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One of the biggest reasons moms continue to work outside the home even though they feel God calling them to stay home is money. Maybe God wants you to just step out in faith and become a stay at home mom and watch Him fill the financial gaps. Here’s a little about my story and what God has done in our lives! I hope this brings you the encouragement you need.
Do You Have Faith to Become A Stay At Home Mom?
Is God calling you to do something scary such as quit your job? If you felt God stirring in your heart to go be a missionary in Africa, you would be scared to death but I bet you would seek wise council and then get the ball rolling for you to go. At least, that would be me. Maybe it’s cause of the lure of adventure? But, when God calls us to give up something that is providing food, clothing, and shelter, well, then it becomes a little scarier.
I understand this one. My spiritual gift is faith, yet I still have my days where I have doubt, “Is God really going to provide?”
When God called me to change my blog, I tried to hide…for months! I was scared to death..scared of the hate mail I would receive, scared of people’s comments, scared to put myself out there in such a vulnerable way. But, you know what? Once I realized I needed to just do what God is asking of me, I can’t tell you how many doors God is already opening. These doors wouldn’t have opened if I wouldn’t have listened. I had to just have faith first.
God Wants You to See It’s Not Your Own Hand that Provides
“ And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.” (Judges 7:2NKJV) There’s a story in Judges that I was reading the other day. It’s a story that I have read quite a few times but this verse caught my attention this time. It takes place when the Israelites are so oppressed by the Midianites that they are hiding out in caves. They cried out to God and He sent them a prophet named Gideon.
Gideon is getting ready to march into battle against the Midianites with 32,000 soldiers. If you read the story, God whittles down the army to a mere 300 men. And then He says to Gideon, “ It happened on the same night that the Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand” (Judges 7:9 NKJV). Gideon went with his 300 men and conquered the over 135,000 Midianite soldiers.
If you have sat down and looked at your finances and have thought to yourself, “There’s just no way we can afford for me to become a stay at home mom” then maybe God wants to you to see that it’s not by your own might that you pay the bills. If you faithfully rise up and face that army that appears as numerous as a plague of locusts (Judges 6:5), God will take the meager amount you make and make you victorious.
However, you first have to faithfully rise up before He can give you victory. He wants to show you how He is the one who provides.
The Goodness of the Lord
If you don’t know my story, my husband has been laid off 5 times in the past 9 years. Through it all, God has told me to continue being a stay at home mom. We have really seen the hand of God. It has not been by our own might that our bills have been paid but through God’s hand. When I start to doubt, I will go over all the times when we’ve seen God’s provision. He has always provided for us in the past, why would He stop now? When you face doubt, it’s good to remember where God has brought you from so that He can renew your strength to keep marching forward.
Remembering the goodness of the Lord in our lives always just blows my mind. Most of the time, when I start dwelling on it, I am a big ball of weepy, joyful mess. (And I will probably become a big ball of tears writing this!)
- At a time when we were in a severe financial drought, the insurance adjuster cut us a check for over 3 grand when we were expecting only 1k for my husband’s totaled car
- That same insurance adjuster gave us a check for 2k for “pain and suffering” (most of the time, it’s a few hundred)
- We have also gotten other checks for $1,000 and several for $2,000
- My husband got a check for lost wages of over $1,000 for a job he had 10 years prior
- My husband got paid nearly $2,000 for vacation time pay out for a job he got hired for but never actually started working
- The time when we won a gift card to a grocery store
- The time when a stranger bought my stuff at Target
- The time I already promised my neighbor’s kids they could have pizza night with us but I didn’t realize we didn’t have the money. I went to Costco to buy it anyway and the person in front of me bought my pizza for me
- The other time at Costco when someone paid for our pizza
- When my husband and I were talking on our way to church how I needed to get bibs for my daughter (during a time when just that $10 was a huge expense we’d have to save for) and we came home from church to find a bag of bibs on our door
- The time we had no idea where groceries would come from since we had no money left and our church got together and filled our car to the brim with groceries and diapers (we never asked for help…God just put it on their hearts to give)
- The time a stranger gifted us $500
- When a friend gave us money for Christmas and even more money for diapers and groceries
- The other time when someone gave us money for Christmas
- The time when someone rang our doorbell and dashed and I opened the door to find Christmas presents for our entire family on our front porch
- The time when we came home from visiting my parents to find that our neighbors had all gotten together and landscaped our front yard, decorated our front porch with outdoor furniture and decor, and put together a huge basket of food (with an Applebee’s gift card in it-such a treat!)
- The times I have found laundry soap, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, and other essentials just left on our front step
- The many, many times we have discovered random checks in the mail
- When I prayed over my very sick dog because we didn’t have the money to take him to the vet and he woke up the next day perfectly fine
- The time I prayed for $55 to buy fabric so I could make my parents a rag quilt for Christmas and instead God provided $1,000
- When my friend earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii and decided to take me with her
- When I prayed for God to open up doors for me to earn $300 for spending money for that Hawaii trip and instead I earned over $2,000
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You guys, here I am a big bawl of tears! Our God is so good!! He won’t call you to quit your job and then abandon you. He will provide. His provision rarely comes in the forms we expect. You will get to see these things in your own life, too, if you just be obedient to His will for your life.
What You Can Take Away from All This
If you have been feeling like God is calling you to quit your job and become a stay at home mom, I know it can be incredibly scary. But, at the same time, I am super excited for you! It’s like how excited you get when someone gets pregnant because you know how awesome it is to be a parent and now they get to experience that. You have no idea all the amazing things God has for you on the other side of this, but I have walked through it. God is going to work in your life in such big ways!
All you have to do is have faith and say, “Ok, God! I am ready to listen!” and then sit back and watch what He does in your life.
If this is you, can you let me know below in the comments? I would love to pray for you as you start this journey! If you want to encourage others, please share this on Pinterest.
My Bible OT reading this week has me in Joshua 4 today. Your list of God’s kindnesses to you reminded me of this verses when God command Joshua to have the children of Israel gather 12 stones so that when the time came that their children asked, “what do those stones mean to you,” they would tell of all God had done for them.
May we be so faithful to tell each other of God’s provision and goodness so that we are encouraged to boldly obey Him!
I love that story too…I’ve been curious when the Bible says that the stones are still there to this day, if someday an archeological dig will discover 12 stones.
I think this is why God’s word tells us to think back on His goodness because it strengthens our faith. I know for me personally, when I am having those times of doubt, I think back to what He has brought us through and it gives me the strength and hope to keep going forward.
I love the story of Gideon! It is a bold thing in today’s culture to promote being a SAHM–God bless you for it! I was a SAHM and was questioned constantly, looked down on and criticized, AND have no regrets! I know there are fewer and fewer women who even want to be SAHM’s, but having a voice that encourages those who do is so needed! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! You can see why I hid from God when He told me to change my blog to this…but I am learning that moms are just so hungry for this. I know it might be nearly impossible but I would love to see our culture become one that glorifies stay at home moms. Most Americans believe that moms should stay at home but less than 20% of moms actually do. I hope that I can be that encouragement to moms who decide to quit their jobs because the world is brutal!
What a great testimony of faith that speaks to so many moms out there. I quit my job to be a stay-at-home mom, and we walked rocky roads too. Still, God was always faithful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing with us! I love to hear stories like this of how God provided!
Oh how amasing. Just hearing the many times God has provided you had me in a ball of tears. There has been this burning desire God placed in my heart to be a stay at home mom and homeschool my kids. I am currently home with them . Just this week I got called to an interview and twice they cancelled my interview for no reason at all. I am totally scared of not being provided for. What would happen to my kids or would we be able to afford our rent or groceries or have a good christmas. But after hearing your testimony of made me realize I am not alone and this is his will for me to be a stay at home mother. Thank you so much for sharing.
Amelia, thank you so much for sharing with us. Your story will encourage so many other moms and has definitely encouraged me! I think God has His hand in those interviews being canceled. You’re giving your kids a priceless gift this year-you! I can tell you with 100% certainty that even though this seems scary, God will be right there, walking through it with you. And, He will provide! I have been praying for you and will continue to do so.
