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Mother's Day - Kristie
Sermon Summary
Kristie reminds us that as God's new creations, our vocation—especially in motherhood—is about speaking God's story of love, faith, and grace over our lives and those we care for, trusting in His sufficiency and living in response to His work in us.
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Motherhood is a profound vocation, woven into the very fabric of God’s story for humanity. From the very beginning, God created us to work, to tend, to nurture, and to rest—reflecting His own creative nature. Our daily work, whether in the home, in our careers, or in our relationships, is not random or insignificant; it is part of the good work God has prepared for us as new creations in Christ. On this Mother’s Day, we reflect on the unique calling of mothers and those who nurture, recognising that our identity and purpose are not defined by the stories others tell about us, but by the story God speaks over us.
The world is quick to assign labels and stories to us, often based on our circumstances, our successes, or our failures. Like the tiny teddies with their different personalities and names, we are each given stories by those around us—sometimes before we even realise it. Yet, the invitation is to live in God’s story, to let His voice be the one that shapes our identity and our vocation.
We see this powerfully in the lives of Hannah and Mary. Hannah, who endured years of disappointment and longing, was seen by others as barren and sorrowful. But in God’s story, she became a woman of faith and purpose, rejoicing in God’s provision. Mary, a young woman facing social rejection and confusion, chose to magnify the Lord and rejoice in His faithfulness, even when her circumstances seemed overwhelming. Both women allowed God’s story to define them, and in doing so, they shaped the faith of their households and generations to come.
Jesus Himself experienced the tension between the stories spoken over Him by others and the story God had written for Him. He was misunderstood, rejected, and falsely accused. Yet He remained rooted in the truth of who He was, and the mission God had given Him. This is the invitation for all who nurture and lead—whether mothers, fathers, friends, or mentors—to speak God’s story over those in our care, to remind them of who they are in Christ, and to live out our vocation with grace.
Grace is the foundation of our calling. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, not by our own merit but as a gift of His love. Whatever grace we need—kindness, patience, self-control, joy, or simply the assurance of being loved—we can receive it from God, who knows us perfectly and calls us to walk confidently in His story.
Key Takeaways
1. Our vocation is not limited to our job titles or roles, but is the sum of our daily work and relationships, all of which are opportunities to reflect God’s creative and redemptive work in the world. Embracing this perspective transforms even the most ordinary tasks into sacred acts of service and worship.
2. The stories others tell about us—whether affirming or diminishing—do not define our true identity. Like Hannah and Mary, we are invited to listen to God’s voice above all, allowing His story to shape our sense of self and our purpose. This requires intentional reflection and a willingness to let go of false narratives.
3. The prayers and songs of faith spoken by those who nurture—mothers, fathers, mentors—become the spiritual foundation for the next generation. What we speak over our households matters deeply; our words can either reinforce the world’s stories or anchor our loved ones in God’s truth and grace.
4. Jesus models for us how to remain rooted in God’s story, even when faced with misunderstanding, rejection, or temptation. His steadfastness reminds us that our vocation is not about seeking our own desires, but about aligning ourselves with God’s will and trusting in His sufficiency.
5. Grace is both the starting point and the sustaining power for our vocation. We are not called to strive in our own strength, but to receive the unmerited favour of God, who equips us for every good work He has prepared. Whatever grace we lack—be it love, patience, or assurance of our identity—God freely gives, enabling us to walk confidently in His story.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Work as Part of God’s Design for Humanity
Scripture:
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Genesis 2:15 NIV - The LORD God took the man and put him - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
From the very beginning, God created humanity with a purpose to work, reflecting His own creative nature. Work is not just a means to an end or a burden to bear, but a vocation woven into the fabric of who we are as people made in God’s image. Whether in the garden, in our homes, or in our daily tasks, our work is a way to participate in God’s ongoing story of creation and care for the world. As we embrace both work and rest, we align ourselves with God’s rhythm and intention for our lives.
Reflection:
How can you approach your daily work—whether at home, in your job, or in your relationships—as a way of participating in God’s creative and caring purposes today?
Prayer:
Lord, I acknowledge that my vocation is a sacred calling. Help me to see my daily tasks as opportunities to live out Your story, speaking truth, life, and faith into the lives of those around me. May my work be overlaid with Your presence, and may I find joy and purpose in the work You have prepared for me. Amen.
Day 2: God’s Story Overcomes the Stories Others Tell
Scripture:
1 Samuel 2:1-2
Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:1-2 NIV - Hannah’s Prayer - Then Hannah prayed - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
So often, the world and those around us try to define our identity and worth by their own stories and expectations. Yet, God invites us to live in His story—a story of hope, faith, and purpose that transcends disappointment and labels. Like Hannah, who endured years of grief and misunderstanding, we are called to trust in God’s provision and to let His voice be the one that shapes our identity and future. When we listen to God’s story over our lives, we find strength and joy even in the midst of hardship.
