Closing: How Motherhood Transforms Us Into Who Christ Calls Us to Be - October 6, 2025

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Occasionally, I will pull out our family photo album. As I flip through one page after another, I see photos of my children. With each turn of the pages, I see them as they grow older. Often, I stop and stare at the mom in those pictures and am reminded of some of the attitudes and ways of thinking in my heart in the different seasons of motherhood. I’ll be honest; I often don’t like what I see in those photos.

In the same way that each photo shows my children at a different age, and the styles of hair and clothing change with each year, I can reflect on the changes that God has done in my heart as I have moved from one season to the next. I am so thankful for how He has worked to change me.

I had no idea that when I began my motherhood journey at 27, God would use those years to conform me into His image. Year after year, He has been shaping me, stretching me, and molding me as I persevered in the daily pressures and challenges we all face. The exhaustion, the loss, the sacrifice, the loss of who I once was—all of this has been used to change me and make me a more loving, patient, and surrendered person.

Motherhood is a process of becoming. It is both a loss and a gain. It takes pieces of our old selves and reshapes them into something new. Most importantly, if we walk with Christ in this journey, we will look like Him more each year.

God’s transforming work in us is a slow, steady process. The old patterns of self-centeredness, impatience, and fear are replaced with grace, humility, and reliance on Him. What may feel like a sacrifice is shaping a heart into Christlikeness.

The Gospel that Makes Us New

Every stage of motherhood—from the sleepless nights to the messy, chaotic afternoons—echoes the gospel. The gospel tells us that we cannot save ourselves, that our strength is insufficient, and that our ultimate purpose is found not in what we achieve but in Christ. Motherhood magnifies this truth. Our limitations are not failures. They are opportunities for God’s grace to empower us and for us to bring Him glory. As we give of ourselves, we participate in the life-giving work of Jesus, who gave everything for us. Our daily acts of service are reflections of His redemptive work.

What Can We Do?

Reflect on your growth. Take a moment to look back and see how God has shaped you. Celebrate the work God has been doing in you and remember that you never could have accomplished it alone.
Choose daily dependence. Each day brings opportunities to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. Remember Lamentations 3:22–23: His mercies are new every morning.
Practice surrender. When motherhood feels overwhelming, lay your burdens at the foot of the cross. Release control, personal agendas, and expectations, trusting God to use your life for His purpose.
Remember your identity. Your worth is not defined by achievements or roles but by your relationship with Christ. You are a new creation, beloved, and empowered by the Spirit.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

How have you seen God’s hand shaping you in motherhood, even in moments like loss?
In what ways does your heart look different now than it did before you became a mother?
How can you intentionally embrace God’s transforming work amid daily responsibilities and challenges?

LET’S PRAY

Father, thank You for the gift of motherhood and Your transforming work in my life. Forgive me for focusing on the times I have focused more on what I’ve lost instead of the work You are doing in me. Teach me to lean on Your strength, to trust Your purposes, and to love sacrificially. Help me see each day as an opportunity to become more like You. May my life, home, and heart testify to Your goodness. Thank you for all the ways you have already transformed my heart. I am in awe of all you have done. Amen.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AscentXmedia

Gina Smith is a wife of 37 years, mom of 2, and grandma of 3. She is a writer and author, writing her very first published book in her empty nest years. She has a passion to come alongside the younger generation to encourage them, strengthen them in God, and learn from them. You can find Gina at her website www.ginalsmith.com, and her book Everyday Prayers for Joy can be found anywhere books are sold.

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
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✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!