So encouraging to me.My new chapter as a SAHM starts in January 2020.
Oh that’s so awesome!! I am so excited for you! I will definitely be praying for you Khanya as you enter this journey!
I am not sure what God is telling me right now in my life. August 20, 2019 I tripped on a curb and shattered all the metatarsals in my right foot, and severely sprained my left foot. I had to have surgery on my right foot and have been out of work since (I have been a Teacher for students who have severe behavioral difficulties. This would have been my 21st year teaching). So we went from a 2 income family to a 1 income family. I also have a 10yr old son. I’m suppose to ho back to work January 6th. Now I find out I need to have my gallbladder removed. So I’ll go back to work for a couple of weeks then have to take more time off to have this next surgery. I’ve been depressed and crying alot because we barely have enough money to cover our bills. My son will get minimal presents for Christmas. He hasn’t complained though. He understands. It’s just as a mother I want to be able to provide for my son. I have been praying. I also need lots of prayers to bring me out of this depression I feel.
A few years ago, a horse stepped on my mom’s foot and shattered it. She has always been a high-energy person that is always on the go. It was hard for me to see her not be able to do much. But, I can tell you how incredibly awesome it was to have time with my mom for 2 years. I got to have a stay at home mom for awhile and a stay at home grandma for my kids. They went camping a lot and did all sorts of other fun stuff. It was hard for her…she went through a lot of the same things you’re going through right now. But, through all of it, she learned to be more present. She is back at work now but instead of doing my dishes while she’s at my house, she’ll sit down with us and watch a movie.
She learned the value of rest in those 2 years.
I can tell you that God is giving you something far more valuable than presents- He is giving you time with your son. And, the enemy will come in and try to rob you of that precious time. He likes to kick you while you’re down so that instead of feeling the joy God has for you in this season, the enemy will keep your focus on the problem.
In all our years of having little money and sometimes no money for Christmas, I can tell you that no one remembers the gifts they got. But, my children all will reminisce about the memories we made.
You have been gifted time with your son and even though you can’t do much physically, you can get creative to give your son the gift of memories. You can build a fort around your tv and then spend the entire day in there with him (because forts are just super cool it’ll keep your eyes from being distracted by the housework) playing video games. Another day, you can spend the day in there with him watching your favorite movies and chowing down on all the snacks that 10-year old boys love.
I know this is such a hard time for you and I have already been praying for you, Monica. I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that this will be the best Christmas yet for your son. You’ll give him memories he will cherish for the rest of his life. In 10 years, you’ll all be reminiscing about what you did with this time and no one will remember how hard it was.
I will continue to pray for you. Thank you for sharing with us something that is so vulnerable for you.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I love spending time with my son. You’re words are so true. Are there any scriptures I can read to help me not let the devil attack me during this time?
I am sorry for not responding. I did not receive a notification about your reply to my comment! If it’s not too late, here are some verses that come to mind:
Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe”
James 4:7b “…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint”
Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”
Pray about it too. God will bring verses to mind to give you strength.
You have no idea how much I needed this today. Just today we found out the raise we were counting on my husband getting for me to stay home isn’t going to happen. Just before I read this we have made the decision to move forward with our original plan of me staying home. I just stumbled on this blog post and usually skim over them but decided to read yours word for word. (In tears I might add). We do serve a wonderful, loving God who will never abandon us! Thank you so much for these words!
Thank you so much for sharing! You’ve got me teared up now and all full of goosebumps!
You won’t ever regret this decision and God will always be there for you…I am so excited for you and your family! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!
Your words have truly spoken to me. My baby is one month old and I cannot imagine leaving her to go back to work. While my husband is a little apprehensive about me staying home, he knows how important it is to me. And while I know we will have to make sacrifices, I know they will pale in comparison to what we will get in return. I LOVE the thought that God wouldn’t call me to quit and then abandon me; I think I’ll write that on a sticky note and put it on my mirror! 🙂 Thank you for these words!
I am so blessed by you sharing with us! Thank you! This is only the beginning of what God has in store for you and your family
We serve an awesome God who is so faithful to provide! I’m also a stay at home mom and a few years back my husband lost his job. Although it was a difficult time and we both did odd jobs until he found something permanent again, it was absolutely amazing how God proved faithful and took care of us! Looking back, I am glad that we endured those difficult few months. It taught us so much!
I remember when God called me to take a step away from my career for a season to be a SAHM. I was so resistant, because of fear and insecurities. It was the best decision I ever made. So thankful for the years I was a SAHM.
Thank you for sharing this post. As I watched my baby sleep this morning after feeding her, I felt a nudge from God calling me to stay home with her. When we were first married and discussed kids, I asked my husband his thoughts on me staying at home if we had a child. He was against it. He also was agnostic about having children. In March of 2019, he took me to the hospital for what I thought was a bladder infection. Turns out that I was pregnant and had to deliver baby same day. The OB thought she was 22-24wks and might not live. She was born at 26.6 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 4 months with only an issue of bad reflux. God put her here for a reason and I feel called to protect and guide her. Before I even had this feeling, my husband initiated the conversation about me staying at home and encouraged it! Good is always at work. While I still feel conflicted about staying at home or working, your post has been very encouraging and made it less scary. Thank you for your testimony and may God continue to bless you and your family. Please pray for us.
I love this. Thank you so much for sharing. What an encouragement to the rest of us!
God perfectly orchestrated everything, even planting that seed in your husband’s heart. It gave me goosebumps when I read your story. And, of course, I will be praying for you. I love praying for everyone in our little community!
Your story brought tears to my eyes. My family has been experiencing this for almost a year…of course with the current global heath crisis things are more challenging. This time last year I had two part time jobs while being a graduate student. Long story short, God told me to leave one of the jobs… and we needed that extra money because we had and still do have a lot of debt that we’re paying off. And somehow we had enough money “saved” (little of it was from our savings and the rest came in form of bonuses or financial aid from school etc.) and we had enough to make up for the money I was making. But only until the end of August… that’s what we planned for. Then God told me to leave my only part time job so that I can minister to my family and daughter. Till this day, we are not bringing in enough income to pay for our bills… but we haven’t been in need. And we’ve had extremely financial hardships 4 years ago (we were in the negative weekly). Last year we were just getting on our feet and finding financial stability. The crazy thing is that logically we should be struggling right now, but we’re not because God is stretching our faith. I do recognize that our current situation is not sustainable…. at some point I have to bring in extra money, but I’m not sure where God wants me next. My desire is to be a stay at home mom next year when I graduate school. For the moment I’m enjoying being a stay at home mom. God has been faithful and has provided.
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing. Your story brings so many others such encouragement! You know how God used the 5 loaves of bread and the 2 fish to feed the 5,000? I felt like that with our bank account. Somehow, God just kept making the money be there in our account to pay for bills…and especially to pay for gas to continue going to church (our church is pretty far away so it’s a lot for gas!) And, you know what else? I am right there with you! I had a side job and God was stirring in my heart for quite some time to stop. I used it to have some extra $$ and to pay for this blog. I finished my last assignment a week before the world imploded and my husband lost his job (again). For a brief second, I thought how I should go back and ask for more work to help pay the bills. But, God saw this coming and yet He still asked me to quit that job. And, God has provided even more than what my husband was making before!
Just keep your eyes on Him and look to Him for guidance and provision. It may very well be that you need to focus entirely on building your home instead of trying to bring in income. God will show you where He wants you next “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Okay, now I have tears in my eyes!
“He has always provided for us in the past, why would He stop now? When you face doubt, it’s good to remember where God has brought you from so that He can renew your strength to keep marching forward”
Girl, you are speaking the TRUTH!! You have inspired me to write down all of the fun times God has provided for my family over the years!!
Better get the tissue out because I bet as you recall all His goodness, it will make you cry!
Okay, now I have tears in my eyes!
