Laura Bailey

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” - John 21:17 ESV 

Countless times throughout the day, I question if I am making a meaningful difference in my children's lives. Giving up my career, sacrificing financial security, forgoing the adult interaction I love, and even the luxury of using the bathroom without interruption, the choice to stay home with my children wasn't – and isn't – easy.

What if you gave up the things you loved and enjoyed in vain? What if you're not even making a significant impact on your children? What if this is all a big waste of time?

As a believer, I know everything has a purpose in God's economy. I believe God values family, and the impact of a godly, present mother is undeniable in the lives of children. God works through everyday people, often in unseen and ordinary places.

If you are new to the faith, or if you have a background in Christianity but are new to studying the Bible, there’s no shame in asking for help to understand difficult passages of Scripture.

Do you ever wonder if your faithfulness really matters? In today’s prayer, we reflect on the quiet, unseen moments of obedience—the prayers, the consistency, the “yes” to God that no one else notices. Inspired by the story of Noah in Genesis 6:22, this devotional reminds us of a powerful truth: Obedience is ours.

Post-VBS is a prime opportunity to equip parents to keep the conversation going at home and encourage spiritual growth year-round.

I chuckled as I read the shirt: "Motherhood is my superpower!"

How often do we look at moms, all the hats they wear, all the balls they juggle, and offer encouragement with words like, "You are Super Mom!" "You can do this, Mom. You are Super Woman!" While I wholeheartedly agree that mothers hold a powerful influence over their children, it is not in our power but in Christ's power that we have the strength to mother those in our care well.

Motherhood is one of the most selfless acts of service. It is often thankless and mundane and can be disappointing and disheartening. But motherhood can also be rewarding, fulfilling, exciting, life-giving, and inspiring. As mothers, we are the foundation, and our children's relationship with us will be the lens through which they filter future relationships and circumstances in their lives.

We will not always do motherhood perfectly. We are to point our children to the One who is perfect. We seek to change our children's lives not only today but for eternity.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Fly View Productions

It stings when God blesses someone else with the very thing you’ve been praying for. Discover how to fight envy, trust His timing, and celebrate others without losing your joy.

Running from God might feel freeing—until it breaks you. This honest prayer is for anyone ready to stop hiding and finally come home.

Are you in heavy season? If so, what verse above gives you encouragement? Commit the verse to memory and recite it when you are struggling to hold on to your joy. 

Your gifts aren’t yours to flaunt—they’re God’s to glorify. This prayer helps you remember that.

The Spirit is always at work, searching our hearts and petitioning for us in accordance with God's will.

Romans 7:14-15 reminds us that even as believers, we still battle our human nature and often fail to do what we know is right—but God’s grace invites us to keep pursuing progress, not perfection.

"I feel like I have missed my calling; I can't help but think I am disappointing God by not going abroad."

"I feel bad that I am not in full-time ministry; how does being an accountant bring glory to God?"

"I want desperately to do big things for the Lord, but I feel held back by motherhood; I don't think I am doing enough for the kingdom by just watching my children."

As a women's ministry leader at my church, I commonly hear the above statements from women in our congregation. Women who love the Lord and have a heart's desire to serve Him. They know intellectually that we can honor the Lord daily in both the little, unseen things and the more significant, more public ways, but yet, they have unrest in their souls.

One of the most used tools of our enemy is to convince us that we aren't doing enough for the Lord, that God only cares about the big, bold, public acts done in the name of Jesus. Yes, there are those whom the Lord calls to public service to participate in large-scale ministry opportunities or devote their lives to ministry. But, for most of His children, He calls us to live for the Lord in our daily lives, making the most of the opportunities He has placed in our sphere of influence (Ephesians 5:15-17).

So, friend, shut down those lies from the enemy and walk in the truth that there is much work for you to do today to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus, so let's get to work.