(Photo by Selma Komisky)

God’s Grace For The Single Parent

By Tori Martin

“Technically, you’re not really a single mum because you have God,” my youngest son casually, and out of the blue, declared to me whilst we were in the car traveling back from the movies. “Wow, Holy Spirit preach!” was my immediate response. Only moments before that truth bomb was dropped, I had been secretly holding a pathetic pity party in my head because, “woe is me, I am a single mum.” I felt sad and alone. And on top of that, I felt burned out and overwhelmed by all of the things I still had to do once we got home; put the bins out, walk the dog, get the washing out of the washing machine (which had been sitting in the machine for 12 hours already), make a shopping list and try to bribe my kids – it will be fun to go food shopping – and oh, I still had two light bulbs to change (since April). Yep, I had no doubt, the Holy Spirit was speaking to me loud and clear!

If you are a single parent then please know firstly, you’re doing great and secondly, you don’t have to do this alone because the truth is, you are not alone. You may feel alone, but Jesus is actually always with you, and He is waiting for you to start involving Him in every single thing you do. Start to use His grace to your full advantage and trust me, it is all yours!  He never has a day where He will say to you, “I’m too tired today, sweetie.” He is our Rock and constant Faithful Spouse. He makes the hard, easy.

Start Your Day Right.

Jesus and coffee are the perfect starts to your day. Get up an hour to half an hour earlier than you normally would do and spend some quiet quality time with God in prayer and in His Word before the kids and chaos begins! I know you’re tired, but honestly, you’re going to be way more tired later on if you don’t invite Him in to steward your day. He is our energy source. Fill up on Him just as you do with the coffee!

Involve Him in Every Activity of the Day.

Ask Him to grace you with the right attitude to deal with whatever you have to do that day. Ask Him for His patience and wisdom with not only raising your children, but also with the bills, running the home, and your job. Throughout the day have regular “decompress” moments with Jesus, even if it’s just 3 minutes of escapism in the bathroom. Sit on the throne and go to the Throne! Give Him anything that needs to be handed over. Thank Him and ask Him to refill you with His Holy Spirit.

Before Bed

As you would with your spouse, share your day with Him. What things can you celebrate that went well? And offload the things that didn’t go so well, receiving His mercy and peace. As you lay down, ask Him to hold you, and imagine His warm loving arms wrapped around you keeping you safe. 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand.”

– Isaiah 41:10 (AMP)