Girl, you are speaking the TRUTH!! You have inspired me to write down all of the fun times God has provided for my family over the years!!
Thank you!
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing this. God has recently called me to be a stay at home mom. I believe it is a noble calling, but I’m really nervous, especially about our finances. I believe it’s what in called to do, but this is going to be a huge leap of faith for me. Thank you for these encouraging words.
Thank you for sharing Ashley! I am so glad that you found encouragement here!
I ask for you to pray over my family as well (husband, me, and our 5 children). Even before this covid-19 shutdown, I felt God was impressing on me being a homemaker or stay at home wife taking care of our family. Mind you my husband left our family on February 1st and recently expressed that he wants us to come live with him in Las Vegas (we live in Houston). On top of the unsurety of financial provision by leaving my job (I’ve been the main breadwinner in our whole 7 year relationship, 5 years married), but also battling the unsurety of him leaving us again. So I ask for your prayers as I believe God really is drawing me to being a stay at home wife.
Thank you for sharing your testimony and times of his provision. I too believe this is a calling for us to truly know God at another level. So I count it as a privilege and honor.
Patricia, I am praying over you right now!! Thank you so much for sharing with us! What an incredible story…I wonder what God has in store for you guys…what your story will be like in just a few years from now. I bet you’ll look back on this time and just be in awe of how perfectly God orchestrated everything.
Well said, sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough but now that I read this story I know I’m not alone and we are wonderful just the way we are
I know for sure that all of us stay at home moms struggle a lot with not feeling good enough or like we’re doing anything important. It’s hard when society tells you that you’re lazy, not contributing, etc. I think you would enjoy this too Finding Your Value As A Stay At Home Mom: How to Find Your Value
Love your testimony, as I just googled “does God want me to be a stay at home mom”! I came across your post and immediately saw that this is what I needed to read! I am a teacher and was just let go from a job I had for two years, as I was let go a year before that! I feel that God was saying to let go but I was/am afraid to let go of security: health insurance, independence, ability to pay MY bills. My husband runs his own business and is always working! I’m trying so hard to not apply for jobs but it gets hard sometimes! My 3 kids need me so much right now and being a teacher does not afford me the opportunity to be there for them in the way that I need to be. Please pray for me that I am able to continue my faith journey, believing that God is going to do what He says He will do!
I am lifting you up in prayer right now! Thank you so much for sharing with us and with me!
I believe that God is calling me to quit my job, to be more present in my children’s lives. God has recently placed in my heart the urge to homeschool my children. I am a teacher and I have been battling with whether or not I should leave my career. I am afraid that we won’t have enough money, or that there will be a time where both my husband and I are without a job. Your testimony made me cry, I have been fasting all day and looking for an answer to my prayers. After listening to a sermon about being a servant of God, I wondered how being a stay at home mom could further God’s kingdom. I know being a teacher helps me mold the minds of others but is it selfish to stay home and not help my students. I had so many doubts but you have reassured all of my doubts with this post. I thank God for you writing this post and me finding it. Please continue to write more post and may God continue to bless your family:
I just now saw this comment…for some reason, my website marked it as spam. However, I have been praying about some things and I found your comment at exactly the right time! Thank you for the encouragement! I am so blessed by knowing how this has touched you and how God is using this to speak to you. I believe being a stay at home mom is one of the greatest things you can do for God’s kingdom. I know He is showing you that and that He will continue to show you that as you step out in faithful obedience to Him! Maybe God bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you!
I am the opposite. I’ve been a stay at home for my 5.5 year old and 18 month old their entire lives. However we just keep getting further in debt. Rather it be medical, food, or necessities like clothes yes even 2nd hand clothing. I’m struggling with the fact I feel like staying home is sinking us into debt and I can’t afford basic necessities for my children. I even applied for help but we just make too much. Unfortunately for us to live in a safe area it cost so much and we live in a manufactured home community it is a very nice community and is less than a house payment but is still almost 900 a month and goes up every year. I feel guilty for even considering going to work but I’m not sure what else to do at this point. I’ve been praying buy I constantly feel the pull to work but I’m not sure if that is my own heart and not what God is pulling me to do. As you can see I am extremely conflicted. I will also say some of our debt is most definitely our fault and for wanting a good Christmas or this or that but we have seen the error and now paying for it literally and figuratively. I’m just so scared of not doing the right thing rather it’s stay home or work. Any advice?
This is a tough one for sure! I know how frustrating it can be to watch your finances get worse. We have paid off our debt over and over and over. Sometimes, I get so discouraged watching the credit card debt go up after we just paid it off. But, here’s the thing, every season we have to put bills on a credit card is followed by a season of us getting to pay it off. We have had tons of medical bills as well. A few years ago, I had an emergency appendectomy and we didn’t have insurance. The bill was $30,000. But, guess what? God was faithful to help us pay it off. We went through 7 years of extreme financial drought and now we’re in a season of abundance, even though my husband still doesn’t have a steady career. If you’re going to return to the workforce, do it because you absolutely know that God is telling you to do so. Don’t do it to pay off debt, buy a house, etc. Sometimes I look at the working moms in my life and it’s hard to see how different their lives are financially. Sometimes, I can start to envy what they have and think, “Wow, we could have a house or go on vacations if I worked outside the home”. But, I am living out my tiny amount of time I have on this earth to do what pleases God.
What I do here on this earth is going to have a huge impact on my time in eternity. I may not be building riches in this blip of time on earth but what I am doing matters greatly in God’s economy.
I would say, don’t follow a bad financial choice with another bad choice. Get on your knees in urgent and fervent prayer and ask God what His will is for you and your family. And, open yourself to what He might be telling you to do. Pray for financial healing. Pray for help with your debt. I have been so humbled through our journey because there has been a season of us getting food at the food bank, or my church family filling our car with groceries and diapers.
God rarely provides in the ways we expect. Pray with an expectant faith for the things you need. If you need shampoo and toothpaste, ask God to provide that. In a leap of faith, cut up those credit cards and instead ask God for all the things you need. It’s going to be scary but incredible at the same time for you to see God show up in a huge way.
If you were to stand before God today, He isn’t going to say, “Good job buying a house or good job paying off your debt”. He is going to say, “Well done my good and faithful servant. You were obedient to My calling for your life. You were a good steward of my children I entrusted to you”.
I hope this encourages you Cassie and I will be praying for you. I am not someone that just says I’m praying for you and then never does. You can be certain that if I tell you I’m praying for you, I am crying out to God on your behalf. If you have any other questions or you just need someone to talk to, please reach out to me through my contact page!
Thank you so much for your comment and encouragement. At the moment I have decided to stay home. I feel that’s where God wants me to be right now. Thank you for your prayers.
I wanted to ask you, hopefully it’s not too personal what do you do about tithing?
It’s not too personal at all! Tithing is something that we have always done. For me, it’s an act of worship. God has tremendously blessed us-all that we have-it’s ALL from Him and all He asks for in return is 10%. Sure, there have been times that I have looked at our budget and it’s been in the red (many, many times)…it can be so tempting to remove the tithe jus to see the budget go into the green. But, God has ALWAYS provided for us in so many ways. It’s such a simple thing I can do is to tithe. If you feel God tugging on you to tithe, just make sure you’re coming from the right place. God loves a cheerful giver. “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
If it becomes a got to instead of a get to, then don’t do it.
Tithing is the only thing in the bible that God also tells us to test Him on it…”Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” (Malachi 3:10)
I have seen people who didn’t tithe and they were struggling financially. But, they felt God stirring in their hearts to tithe and so they just did it, knowing that God would make up for it-and more!- the money they gave. And, guess what? They started seeing crazy things happening such as the random checks in the mail or winning grocery shopping trips, etc.
Definitely pray on it and see where God takes you!
“I am living out my tiny amount of time I have on this earth to do what pleases God.
“What I do here on this earth is going to have a huge impact on my time in eternity. I may not be building riches in this blip of time on earth but what I am doing matters greatly in God’s economy.”