Reflection:
What is one negative or limiting story you’ve believed about yourself, and how can you invite God to speak His truth over that area today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unchanging story of love, grace, and purpose. I confess that sometimes I listen to the stories others tell about me—stories of disappointment, rejection, or doubt. But today, I choose to listen to Your story—your truth that I am loved, redeemed, and created for good works. Fill me with Your grace, kindness, patience, joy, and love—so I can live confidently in who You say I am. Help me to speak Your story over my family and myself, knowing that Your story always overcomes. May I walk in the vocation You have prepared for me, trusting in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 3: Rejoicing in God’s Faithfulness Amidst Uncertainty
Scripture:
Luke 1:46-49
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
Luke 1:46-49 NIV - Mary’s Song - And Mary said: “My - Bible Gateway
Mary’s life was marked by confusion, social rejection, and uncertainty, yet she chose to magnify the Lord and rejoice in His faithfulness. Her prayer, echoing Hannah’s (in 1 Samuel 2:1-10), reminds us that God sees us in our humble state and does great things for those who trust Him. Even when circumstances are unclear or difficult, we can choose to glorify God and trust that He is working out His purposes in and through us.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you feel uncertain or overlooked, and how can you choose to rejoice in God’s faithfulness there today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering faithfulness. In times of uncertainty, remind me that Your story is the true story—one of love, mercy, and purpose. Help me to trust in Your goodness, knowing that You have prepared good works for me and that Your grace is sufficient for every need. May my heart rejoice like Hannah, Mary, and Jesus, as I lift my voice in praise for all You have done and continue to do. Fill me with Your peace, joy, and confidence in my identity as Your beloved child. Let me walk boldly in Your story, sharing Your love with those around me. Thank You for Your unending faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 4: Speaking God’s Story Over Others
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deutoronomy 6:6-7 NIV - These commandments that I give you - Bible Gateway
The words we speak over our children, family, and community have the power to shape their understanding of themselves and of God. Just as Mary’s faith and words became the foundation for Jesus’ early life, we are invited to speak truth, life, and faith over those entrusted to us. Whether you are a parent, mentor, or friend, your encouragement and prayers can help others live into God’s story for them, especially in times of struggle or doubt.
Reflection:
Who is one person in your life you can intentionally speak God’s truth and encouragement over today, and what specific words will you share?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, grateful for the stories You tell over me —stories of grace, love, and purpose. Thank You for reminding me that my identity is rooted in Your story, not in the words others speak or the circumstances I face. Help me to speak Your truth over those I care for. May I be a vessel to share Your story of hope, faith, and love. Lord, fill me with Your grace, kindness, patience, joy, and love—so I can live out my vocation with confidence, knowing I am created for good works You prepared beforehand. Thank You for Your sufficiency and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 5: Grace and Identity as God’s New Creation
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV - For it is by grace you have been saved, - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Our confidence and vocation flow from knowing we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. This identity is not earned by our own efforts but is a gift of grace—God’s unmerited favour poured out on us. When we rest in this truth, we are empowered to walk in the good works God has prepared for us, secure in His love and sufficiency. Whatever your calling or season, God’s grace is enough for you today.
Reflection:
What is one area where you need to receive God’s grace and remember your identity as His beloved creation today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today grateful for the gift of being made new in Christ. Thank You for the grace that covers me, not because of what I do, but because of Your unmerited love. I ask that You remind me of my true identity as Your beloved child, secure in Your family and loved unconditionally. Help me live out this truth each day, speaking Your story over my life and those I care for. Lord, strengthen me to respond to Your call with faith and love, knowing that You have prepared good works for me to do. Amen.
Day 6: Embracing God's Story of Identity
Scripture:
Isaiah 43:1-3
"But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.'"
Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV - Israel’s Only Savior - But now, this - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Our stories are often shaped by what others say about us—our family, friends, or society. But God's story for us is one of redemption, love, and purpose. He calls us by name and claims us as His own. When life feels overwhelming or when we face challenges, remembering that we are part of God's story gives us strength and confidence. We are not defined by our past or by others’ words, but by God's unchanging love and His purpose for our lives.
Reflection:
How can you choose to listen to God's story about you, His beloved creation, rather than the stories others have told, so you can walk confidently in hope and purpose regardless of what you face?
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You that You know me by name and have claimed me as Your own. Help me to see myself through Your eyes and to live confidently in Your story of love and redemption. Remind me that I am not defined by my circumstances or others’ words, but by Your unending grace. Fill me with Your peace today, knowing I am loved and called by You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 7: Living Out God's Grace in Our Vocation
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10 NIV - For we are God’s handiwork, created - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
As followers of Jesus, our vocation—whether as mothers, caregivers, or in any role—is part of God's divine plan. We are His workmanship, crafted with purpose and equipped with His grace. The good works we do flow from His love and are part of His bigger story. When we feel overwhelmed or unsure, we can remember that God's grace is sufficient for us. His unmerited favour empowers us to live out our calling with patience, kindness, and faithfulness, knowing that He has prepared these works for us long before we even knew them.
Reflection:
In what ways can you live out God's grace today, trusting that you are created for good works and that His story for you is one of love, identity, and purpose?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for creating me with purpose and for equipping me with Your grace. Help me to see my daily tasks as part of Your divine plan. Fill me with patience, kindness, and joy as I walk in the good works You have prepared for me. Remind me that I am Your handiwork, loved and empowered by You. May my life reflect Your grace and truth today. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
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