But he said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor 12:9 NIV)
Being a single mom is the hardest job in the world. I learned quickly that grace was key.
God’s grace, each and every day, provided me the strength, wisdom, and guidance to carry on as a single mother of two.
I believe God regularly provided angels on the ground to come alongside of us to help. Like the times when the car wouldn’t start in the grocery store parking lot, and then miraculously it started. Or when I needed to be in two places at once, and another mom offered to give my child a ride. Or when both children were sick and I needed to be at work, I had an understanding boss.
The Holy Spirit gave me the good sense to look up and ask God for help. By looking to God as my provider, protector, and sustainer I could rest in His loving arms. The sweetest rest.
As I drew upon His strength, He was a very present help for me in times of trouble. In Psalm 91 it says, “He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble… I will rescue him and honor him (v.15).”
As a parent I wanted the very best for my family. Flying solo I needed the Lord to give me the road map and tools to accomplish His best for us. Not riches or fame, but a gentle life pleasing to Him. My confidence in the power of God grew with time; nothing was impossible for Him to accomplish.
Bathing my little family in prayer daily and staying in God’s Word helped to keep us focused on doing His will. God did not deny my pleas, though at times his design was different than what I had in mind. And His design was always better than anything I could have conceived.
The scriptures tell us to keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). I had to seek and trust Him with all of my heart.
Jesus also gave me the willpower to be bold rather than timid about reaching out to others when I needed support or encouragement. I’m thankful for those who had listening ears and tender hearts.
There were prayer partners and those who were willing to roll up their sleeves to help, like the neighbor who kept my old lawn mower running. And there were those who volunteered to help load or drive our moving truck.
Of all the many responsibilities I had, the job of single mom was the most rewarding. God’s divine providence in our lives kept us moving along a straight path, my children coming to faith at an early age, getting college educations, and too many blessings and miracles to name one by one. But thanks be to God for his abundant goodness and grace through it all.
It’s okay to ask for help. But ask for God’s help first.
by Karen Huffaker
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ABOUT KAREN HUFFAKER
Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer, and a joyful mother and grandmother. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies, and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books and devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, all things family, and is passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events.