THAT part!!! 😭🙌🏽 This was the tipping point for me. I won’t go into all of the details, but this is what I know God has called me to, and I know it’s him because it’s CRAZY. Nothing “a person like me” would choose to do. Thank you for this post, your transparency, and your willingness and obedience to follow God’s call on your life. I’m incredibly blessed by your testimony.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me because you encourage me by sharing this! Sometimes it’s hard to put yourself out there, especially on the internet for all to see, but knowing that my vulnerability has blessed you has greatly blessed me!
I love being a SAHM and have seen God work through my ministry of nurturing home many times throughout the years. However, I’ve been discouraged lately by the lack of value some family members place on that role. I am secure in my decision, but needed an encouraging voice supporting me. I literally googled “SAHM and God’s Calling” and it led me to your blog. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your heart while lifting mine. Your words were just what I needed to read this morning!
Thank you for taking the time to let me know how you were encouraged! It encourages me to hear that. It took me years to get to the place where I care less and less about what others think. I had to make a poster that says “I am only accountable to God”. I framed it and put it up in my house and a million times a day, I would have to repeat that to myself. I only care what God thinks about me. One of my big goals is to glorify stay at home moms and help change society’s view of us! You should also check out this other post I wrote too Finding Your Value As A Stay At Home Mom
Thank you for sharing this! I am currently working a notice at my job and this really hits home. I’m trusting everything will work out and determined to focus my attention on my daughter and her education at home. I’m so excited to get this opportunity of spending so much extra time with my daughter and hope my family benefits greatly from it. I’m so grateful for my husband supporting me with leaving my job. We will be losing our benefits and will have no health insurance, which is extra scary during the Covid-19 pamdemic. God’s got us!
Yes He does! I love hearing stories of people being obedient to what God is asking them to do, even when it’s scary! Thank you so much for sharing with us Heather!
I loved this! I recently left my job to be a stay at home mom and my husband is took a huge pay cut to follow his dream career. I have been feeling so anxious and selfish at times. Can I ask if you still tithed 10% even when your budget was barely going to cover the bills that month?
Yes, we absolutely tithe, even when there was barely anything to write on the check, we tithe. As long as it was a get to for us and not a got to. God has given me so much. He has always been faithful to provide for all of our needs and many of our wants. All He asks for in return is a tiny 10%…Cassie just asked about tithing too if you want to check out what I said in response to her 🙂
I needed to see this and I believe God brought me to your blog. I lost my job yesterday and have been in tears with stress and anxiety. I am a single mother and am struggling to understand how I am going to provide for my son. I know God will provide but I’m also so scared. I feel lost and have no direction on what to do with my life, career wise. This is the 3rd time in 3 years that I’ve been let go. I wish I knew Gods purpose for my life and I’m struggling to figure out what it is.
Oh Amy!! I understand that feeling lost and scared. I am crying right there with you. I am lifting you up right now in prayer and I will continue to pray for you…for God to show you His perfect peace, for you to truly rest and take comfort in the knowledge that He’s got this. He’s got you!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I have a four year old and a five week old. My husband and I just recently decided it would be best for me to stay home. I have been scared but also have had a calming feeling about it all. Reading your story just showed me that I need to have more faith in Gods plan for my little family!
Thank you for sharing with me! It’s encouraging to hear how much my story impacted you and given you strength to trust in God’s plan! I love hearing about families being obedient to God calling mom to stay at home.
I am so glad I came across your post. You are no doubt encouraging so many women through your own faith in God.
I never thought I wanted to be a SAHM; it was literally never part of my life plan. I grew up with a mom who worked full time but still managed to do so many creative and awesome things with us; I never felt a lack of her presence in my life, so I just assumed I would do the same. But, after we had our son this June I thought couldn’t stop thinking about how I want to be the one to daily watch him, not others. My husband is so supportive of whatever God wants for us, but I think I’m feeling a little lost. My husband works freelance and while God has been opening more doors for him, it isn’t nearly enough and it isn’t consistent. I have had the primary income job since we’ve been married and I have always carried our health insurance. Not to mention just before maternity leave I took a promotion and became a team leader, leaving now (or even reducing to part time- which currently my work doesn’t give as an option) would put my work into such a bind and would put so much stress on my coworkers. It’s not that I particularly love my job or care about the promotion because I don’t, but I hate not following through on commitments and I hate making things harder for others.
I feel lost because I can’t tell if I want to be a SAHM just because I’d selfishly prefer to be home with my baby and would be happy to not work as my current profession anymore or if it’s really because God is calling me to it. I feel like if I was confident this is what God was asking of our lives, while I would still have a crazy hard time trusting with our finances and I would feel terrible about letting my coworkers down , I would do it happily. We have been praying for guidance. Will you join us in this prayer?
Jessica, you got it!! I am praying for you right now. Praying that God would give you clear direction. That you would see His will for you. That you would see what He is speaking to you verified in His word and by everyone around you. That you would be bombarded with His message to you at church, on the radio, through your friends.
What God asks us to do rarely ever makes sense to us but we can be confident that His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our own and that He has a plan for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
I know this comment is from several years ago, but am hoping you will still see this. I am in basically the same position as Jessica, although I have two kids and a third on the way. I have been feeling called to be a stay at home mom for a while now and my husband and I were actually planning for me to quit my job to stay home in March when this baby is due, but I feel called to leave the workforce NOW. And I don’t know if it’s my own feelings that are just getting stronger and making it feel like it’s from God, or if it’s actually of God. If I just knew it was Him instead of my own desires, I would happily give my notice this minute. I have no doubts that God will provide. I have doubts that I am inflating this desire to feelings of a calling from Him.
God called me to stay home years ago but my husband struggles to maintain a job so i was never able. He finally has a job and I feel like God is saying it is time. I have been going back and forth on if it is really Him or my own wants because I have wanted to be a sahm since I was a girl. I want to take this plunge but I want to KNOW that it is Him. A lot of things have been happening the past few weeks that I feel like is confirmation but I’m still unsure. It’s probably my own self doubt but I’m struggling. Please pray for me and my family we have two boys 5 and 2 and will be getting pregnant again here in the near future.
Paige, I have been praying for you and will continue to do so! Praying for clarity and guidance as you guys make this decision! I think God has placed this on your heart since you were a girl for a reason
Good morning Melissa. I just came across your site via looking for info on biblically stay at home moms. When I started at the top, before clicking on the link to read your story, it was just like someone came and slapped me in the face. I’ve been a stay at home mom for just over 11yrs and I’ve been fighting it so hard, so bad. A short, I hope, bit of our situation. My husband is and has been the only provider/income for just over 11yrs, he’s a truck driver. We’ve just gotten past his health issues of thyroid cancer, surgery and treatment and we’re still dealing with my health issues of, skin cancer, over a year long constant headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, high blood pressure, gut issues and of course, the meds I’m on to help/control them and their side effects. So, in each appointment, each bill (s) that we keep getting, hubby’s income that doesn’t seem to be enough, no matter how hard he tries to gain enough hours, miles to keep us out of immediate debt/danger, makes it frustrating for us both. Again, I so very much thank you for this, now to start just trying to relax and letting God intervene and work his magic. God knows we need the secondary income to fix our roof, our garage and trees and so many other things. Sorry to rant, but this so so so spoke to my heart as if I had written it. Thank you and have a blessed day. 🤗🙏 If you don’t mind, I would love to share this on my Pinterest page, my social media outlets and my blog, for what it is currently.
