Motherhood is a calling like no other. We’re tasked with raising the next generation of believers, equipping our children to love God and live faithfully in a world that often pulls them in the opposite direction (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
For many of us, this task feels overwhelming. With the noise of modern parenting, the weight of our own expectations, and the constant whispers of mom guilt, it can feel like discipling our kids is an impossible task.
But what if we didn’t have to do it all perfectly? What if God’s design for discipling your kids was more about His power in your weakness than your ability to check every box on the “perfect parent” list? (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Weight of the Call
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve felt the burden of raising children who will walk faithfully with Jesus. You’ve read the Bible stories about Daniel standing firm in Babylon or Esther courageously stepping into her calling, and you’ve wondered how to prepare your children to live with that kind of faith.
And then, if you’re like me, you’ve felt the tension between that desire and the reality of your day-to-day life.
Maybe your house is filled with chaos and noise, and by 9:00 AM, you’re already exhausted—discipleship feels like just one more thing to squeeze in between soccer practice and dinner prep. Maybe you hear a voice in your head whispering, “You’re not doing enough. You should pray more with your kids. You should read the Bible with them every morning.” Or maybe, like I used to, you believe the lie “Why bother? It isn’t going to make a difference anyhow” or “I don’t know where to start; nobody has ever discipled me!”
The Lies That Keep Us Stuck
Here’s the truth: I’ve believed all those lies too. For years, mom guilt whispered that I wasn’t enough for my kids. Fear told me I would mess them up. Lies whispered that my value was tied to how well my kids behaved that day.
The problem is, when we parent from guilt, fear, or insecurity, we end up discipling from a place of striving. Instead of leading our kids to Jesus, we’re stuck trying to “do enough” to prove we’re good moms, instead of letting the Holy Spirit lead their hearts back to the Good Shepherd (John 10:14).
But this isn’t how God designed us to parent. He never intended for us to carry the burden of perfection or rely on our own strength to disciple our kids (Matthew 11:28-30).
God’s Plan for You as a Mom
Here’s what changed everything for me: realizing that discipling my kids wasn’t something I had to do for God; it was something He wanted to do through me (Philippians 2:13). It started with me allowing Him to disciple me—transforming my heart and thoughts so that my faith naturally overflowed into my parenting (Romans 12:2).
God is the one who equips us to disciple our children. He doesn’t call us to perfect motherhood—He calls us to faithful motherhood (1 Thessalonians 5:24). He calls us to lay down our striving and live out our faith in front of our kids, trusting Him to do the work in their hearts (Proverbs 22:6).
When I began to shift my perspective, parenting started to feel lighter. Instead of seeing discipleship as another task on my to-do list, I started seeing it as a natural part of our family life and an overflow of my own walk with Jesus (Deuteronomy 11:18-19). And instead of parenting from guilt, fear, and overwhelm, I began parenting from a place of joy and freedom.
Practical Tips for Joyful Discipleship
If you’re ready to disciple your kids without burning out, here are a few simple ways to get started:
1. Start with Your Own Heart
Your kids are watching you, and one of the best ways to lead them to Jesus is to live out your faith authentically. Spend time in God’s Word every day, even for just a few minutes. Talk to Him throughout your day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Let your kids see your dependence on Him, especially when you mess up and things are hard (2 Corinthians 12:10).
2. Use Everyday Moments
Discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for opportunities in your daily routine to point your kids to Jesus—whether it’s a conversation about kindness over breakfast or a prayer on the way to school (Philippians 4:6), these small moments add up. This becomes even easier when you’ve taken time to fill your own ‘spiritual cup’ first—before their little feet hit the floor. Waking up early is a sacrifice, but one that is always worth it.
3. Speak Truth Over Lies
When mom guilt or fear creeps in, remind yourself of God’s Truth. You don’t have to do it all perfectly because God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). His strength is made perfect in your weakness, and He is faithful to equip you for the work He’s called you to (Hebrews 13:20-21). He calls you beloved daughter (1 John 3:1), chosen heir (Romans 8:17), holy priest (1 Peter 2:9), sword-wielder (Ephesians 6:17), and so much more!
4. Prioritize Relationship
Discipleship happens best in the context of connection. Spend time enjoying your kids. Set a timer if you need to. Get on the floor and look at them eye-to-eye, shoulder-to-shoulder. Be honest if it is hard at first, but press through it. Build trust and nurture their hearts so they’re open to learning about God from you.
5. Rest in God’s Faithfulness
Ultimately, your kids’ faith isn’t up to you—it’s up to God. Trust Him to work in their hearts (Philippians 1:6), and rest in the knowledge that He loves them even more than you do.
Start Today
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, I’d love to share a simple tool that helped me shift my mindset and center my heart on God’s Truth.
I created a free 5-day devotional to help you fill your mind with God’s Word, silence the lies, and parent from a place of Truth. No matter where you are in your journey, His Truth can renew your mind and transform your heart (Romans 12:2). You don’t have to do it all perfectly—you just have to begin.
Grab the free devotional here: https://mobilizermom.myflodesk.com/motherhooddevo
Discipling your kids isn’t about being the perfect mom—it’s about faithfully pointing them to the One who is. When we let go of striving and rely on God’s strength (Isaiah 40:29-31), we can raise Daniels and Esthers who will stand firm in their faith, all while experiencing the joy and freedom of walking in His grace.
You’ve got this, mama, and God’s got you.