The Surrogate Mother

Happy Mother’s Day!

Romans 16:13—“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (NIV).

Mother’s Day is a special day.  It is the day we pay honor mothers.  Mothers have one of the strongest discerning spirits one could ever have. 

When you are a surrogate mother, you love each and every child that you come in contact with. It does not matter White, Black, Asian, fat, skinny, tall, or short. If they are hungry, you will feed them. If they need prayer, you will pray for them.  Matthew 25:40 says, “that when you have done to the least of my brother you done it to me” (NIV).

My mother is a true testimony of being a surrogate mother. My brother was definitely known for having other people children over our house. He would cook twenty pounds of potatoes as French fries along with chicken tenders. Then he would make Kool-Aid as the beverage. Before driving age you knew other kids were at our house by the number of bicycles in the yard. Then when they became of driving age, the yard became filled with different cars as if it was a used car lot.

This leads me to the text.

In Romans 16:13, Paul concludes his letter to the church at Rome by acknowledging many people who have been instrumental in his life.  In verse 13 Paul writes, an acknowledgment to Rufus and his mother.  He includes Rufus’ mother because she had been like a surrogate mother to him.   We do not know Rufus’ mother’s name is unknown, but her love is unforgettable.

One of the attributes is a mother is an intercessor and a prayer warrior. Ephesians 6:18 states, “with all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints”(NIV).

See when you are intercessor you are praying for others.  Nobody knows your name or who you are. You cry out on the behalf of others without them even knowing about it.

Mamas will walk the floor at night, mamas have that discerning spirit, and a mama knows when her child is doing good or bad.

First,-Mothers should be recognized for their tenacious love and the love they have for God.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1, “though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (NIV).

You cannot cuss and fuss on Monday and come to church on Sunday and think you fooling your children. You cannot talk about other people and think your child is going to listen to you.

1 Corinthians 13:13 which says: “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Secondly, mothers should be recognized for their relationship with God.

Mothers learned to, “Trust in the Lord God with all of their heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Mothers that have a relationship with God remind their children God is our Jehovah-Jireh their provider.

They remind them of Jehovah Rapha—I am the Lord your Healer.

They remind their children of Jehovah Shalom.  He is our God of Peace.

They remind their children of Jehovah Nissi. He is our Banner. In other words, he is our mighty battle axe.


Third, mothers should be recognized because they understand the glory of God.

Mothers understand the scripture in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”   Mothers understand that in ALL aspects of their lives they must recognize God. David wrote, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." (Psa. 8:1) Majesty is God’s sovereign power. A mother who loves God, has a relationship with God, and gives God glory. This gives people reason to rejoice in God’s glory even more.

See a real mother will give God glory when she does not have money in her pocket. She will give God glory when she does not have the latest designer purse or shoes. Mother will give God glory when she fries chicken on Sunday and the family eat it for the next three days. Mother will give God glory when she is a single mom with three children living in a one bedroom apartment.

Jesus said, "I have glorify you, Father, on the earth, having accomplished the work You have given me to do” (John 17:4).  We can best glorify God by completing His will for life. 

Motherhood is a life-long ministry. Motherhood can be stressful.  Motherhood can be tiresome. But I know a man who can and will be your mother when you are motherless and He will never leave or forsake you.

·         Ezekiel says He’s a Mother’s wheel in the middle of the wheel.

·         I know a man who can be a Mother’s rose of sharon and lily in the valley.

·         I know a man who can be a Mother’s strong tower

·         I know a man who can be a Mother’s lawyer in the courtroom

·         I know a man who can be a Mother’s battle axe

That man is Jesus! 

Dear God,

I am honored that you chose me to be a mother to what belongs to You. God, I thank You for providing me with the strength and knowledge to care for Your child.  I cherish every moment of every day with the child you have blessed me with.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

 Copyrighted 2015 by Edwina Perrin. All rights reserved.