Absolutely you can share it! I am so thankful that this was able to encourage you. I, too, fought against being a stay at home mom for years. Whenever the going would get tough, I would immediately start looking for a job. I am so thankful that God kept that door firmly shut, even though I kept trying to ram it open with my thick-headedness! He could have just opened that door and let me go the way I wanted, but He loves me so much and has such a big plan for my life, that He kept it firmly closed. Every need we have, no matter how big or how small, I pray over. Jehovah Jireh will take care of you…even those needs that seem so small and silly, come to Him in prayer! He cares for those small things too! And, no need is too big for our great and awesome God. Those are opportunities for Him to provide in big ways and for Him to show you who He is. I always think of that old hymn, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry; Everything to God in prayer” I will be praying for you and I appreciate you taking the time to share with us
Hi there! I read your blog just at the most perfect time. My husband and I have made the decision just a couple of hours ago for me to be a stay at home mom again. We’ve discussed it for several months and have chosen this for our life right now. I would be a liar if I told you that I am completely confident I am making the right choice. But I would also be a liar if I said I don’t completely trust God in making this choice. This road is one we’ve traveled before about 7 years ago with our first child and now with our second I have felt the urgent need to do the same. I work for a company that requires ALOT of my time and attention and therefore I have neglected the much needed family time. I know God will supply our NEEDS and also grant me the quality time I so much desire with my girls and my husband. Thank you so much for this inspiring blog and reminding me of the goodness of God and His perfect timing in every aspect of our lives!!
I love how God put this need on you urgently and you obeyed! You heard His voice and said, “Yes, Lord!” Thank you so much for sharing with us…hearing stories like yours brings me (and I am sure others) great encouragement!
I am feeling this Call, I have worked since I was 17. Through 2 pregnancies and tears of leaving my babies. Younger and not fully faithfully equipped to follow through then. Indebted to stuff, that I no longer want, the American dream. Except, it’s not truly the dream. All these material things mean nothing. I am now 37 and my kids are 9& 12. Who am I to question the Lord. He has ALWAYS been there for me and my family. We are so blessed. Whom shall I fear? Thanks for writing this uplifting insight and testimony. Please Pray for Us
Hannah, I have been and will continue to pray for you in this journey! God has been showing me that too-that the American dream isn’t His dream for me. How much greater is it to be obedient to His calling in your life? Thank you so much for sharing with us. It’s so encouraging to hear your story of faithfully choosing obedience.
This is such a reassuring story. As a stay at home mom I’ve always felt that mom guilt regardless if I was working or at home. I think a big part of that for me was watching my husband work so hard and carry all the financial obligations on his shoulders.
My husband is always happy and loves his life, but there have been times when I could sense the financial stress taking a toll. We’ve been married for 17 years with 3 daughters and throughout time we have had many occasions where we just didn’t know where we were going to get the money we needed for groceries, bills, school tuition, gas, etc.
When you have kids in private school it’s always viewed to others as a luxury when you’re in financial trouble, but what people don’t realize is that your children have already established themselves in the schools they are attending regardless of it being private or not. We’ve had many times where we had to think about pulling them out of school and God always provided for them to attend. True story, many times even the exact amount we owed the school was given to us in perfect timing, so much that we knew it was Gods plan.
Other times it was for their club/sports fees and even once for our mortgage. One time it was right before Christmas or a birthday that we would get some kind of check or reimbursement. I can totally relate to your story because I’ve been living it. My faith in God has grown stronger and the gratitude I feel what he has done for my family is even stronger. Yes God has a plan for everyone and every thing.
My girls don’t take these thing for granted either, they do really well in school and know the value of their education and overall life. Listen to God and talk to him often because he’s always listening and he knows what you need.
Lori, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. Your story will encourage other moms! It will help strengthen them when they’re feeling too burdened or weak to carry on. I love hearing how God provides for others during their faithful obedience. “God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20).
Wow, can I just say WOW. Divine timing… well I actually have already quit my job just over a year ago. But the struggle bus is real when it comes to this topic. God always has provided for us in times of need and even now he has too. This post just amplifies my calling again, why we decided I will stay at home with the kids. Great post and subscribed to your updates!
I am so thankful that God sent you here for encouragement at just the time you needed it! Makes me happy to hear and thank you for taking the time to let me know because it is encouraging for me.
Thank you so much for pouring out your heart in this blog entry. In a few weeks I will transition to being a full time stay at home mom and am excited to see the Lord provide(financially and spiritually) in new ways for my little family. Please keep us in your prayers as we trust God. 🙂
I will definitely be praying for you Sherly! What an exciting new adventure for you and your family!!
This is definitely something I needed right now. I was working a wonderful job that I enjoyed and loved. It had fantastic pay and benefits. I was great at the job. I went on maternity leave & when my leave was over I went back & put in a 2 week notice. They honored it by sending me home with pay for 2 weeks. They said I even left on great terms & could come back if needed. Well.. I have spent the last 5 months since then in absolute stress and fear over our finances. We have struggled for sure. Instead of enjoying my time with my new daughter and only child.. I’ve been living in absolute fear, worry, stress, and anxiety over bills and groceries. So much so to the point I went & got another job that I am unhappy with. I have since quit it as well because I was miserable but now again being jobless.. to be with my baby.. I worry about bills. It’s terrifying & I am so concerned with what my family will think. They believe it’s necessary that both parents work. So they may not approve of me wanting to stay with my daughter. It’s hard. This has helped me a lot.
Katie, I will be praying for you…praying for God to grab your hand and lead you, praying that you open your hands and release this stress and anxiety to Him, as you learn to fully rely on Him and trust in His absolute provision and beautiful plan for you and your family. Remember, you are only accountable to God. Think about the choices you make right now. Which ones will matter when you are standing before Him, seated on His throne? Those paychecks you earn at those jobs will be thrown into the refiners fire and burned up faster than tissue paper…but, these moments that you choose to be obedient to His calling in your life and to serve Him in your home, taking care of your family and your children and being the guard over your home? He will put that into the fire and it will come out as pure gold.
Thank you for posting this! Our family really enjoyed reading this. 😃
Thanks you so much, Melissa, for sharing your journey and heart. What a testimony of who God is and what he is capable of. Who are we to doubt and strive for anything outside of his will.
My husband and I currently have an 18-month- old and a new baby coming in early March. I recently graduated from grad school in 2019 with a masters in social work, and landed a dream career job 6 months ago. Just last week, my husband approached me out of no where to say he felt a nudge for me to stay at home. I’m struggling with this decision even though I know the Lord’s plan is in the works. We are just starting to pay back heaping student loans from my schooling and it feels like a waste to not be using my degree doing something I love. I feel so torn. Your post was so encouraging, as was hearing from all the other mamas who have the same feelings I do. I ask for prayer and welcome any encouragement, words of wisdom, and scripture prompting as we embark on this journey.
Kimberly, I am so sorry for not responding. Your comment fell through the cracks during some website maintenance.
Often, God gives us direction through others and how awesome that the direction came from your husband! I don’t know about you, but I find it so easy to be a wife that falls under the protective wing of my husband-letting him ultimately be the one that guides our decisions…takes so much burden off of me!
I understand how you feel the burden to use your degree since you went through all that work and paid out all that money. I, too, did a ton of work to get my bachelor’s degree and wracked up tons of debt doing it. Just when I was about to start my career, God told me Nope! You’re going to be a stay at home mom…and it’s not a paying gig. I regularly have to lay my career dreams at the foot of the cross. I can also get caught up in the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches as I spiral out of control, thinking about the house we could have or the vacations we could go on or the nice things we could have if I worked outside the home like all the other moms. But, I am investing in something much bigger with a much higher payout. I can’t think of a bigger waste than to chase after my own desires and my own dreams and then stand before our Almighty Creator and hear Him say, “Why did you waste your time on earth? Why were you not obedient to My calling”?
It’s more important to live out your time here being used for God’s kingdom. Right now, He is calling you up to raise the next generation of warriors and I can’t think of a better use of your time! I will be praying for you…for God to confirm this decision and for God to show you how big the work is that He is calling you to! I know with 2 million percent certainty that when you come to end of this journey and your birdies have flown the nest that you will not have a single regret in choosing to obey God.
Thank you. I was surprised to see your post. I am in the middle of this exact decision. I’m very tired of this situation, working away from my kids and husband. I have been thinking of going home and it scares me a lot. I know in my heart what I want. But life happens. I keep thinking that this can’t be what life is like, working to pay your bills. I dont really feel like I’m living. It feels more and more like I’m just barely surviving.
