Overcoming Worry.

Being a mother of four has a real learning curve involved. Being a mother of four and home schooling should at times have one of those warning, treacherous roads ahead signs stuck right on it.

As mothers we worry.. A lot. It's a ingrained part that seems to activate itself as soon as the pregnancy test says positive. We worry about everything. Health, education, peer influence, society, crime, danger, car seats, food, sweets, stranger danger.. The list could honestly go on for pages. It's overwhelming. So much so, many mothers of children experience anxiety, depression, and all and out frustration of our lack of control over all the dangers and problems our kids face.

This worry is not part of Gods plan for us as mothers. In First Peter 1:5 we are told: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

In Matthew 6: 27-30 we read, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

So now we see as mothers that Biblically, worry is not from God. Worry clouds our faith as parents and does not allow us to really enjoy Gods care and rely on Him for the safety and health of the gifts he has given us though our children.

I am oh so guilty of this .. With four children who I am with every hour of the day, so many things arise that test my faith. I'm growing in this and believe it's a battle I will be waging for a long time to come.

Recently, my second oldest child, Victoria was diagnosed with a 20% curvature of the spine. As a 7 year old this is a pretty big deal. She would have to get more x-rays and cat scans and tests and have to wear a back brace for years. I was devastated! How hard the world is without having to wear a brace and be made fun of and feel different and insecure!

I spoke with Victoria about this before her third appointment with a specialist. I asked her if she was nervous about having to wear a brace. Her response and faith astonished me. She said, "Mom, God created me, he's my heavenly father, he loves me more then you do. He made me just the way I should be. I'm not worried at all!" I simply starred at her and cried in response. Cried my eyes right out driving down US1.. I cried because her faith was so simple and strong. I cried because she was so secure in her faith. I cried because I knew then and there my little girl was amazingly special.

My mom, a experienced mother of four, grandmother of 7 and prayer warrior for all above, came over to my house before we left to the children's hospital to get our second set of x-rays done and get her fitting for the brace. She laid her hands on Victoria and asked God for healing. I prayed with her and believed God could do it, I've seen his miracles before. I know He's in control and can do anything. Worry however was over shadowing my faith. I knew it was wrong.

Worry is so powerful for us mothers. It's all consuming if we allow it. Victoria looked at me after my mom left and said. "Well, I guess I'm healed! No need to go get a brace. I'm all better mom." I once again felt that shame from our previous talk. Her faith is so powerful! I decided then and there to get the worry on check and surrender this problem to my Lord. We got in the car, drove to the hospital and saw the specialist.

After her tests we sat in the doctors room for over a hour. I was starting to worry again. What if they saw something horrible? What if?

Almost immediately, God spoke to me with his gentle and stern voice about my faith, and gave me pure peace. I knew she was fine then. Strange for a mom to go from worry to peace in a split second.. But I did.

"Ok God" I said, "I'm back on track. She's fine, you have her in your hand."

The specialist came in with two sets of x-rays. "Ok, Victoria," he said. "This x-ray shows a very crocked spine.. 20% curvature he said looking at me." "On the second x-ray we now are only seeing a 11% curvature which we consider very normal. No brace for you my dear, your free to go home!" I sat there and said nothing for a moment.

Then I looked at the doctor and said, "How can this be?" His response was wonderful, "Sometimes we just don't question things. You don't need to fix what's not broken. Bring her back in six months for a follow up.. But I'm pretty sure she's just fine."

When the doctor left the room Victoria and I got on our hands and knees and thanked our Father for his healing, for building our faith, for loving us, for being our Great Physician.

"Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones."

God taught me a very important lesson, and my learning curve is improving because of it. Worry is not from Him. It's a hindrance to our relationship with Him and with our children. Put all your Faith in Him. Work on it everyday. Ask Him for help. Ask Him to give you the strength to overcome worry. He will provide. He is all powerful. Study your Bible, read His word, pray for stronger faith. You'll be a better mother for it.

Romans 10:17; "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ."