SHELBY TOWNSHIP – A mother is someone who guides, nurtures, and corrects. A mother loves unconditionally and wants the best for her children. In a similar way, a spiritual mother offers these same things.
A few years ago, God brought a woman into my life who helped me through a difficult time. Since then, she has been mentoring me and guiding me along my own journey. She has truly become a spiritual mother to me. She guides me when I need godly advice, she loves me as I am, and she points things out that I may be blind to. Her deep love for God and strong relationship with Him is what drew me to her. She knows just how to ask the right questions that the Holy Spirit then uses in my life to teach me the things He wants me to learn. When I think of her, I am reminded of the passage in Titus where Paul is teaching Titus how to lead the church.
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. Titus 2: 3-5 (NLT)
After experiencing this type of relationship in my own life, I recognized the need for mentoring relationships within the women of my church. A few years ago, I began to feel overwhelmed by trying to disciple and to help meet the needs of many women in our growing church family. I began praying about how a mentor ministry could be developed and for God to lead the way. When we surrender our plans to God, He is faithful to take the lead and show us exactly what His plan is! He confirmed this desire of my heart during time with God one day when I was reading in Numbers about Moses and how he was tired of carrying the load of all the Israelites.
In Numbers 11:14 Moses tells God, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.” (NIV)
I completely understood what Moses was saying here. This was the exact thing I had been praying to God about. I couldn’t keep up with all the needs of the women of our church. I am only one person.
Continuing in Numbers 11:16 God responds to Moses, “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.” (NIV)
I don’t think God could have spoken any clearer to me! Three years into this ministry, and it is still going strong! We have seen much fruit, not only from the women who are being mentored, but also within the spiritual mothers as well. When you mentor, you grow right alongside your mentee.
Have you ever experienced a relationship like this before? Do you know of someone who could use a little encouragement and guidance in their life? If God has put someone in your life and you feel led to walk alongside them, reach out to them. Chances are, God is already preparing their heart for you. Or maybe you are someone who longs to have a spiritual mother. If this is the case, begin praying for God to send the exact person you need. He doesn’t want us to do life alone. God created us for community, and we are to encourage each other in our faith and help each other grow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karen is married to Scott Blanchard, pastor of Lakepointe Church, and moved from Florida to Michigan in the summer of 2009 to plant Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township. She enjoys mentoring and discipling women and also leads women’s life groups through her church. She is passionate about helping women find their purpose in who God created them to be. She is on staff at Lakepointe Church and loves being part of what God is doing in the Metro Detroit area!