God has so much more for you in this life…I think that’s why He tells us in His Word, “Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven”. (Proverbs 23:4-5)
God wants you to be working and using your time for things that are lasting…things that will matter for eternity. And, I can’t think of anything that matters more than being good stewards of the time He has given us on earth and good stewards of His children that He has placed into our care to train up.
And, more than that, choosing to rely entirely on Him to provide for our financial needs and showing your children that! Modeling to them to be obedient to God’s calling…I know that this decision scares you but how incredible will it be to see how God works out the details for you, for you to learn to rely on Him. He will show you who He is and He will draw you into Him during this time. Where God guides, He provides.
Thank you for your encouragement. I work full time and am planning to leave soon. I feel God is calling me to stay home with my daughter and be a support for my husband. We both work very stressful jobs and I am sad to go to my work most days. Right now I am basically there for mo ey and I do not find fulfilment.. I struggle with faith sometimes and get caught up in worrying about money. I know it is not how God wants me to be. Also I wish God could give me a sign just to show me I am on the right path, but something tells me I need to just quit so he can start working in my life.
Often, God just wants us to start taking the steps forward, to have that faith to step into the mighty, raging waters of the Jordan River and only then will He open up the path and make it clear to us where we are supposed to go. Your comment reminds me of the parable of the sower in Mark 4. ” “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed…Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain…Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:3,7, 18-19). How fruitful your crop will be, ready for Him to come in and harvest, if you hear His word and accept it and don’t let it get choked out by the cares of this world.
Just you being here on my blog tells me that you’re on the right path. God is nudging you to foresake the deceitfulness of riches and step onto the path He has for you. I am excited for you because I know God has big things in store for you!! You’ll never regret choosing to obey Him, choosing to be faithful to His calling for your life.
I would like for you to pray for me. After sixteen years as a school teacher, I am stepping out on faith to quit and be a stay at home mom. My kids are both school age, but I feel that they need me now more than ever for emotional support as they navigate school. My husband makes just enough for me to quit, but there is no room for error. I have such a peace about quitting and know that God is going to provide. You’re article really spoke to me. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Michelle, you’ve got it!! I will be praying for you and thank you so much for sharing! It is so encouraging for me to hear about moms being faithful to what God is asking of them. Your story will also encourage other moms who feel that stirring to take this same step
This is very encouraging. I quit my job a few weeks ago to be home more with my son. It’s been so great and everyone is much happier with me being home, but I can’t get over the guilt and doubt. It has put us in a rough spot financially, we are in the red by hundreds each month. My husband is 100% sure this was what we were supposed to do, but I keep having doubts and wonder if I’m just being selfish and should really be out working. My husband is an electrical apprentice and is on track to be an electrician in 2 years, so we know we will make more eventually. I’m having a hard time looking back at the blessings because I feel for so long we have been relying on our own provisions for ourselves, which is really unfortunate. Im sorry to be a negative Nancy! But I am wondering, did you have doubts through it and guilt that you should be helping out?
Holly, I know the guilt you have is put there by the enemy…anytime you take such a huge step of faith and are obedient to what God is asking you to do, you can be certain the enemy will be right there trying to tear apart what God is doing. I want to commend you for letting your husband take the lead on this…often, us wives want to “help” God by easing the financial burden but I can tell you, that never works out and all we do is interfere with what God is trying to do. I never set out to be a stay at home mom. It just kinda happened. I had just finished getting my bachelor’s degree when I had my first and started the master’s program when he was a few months old. It wasn’t until my 3rd son was 2 years old that God finally got through my thick head that I was going to be a stay at home mom. Since that moment, I have had zero doubts that I am doing what God wants me to do. My job is to be the gatekeeper of my home and my husband’s job is to be the one who God provides through. I do my thing and don’t try to interfere with my husband’s thing. I would encourage you to just keep trudging along, under the protective covering of your husband. Let him do all the worrying about everything. It’s so freeing to let our husband take the hits for us. This is how God created us so it might seem awful to let your husband carry the burden but you are actually helping him.
This is truly God’s timing for me. We are struggling with me becoming a SAHM this fall after the birth of our 3rd baby. I am a teacher and carry the insurance. We have both felt the calling for me to be home with all 3 kiddos but go back to the “worldly items” that we dream about. We worry about money and making it through. Every time we say, no I will stay working to help with bills and get ahead for once, something stops us dead in our tracks and makes us go back to me being home. We serve a mighty God and a loving God. He will never forsake us. Thank you for posting this years ago and I thank God that I found it today! The prayers that you have said for others and told others to pray about their situation has really opened my eyes. May God bless you for helping others have faith – even the size of a mustard seed. <3
Wow Meghan thank you so much for your encouragement!! I can tell you the same things have happened to me over the years when I would try to apply for jobs and get out of being a stay at home mom…God always kept those doors firmly closed even though I would try to plough through them. I am so thankful He did that, even though I was being stubborn. Your comment brings to mind this verse, “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” Mark 4:18-20
May your life be fruitful as you train up these children God has made you steward over and as you guard your home from the MANY awful things out there, trying to make there way in, in all their stealthy ways!
After I got married in September 2019, I wanted nothing more than to get pregnant. But, I also had 3 of my close friends getting married in 2020. I didn’t want to risk missing their weddings, especially my long time best friend. I prayed for a little baby at Christmas Mass. Shortly after the New Year I found out I was pregnant! My due date was 3 days before my best friends wedding, 2 hours away. In any scenario, I was on track to miss her wedding altogether, and most likely my other close friend’s wedding in October. Well, last weekend was my best friend’s wedding. Her POSTPONED wedding, and my sweet 9 month old baby girl was by my side. I have not, and will not miss a single wedding. Because of stimulus checks, and working from home up until now after maternity leave, my husband and I have been able to pay off so much debt. I interviewed for a promotion a few months ago. They made it clear I would need day care. I was so sad. I cried desperate tears to my husband. I withdrew my application. I told my little girl I wouldn’t leave her. Then I was called back to the office by my own team. Friday was my last day. Tomorrow is my first “official” day as a stay at home mom. I know God will provide. I am grateful and excited for this time.
Jacqueline, thank you for sharing with us how God has provided for you as you choose to obey Him. I will be praying for you over these coming months as you enter this new season God has for you!
This is exactly what I needed to read for so, so long. Being 23 and expecting our first baby in a few months is such an exciting and scary time. I’ve been struggling with being so worn out at my job as a nanny and being at the point of sobbing to my
Husband about hating my work, worrying about going to work with my baby, and feeling like I’m not using my life as I should. But Ive always felt so called to stay at home with our baby- I have just just been very worried about money. But reading your story I’ve been reminded of all the ways God has made it possible for us- no debt, insurance being paid for, affordable housing, my husbands side business, and my option to work very few hours a month babysitting to help with some extra cash if needed. Not to mention all the ways God has been with us during our lives and marriage and all the blessings he has given us. I feel so hopeful now, like this is possible! I just need to trust in a very gracious and loving God. Thank you ❤️
I am so thankful you found encouragement here and thank you for sharing with all of us! I would encourage you to sit down and write out all the ways God has provided for you and then add to that list as more stuff comes to mind. That way, you can read that list over and over in the coming months when you have doubt or you’re feeling discouraged. “But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago” (Psalm 77:11)
I am still unsure by reading the title of your post why God might be calling you to be a stay at home mom. I was unable to gather this information in the story.
Amanda, I am a little unclear as to what your exact question is. Could you please reword it? Are you asking why God called me to be a stay at home mom? Or, how I know that?
I’m in my 2nd trimester of our first pregnancy. It’s been my dream to stay home with my kids. I’m praying if that’s Gods plan for me & He has been leading me to verses of His promises to provide. I do worry about finances, but my biggest thought is that I currently work in ministry and I want to be sure I’m not following my own dream, but Gods plan for me. I feel a heavy leaning toward staying home but something will come up or someone will say something that makes me 2nd guess that. I still have over 5 months but I want to trust Gods provision not just financially but also for my calling & the current ministry I lead.
