I did not set out to be an evangelist; I set out to be a mother.
But, I soon discovered that motherhood is a great evangelistic opportunity.
However, the evangelistic side of motherhood, of all parenting, has been largely overlooked.
It is the greatest time and place in the world to teach someone else about Who God is and how to be right with Him.
Because no one is born knowing the Lord, our children are a field white unto harvest.
If you are a parent who knows the Lord, you are an evangelist to those who live under your roof, specifically, your children.
The Challenges of the Job Day by day, the work of parenting can seem overwhelming.
My husband and I have eight children.
The first five were born in a seven-year period of time.
I've had three children in diapers at once.
I've nursed one while pregnant with another.
The actual physical labor of taking care of them has been overwhelming at times.
There were entire years when it seemed it would never end; all day and all night our children needed me.
I had to depend on the Lord every day just for the physical strength to do the job.
I have a new appreciation for Sarah, Abraham's wife.
The conception of Isaac was a miracle itself, given her age and stage of life.
But her strength to deliver him in her old age was extraordinary! Still, her greater challenge was to live for God in front of him, being a testimony of His grace in her life.
The Goal and Means of This Job Children are naturally curious; they want to know about the world, especially our world.
As mothers, we have countless opportunities to teach our children about God as we go through each of our days.
If we live godly lives before them, they will be curious about our lives and subsequently about our God.
And, to teach my children about God, I have to live what I know and believe.
I can't just "say" it.
According to Deuteronomy 6:6, God's words have to be in the parents' hearts before they can be taught to the children.
Society often makes us feel that we are not contributing to the world because we are "just mothers.
" But, what we teach our children about God will shape their perception of the Lord for their entire lives, even when they go out into the world.
This, in turn, shapes society.
What a contribution it becomes! Being a mother is not an easy job, but we are not alone.
We have our eternal God to help us and give us wisdom and guidance.
He makes wisdom available for the asking: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," (James 1:5) I will plead with the Lord to use me in my children's lives in spite of myself.
The Impact of This Job Opportunity for Christian service within our families is unlimited.
If we train our children to love and serve the Lord, they could, in turn, train their children to love and serve the Lord.
That pattern of love and service can go from generation to generation.
A vocational evangelist would be considered quite successful to have such an effect on so many! As I've been raising my children, I've thought of my job here at home as a full-time ministry.
I think of myself as an "evangelist" who has opportunity to share - and live - the gospel on a daily basis.
Moms, take heart.
Your work is both vital and God-appointed.
Embrace the task before you, and don't allow this world to discourage you from what God has called you to do.