We’ve all heard it — us mums — the complaints, the accusations, the whining. “It’s not fair!” “You never let me do anything!” “I want it now!” It is so frustrating at times. We wonder if our children will ever learn to be grateful and obedient. We wonder how long we have to put up with the disrespect and ignorance of all we do for them.
Did you know that God understands those frustrations? Yes, He does. Because, He has children, too. Children who were probably far worse than yours or mine.
God rescued His children from slavery amidst an amazing show of His power. Plague after plague was visited upon the Egyptians while the Israelites were unaffected. Then, He helped them escape through the dry bed of a sea, with a wall of water to the left and a wall of water to the right. Wow! They had His presence with them wherever they went, in the symbol of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Awesome! He brought them water from a rock. He gave them manna from heaven every day.
And what did they do? They complained. They whined. They wanted to go back to Egypt where life was easier (hello, did they forget the back-breaking labour??). They wanted meat. Something different to eat. “We’re sick of this manna!”
So, what did God say? Did He pat them on the head and say, “Oh, yes my children, I understand. Here’s some meat, you poor little ones.” No! He was frustrated and annoyed, just like we are when our kids whinge.
God said, “Now the Lord will give you meat, and you will eat it. You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it.” [Numbers 11;18-20 NIV] (emphasis mine)
I love this! Read it with some emphasis and increasing volume and it sounds just like ourselves when we’re fed up. “Have it your way! But you will suffer the consequences!”
So, all you mums out there. I just wanted to encourage you today, God understands the frustrations of parenting. He’s been there and done that. And He will be the first one to tell you all the frustration is worth it in the end. Press on. Love your kids. They WILL grow up to be wonderful adults. Amen?
Romancing The Rock 
so true Amanda. In the end (well, when they are grown up and left home) – they truly do love and respect you! My children have always been wonderful, but not always obedient… they were given consequences for their bad choices and have grown up to be well rounded, law abiding citizens who are contributing to society. my job is done! I did it well. even if I do say so myself! we can not be responsible for their choices as adults, but we can always be there to love and give advise in sort. I love my journey of motherhood. Im glad I had God. I dont think I would have been as calm, firm or forgiving without His loving direction and daily wisdom! love your work. mwahhhh.
Thanks mate. Your kids are awesome! Love the relationship you all have with each other. Xxoo
Amen. I love that. “God Gets Mums.’ Should be a bumper sticker. xx
What a great idea! Bumper sticker. Hehe
Great post. Even as a dad I often find myself getting convicted when I’m growling at my children – do I really treat God any better than they treat me?
Wow Adam. So true. It makes us think twice about how we respond to God. Thanks.