Hi Tonya, what are your husband’s thoughts on you quitting your job? I do know that whenever you’re being obedient to what God is asking you to do then you can be absolutely certain that the enemy will be right there trying to undo that with doubt. I would pray for clear direction…that everywhere you go, everything you see, everything you hear would just be the clear, loud direction from God that this is what He is wanting you to do!
My husband is fine with whatever choice I make. I think if he was being completely honest, he would want me to stay in ministry. He thinks that’s a special calling and wants to make sure I’m honoring that.
Thank you for the prayer and the idea that everything I hear & see will be Gods answer & it will be so clear
I took the plunge to be a stay at home mom. Sunday at church, the pastor was talking about miracles and I prayed to somehow become a stay at home mom. That same day, my daughter became sick and I had to use up my paid time off. My husband both agreed that it’s not worth paying daycare and keeping her home sick all the time, so he told me to pull the plug. We are both nervous but between Sundays church service and this blog post, I feel so much better. Thank you for this.
Kayla, that’s incredible!! Thank you for sharing! Your story will encourage other moms. I love hearing about your obedience. You prayed. God showed you how and you listened!! I am so excited for you, to see where God leads you. Please feel free to reach out to me through my contact form if you need encouragement or prayer or guidance, if the going gets tough! I will be praying for you and your family!
I was very recently called by God to quit my job and stay home with my 4 year old son. This is my last week as a working mom and I am nervous/excited. I feel like I have so many opportunities as a SAHM, but I’m trying to figure out what God is calling me to do. I want to strengthen my relationship with my husband (who started a new job this week as a regional OTR truck driver which is why I can stay home) and bring God into our marriage more. I want to strengthen my relationship with God, also, and start sharing God with my son. I want to become stronger as a family. I want to bring more people who are suffering to God, ultimately, but I’m not sure how to do that. I’ve toyed with starting a blog, but I don’t know what I can say that isn’t already out there. I just don’t want to waste this time that God is giving me. But I just don’t know what to do.
Jessica, it wasn’t too long ago that I felt the EXACT same way as you. I knew I was supposed to be doing more but I didn’t know what that was. I felt unfulfilled. But, you know what? God started sanctifying me. I didn’t intentionally start making a checklist of everything that I needed to change about myself, but I started to look to God to see what He wanted to change. Our entire purpose here on this earth is to please God. So, diligently seek Him on this one. Ask Him to show you things in your life that aren’t pleasing to Him. Things that you’re doing/reading/watching/saying that are the patterns of this world and not what He wants for you. The best way to do this is to be in His word every single morning because His word is a mirror so that as we look into it, we are shown the spinach in our teeth or the giant zit on our forehead (ya know, things that we need to take care of!). You have already started with your faithful obedience to quit your job. And, I can guarantee you that at the exact right moment, God will reveal to you what He wants you to do…seek to please Him and then you’ll find fulfillment in every thing that you do. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2
Hi, thanks for sharing! Right now i am in a dilemma because i have the desire to be a SAHM but it does not make financial sense as in we wont be able to keep up with our commitments if i am not working. Plus i have a great job with a great boss. So when people share that doors closed for them, its not the same for me. Things are good at work but i just cant shake off this desire to be a SAHM and i am not sure if this is from God. I guess my question is, how do i know for sure its God calling me to be a SAHM and not just my own desire 🙂
Anytime you feel that God is placing something on your heart, it’s important to ensure this aligns first with God’s word. His will for you will never go against His word. Also, He will confirm this in those around you. Maybe you’ll constantly hear the same thing at church or sometimes, even a friend will come up and say something to confirm what God is stirring in your heart. Lastly, what does your husband say? If your husband says that he has been feeling that same stirring, then trust him. I can be fickle and all over the place…as much as I try not to, I sometimes can base my faith on feelings. That is why I am so thankful to have a husband whom I can come under his protective covering and have peace that he makes choices that aren’t based on feelings. And, you know what? Even if his choices aren’t rooted in God’s word, we know from the example of Sarah and Abraham, that God reproved Sarah…the ancient Greek word for reproved is “Yakach” which means “set right”…she was found to be right. God worked it all out for Sarah in the end.
I am married with one child who is 4 and one on the way (due in January). I have been having a very strong inclination since my son was born actually but only now is it even more apparent and clear that God wants me to stay at home with my son. I am afraid as I know I have a lot to learn still about parenting and finding my way as a stay at home mom but also be because my hubby is not wanting me to do it due lack of finances and him worrying that it will be too much for me. How do obey God without causing strife with my hubby? How do I get him to trust God and to support me on this? I feel so sad because I know every time I go into work that it shouldn’t where I am. The guilt and lost feeling sets in every tune I go back to work and it honestly makes me feel depressed and unhappy each day at work. What do I do? Where do I go from here?
Hi Kayla, thank you for reaching out to me! Here’s what I do would do if I was in your spot. I would pray over this matter for a period of a week or even weeks. Daily, come before the throne and ask God to speak to your husband about this and to show him what to do. Meanwhile, you just keep on doing what you have been doing and sit back while the Lord handles this. So many times I have watched God come in and work things out. God knows exactly how to work this out and how to talk to your husband about this. Submitting to and coming under the protective wing of your husband IS obeying God. And I can guarantee that you choosing to honor your husband in this way and to obey God in this way will bring far greater blessing to you then trying to step in and show your husband how to trust God. Also, if you want to or if you remember, please check back with me in a few months! I love to hear how God is working in your life! “May the Lord bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
My daughter is about to turn 3 which is when my husband and I said could be a good time to go back to work. My husband is a worship leader at our church, I also previously worked at our church but got burned out and left for a break. As it turned out, God eventually led us to start a family rather than a new job for me. Fast forward these few years, I have felt so much financial anxiety, even though we technically have enough money to live on and always have. I have shed many tears over the possibility of not being able to provide the kind of life I envisioned for our child (mainly education) let alone any additional children. We live in a part of the world that is quite expensive but we feel it’s important to stay here near family. I have interviewed for jobs in the past few months, exploring work outside of ministry but honestly can’t even discern what my calling is for work after what I went through in the church role… and literally just wanting a paycheck to alleviate stress. Which is what then led me to wonder if I am supposed to continue being a SAHM when I feel like there are no doors opening… and come across your blog. There are other factors of course like how extended family views us, my fear they think I am lazy for not working, or looking foolish like we cannot take care of ourselves and them feeling the need to give us money every now and then 🙁 This is just not where I thought I would be at this stage of my life. I feel my anxiety over these things continues to rise up and paralyses me. I am so moved by your testimony of how God has provided for you and I can name those times in my life too, but find it so so hard to leave my daughter’s future, I guess, in His hands as well as my own. It honestly just sounds so stressful to live so close to the margins, while I understand God provides in situations like that, it gives me stress thinking about it. Amidst all this, I have also been going through a process of deconstructing some wrong beliefs that were taught to me. I am just tired…
Hi there, I SO can relate to everything you said! I was in that same place for a long time…I remember many days, in tears, as I thought how bleak everything looked. But, now I have come out on the other side and I know what true joy and true rest looks like. And, it has nothing to do with my circumstances in life.
a verse that comes to mind as I read your comment is Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Here we find an invitation from God. He isn’t forcing us but simply asking us. And, as I read your comment, I am wondering if it’s time for you to decide what you want to do. Do you want to come to Him and find true rest? This is something that I would encourage you to pray about…do you want to keep doing it your way or His way and if you want to do it His way, ask God how you can do that.
I think probably one of the biggest ways you can come to Him is by trusting Him. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding” The original Hebrew word for trust translates as “to lie helpless, facedown.” It pictures a servant waiting for the master’s command in readiness to obey, or a defeated soldier yielding himself to the conquering general. That might be a way you can come to Him, in total submission and waiting for His command.
