those who nurtured and supported and taught us. But for others, it is one of the difficult days of the year. This is especially true for women facing infertility, or who have experienced miscarriages, failed adoptions, or the loss of a mother, daughter or a mothering loved one. There are also those struggling to deal with difficult relationships with prodigal children, abusive or estranged mothers or children, and others. Experiencing sadness on special occasions is a normal part of these losses or absences in life.

Whatever emotions you are having on this day, give yourself permission to feel them, because emotional reactions are not good or bad. Even Jesus had days of joy as well as days of sadness and tears. It is okay to be sad or to cry if that is how you feel. It is also okay to celebrate and wish others a “Happy Mother’s Day” even if you are not sure of their situation. Everyone has had a mother, and in saying that to them you are praying that God will help them find pleasure in this day regardless of their circumstances.

If these are difficult days for you or for someone you love, go to God in prayer and cry out your feelings to him. He wants you to come to him no matter how you feel. Also you can seek out those who can help you, or be the one who helps someone suffering. You can be mothering to them, nurturing and loving. If needed, seek out helpful family or friends, support groups, or even professional help for deep or prolonged depression. There is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed. It shows maturity and healthy self care. Even Jesus asked his disciples to be with him when he was in distress and went off to pray to the Father.

Remember that you can always look to God with hope and to the future with confidence in him. God has promised to be with you at all times, through both wonderful and difficult days. He will not only walk with you, but he will carry you when needed or drag you when necessary! Even when you don’t know what to say to God in prayer, the Spirit prays for you in wordless groans, and God promises to work things out for your good when you love him.

Romans 8:26-28 (ESV) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of good mothers and our ability to be mothering to others. Help us to present a good witness to all, especially those struggling on days like this. When we are the ones struggling, help us to remember to come to you in prayer. Help us to leave our difficult days in your hands and our sins at the foot of the cross. Thank you for the free gift of forgiveness and salvation through your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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"Midnight Oil"

by Philips Craig and Dean