Read: Exodus 5
Ever had one of those days where it feels like everything falls apart? Your ship barely leaves the harbor, your crew declares mutiny, and your perfectly planned day sinks before it can even sail? Somedays feel less like Gilligan’s Island – a happy, fun deserted island – and more like Castaway. By the end of the day, talking to a soccer ball sounds like a much better plan than trying to talk to the teenager who thinks they would captain better.
In Exodus 5, Moses has one of those days. He had been called by God to go before Pharaoh on behalf of the people of Israel. Heaven was backing him as he walked in to the Palace. His steps toward the Pharaoh were obedient ones and yet…things didn’t quite turn out as planned. The walk back from the palace with news of Pharaoh’s refusal to the people waiting expectantly for word of their freedom, must have felt like an uphill climb in heavy boots. Can you imagine what it must have been like to arrive and look into the hopeful faces of his enslaved people and give them the news that, not only had his attempt failed, but now they would have an increased work load and less supplies to accomplish the task?
Moses’ supporters quickly become doubters. To make bricks without straw is virtually impossible. Instead of rescuing them, Moses had actually made their lives much, much worse.
This led to “THAT” moment – the moment when it would have been much easier to give up then keep going. Think about it: his life wasn’t in Egypt anymore. His family could have gone back to their homeland safe and free. Life could have returned to its normal, predictable rhythm. But he didn’t quit. He stayed. And his willingness to stay and keep going, saved a nation.
How do you handle setbacks? How do you respond to failure? When the day doesn’t go as planned – do you crumble? Fall into a pit of self-loathing? Eat a pint of Ben and Jerrys and shut down? I sure have. Resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulty, the ability to spring back into shape.” Can you do that? Can you recover from difficult situations? Can I? From a dinner that went awry? From a parenting moment that was bombed? From a mistake in finances? Are we able to “spring back” after a failed attempt? Do we have it in us to get back up again and keep sailing this ship come hell or high-water?
This – resilience – is absolutely necessary in the life of a mother. Why? Because there are NO perfect mothers, perfect fathers, or perfect children. Family is messy. And some days, family can be downright hard. How we handle those “hard days” matters. Giving up may sound good, but in the end – so much is missed by jumping ship.
Ask God to help you to “add to your faith endurance,” and look intentionally for ways you can grow in this area (2 Peter 1:6). For me, it’s time in the word of God, it’s a coffee and a long drive, it’s breaking the routine with a trip to the park for a picnic or a hike in the woods. All of these things help me to refuel and recalibrate. What helps you? Make space for that in your life.
Remember – no matter what – you are loved by I Am just as much in success as in failure. On your good days, He delights in you. On the days that don’t turn out as planned, He delights in you. Run to him and embrace the lessons found in the “mistakes.” Weigh anchor, Mama. This voyage into motherhood may be messy, but it is definitely worth it.
Journal:
How do I handle “failures”? How do I respond to set backs?
Is there a time in my life that I showed great resilience?
What “failure” or “mistake” in the past threatened to sink me? Why was it so hard to get over and move on?
What are some positive ways I can handle these moments in the future?