Lastly, I wanted to address you “deconstructing some wrong beliefs…”. This phrase absolutely terrifies me because Deconstructionism is one of the biggest tools of the enemy right now. The progressive “church” is a scary place to find yourself. I HIGHLY recommend you check out Alisa Childers. I think you’ll find many of the answers you’re looking for. You can find her at http://www.alisachilders.com/
Wow this hit home for me. It started as “baby fever” for me, then it became yearning for children. Then it became being a school nurse so my schedule would line up with my kids, then it became a stay-at-home mom! im like tearing up just thinking about it, God will find a way, i just need to take the plunge. blessings.
Thank you for taking the time to encourage me and the rest of us! I love how God works…it’s a slow process and it involves a lot of trust from us in each step. We trust Him with one step then He takes us another step. We can look back and see how hugely He worked and changed us and how He perfectly orchestrated every little piece of it. Reminds me of a puzzle. We only get to see each piece being placed…He sees the entire puzzle completed. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to fight against Him placing the pieces or to try to jam pieces where they don’t go. We have to stop struggling and allow Him, trust Him, to know what He is doing and allow Him to complete the masterpiece. “May the Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Numbers -:)
I am so grateful that I came across your post!! I am currently a wife, mom & bonus mom to a 7 year old and 10 year old. For the past 11 years I have worked full-time as an elementary school teacher and currently as an administrator. I truly believe that God is using me to love on and touch the lives of so many children in need, but the problem is that I by the time I get home everyday I have nothing left for my husband and my own children. I struggled with infertility and was told that I wouldn’t be able to have children but God blessed me with a baby and a bonus! Although my heart longs to have another baby my husband doesn’t want anymore children, so our 7 year old may end up being my last. I want to take it all in and make sure that I am taking the best care of what God has given me. Everyday we leave home at 6 am and get home around 5:30pm. I’m rushing to get dinner ready, help with homework, bath time, clean-up the mess from cooking dinner and go to bed. I feel like I don’t get an opportunity to enjoy my family and it breaks my heart. I wanted to stay home with my son when he was first born but I knew that it wasn’t financially feasible and that my husband had no desire for me to stay at home. 7 years later my husbands sentiment and the financial feasibility of it all have remained unchanged. We both come from a family with full-time working mother’s and he struggles to see the value in having me stay at home. Our two incomes allow us to live comfortably and he doesn’t want us to struggle or sacrifice other things to make this happen. I am just praying that God will place us on one accord and will help me to clearly know the way in which he desires for me to care for my family. Working in education is tough, especially now. It is exhausting and overwhelming but I know that our school systems need people that have the heart of God and I feel guilty for wanting to walk away to focus on my own family, but they need me too. I pray that God would search my heart and help me to know the truth of the motives behind me wanting to stay home. Am I just burned out or is this Him speaking to me? I just want to be in God’s will and do what brings him the most glory out of my life. If the school is where He wants me to stay then I pray that he would cause my thoughts to be aligned with his will. I would greatly appreciate your insight and prayers. Thank you so much for having this blog! You are such a blessing!! God bless you!!
Wow, this is amazing! Your words and experience truly got me. You are truly blessed in abundance of ways. I feel like I came across your page for a reason. Im in nursing school and took a leave due to COVID to stay home with my kids. I am truly terrified with what will happen the next 2 months but coming to your page, I have a sense of security and faith that we’ll be ok. You are amazing and your blog is amazing. Thank you for this!
P.s- I’ve been a stay at home mom for 1 year (I’ve been working since I was 16 years old) and it is THE ABSOLUTE BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD. It’s such a blessing
I was a stay at home mommy until my son was in 2nd grade and my daughter was in kindergarten thinking it was now time to go back to work since they were in school. This week it hit me, I feel like I missed alot. They are now going to 6th and 4th and I had a break down. I all of a sudden felt like I needed to be the one taking them to school and picking them up, stopping by for lunch, being at all school activities, and home when they are out. I want to be involved as much as I can before they get too old. But do I really leave my corporate job? I thought about finding work from home or even work at the school. I don’t know but I feel like I need to come back. I don’t know what to do or how it would even be possible for a huge loss of money after years of a big income.
It is scary. But reading your post brought tears to my eyes. I’m an RN so everybody expects me to work. I do not want to anymore. I’ve already missed so many snuggles, so many laughs, so many days with my kids and I just can’t miss anymore. I’ve been working since my twins were born and they’re now 7 and my son is 5. He provided the money for us to do classical conversations this year, the homeschool curriculum. I put my notice in at my stressful awful exhausting job. I want to me there for them. My husband got a job, he makes like half or less of what I made. I was making 80,000 a year easily. But I know that Ive wasted enough
time trying to be the provider when God is. Thank you, your post made me bawl my eyes out.
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that this blog really encouraged me. I’ve been feeling that God has called me to stay at home but have been to scared to do it. After fasting and praying with my husband, God told us that it’s time and my last day of work is this Friday! I’m very scared, but ready to fully obey and commit to what God has called me to do. Thank you for the encouragement.
I commented right at 2 years ago on this thread. Interestingly I saw an email today where another mama had commented. It prompted me to come back and share where I’m at now in hopes to encourage. My kids are in 6th and 9th grades this year. When I initially became a SAHM it was during Covid and all the demands with homeschool that opened that door. Since things are back to normal I’m realizing more and more where my initial hearts desire for the past 14 years ( since my oldest was born) was to be at home with my children- the guilt, the feeling of missing them. Although I had a strong family support and help, I didn’t have to seek childcare. God gave me the peace of family care which was really the only way I could peacefully trust they were safe. Skipping forward to now, I’m realizing it is THIS season of life, the older my kids have gotten. I am seeing it is NOW they needed me the most. Not when they were littles as I guilted myself at times. Teenage years have hit and I know without a doubt God answered my hearts desire in his time for a reason. I could go on and on at the provisions he has made for us over the last 2 years but I’d be writing a book. Lol. I just want to thank other moms for sharing and encouraging one another. No matter the season of life, it matters.
I know this post is a few years old, but I just wanted to say you helped encourage me to take the leap and stay home! My husband was on board with it before I was, but I was so scared the call I was feeling was my own desire and not a true call from God. I have since quit my job (well I am PRN so I still go in about every two weeks, but still. Not a steady job), and I am experiencing so much peace with that decision! I am now able to focus fully on taking care of my children and my husband, to jump into the journey of homeschooling we will be beginning in the fall, to spend time learning and studying in the Bible. I wasn’t able to do any of these things before! It is still a struggle, I’m still trying to find my groove, but it is so worth it.
Thank you! Thank you for sharing this encouragement for us all-that you obeyed the voice of the Lord, did the scary thing. I love to hear these stories!
Thank you for writing this article, this is me I am there but I am a single mom it’s scary. But I do have moments before that I could look back too. When God told me to leave my job before and he paid my rent. It’s awesome he makes way for provision before he gives you the vision.
I definitely cried after reading this, but confident that Jesus has us.
Danissa,
Thank you for sharing with us. I have a single mom friend and every time she would go out and try to find a job, God would open the doors and provide money for her to stay home for another few months. This went on for several years! And, actually, this could very well be her same situation but I haven’t talked to her for awhile so I am unsure.
I have been on the fence with quitting my job to stay home with my daughter the whole 20 months she’s been here. My hours at work keep getting lower and lower every week, and I’ve felt like it’s been God pointing me in the right direction. It’s been so scary to think of financially surviving off one income for our household, but this gave a whole new perspective. I appreciate your words and the scripture included. Prayers that I can make that decision when God is ready for me to.
Kathy, I think you might be right. God slowly weaned us off two incomes as well. Then, He just firmly kept that door closed as I pushed and pushed against it, until I finally opened my ears and listened to what HIS will was for me instead of my own desires. I will be praying for you through this. I pray that God would just gently nudge you to hand over your concerns to Him, that every time a fear about this or uncertainty pops into your head, that you would just be reminded to say a quick prayer.