Who isn’t an independent women these days? Seriously, as women, we are killin’ it; educated, earning a living, buying homes, raising families, and many times all on our own. However, in all the independence, there are 3 biblical truths for single mothers to hold onto!
Importance of Biblical Truths For Single Mothers
Let’s face it, we’re living in a time where there are some men who don’t man up and take the responsibility to raise their children. Divorce rates are higher than ever before. And unfortunately, widows who have been left behind with a family to raise on their own.
Despite all of this, guess what? God is noticing! And if you’re a single mother, don’t think for one moment that God has forgotten you.
In fact, it’s just the opposite. God has so much love, and compassion for you; that through Jesus Christ, He has given you everything you need to raise your family with nothing missing and nothing lacking!
3 Biblical Truths For Single Mothers
If you don’t know our story, we’re a blended family, and before I met Andre I was a single mom with my son Brandon. I was only 22 at the time, and I remember falling to my knees and asking God to help me.
As a young single mom, I had no idea what I was doing. How I was going to raise a son, pay my bills, including daycare on my little salary. During that time I was living a lukewarm Christian life, but I was desperately seeking God for his help.
That’s when I came to know three biblical truths that was going to help me as a single mother.
I learned to seek God for His Wisdom, the importance of a balanced scheduled, and to rely on His provision, not my own.
God’s Wisdom
Being a single mom requires a lot of wisdom. I found myself seeking God for when to say no to the good for the sake of the better; when to slow down, and when to take care of myself. Many times I had to make decisions on the fly, and the pressure of making those decisions by myself weighed down on me.
That’s when James 1:5 became my life scripture during those years because daily I was asking God for guidance; whether or not to take a promotion at work, whether or not to date. The truth was; I was really afraid of making another mistake and every night I would cry myself to sleep asking God to help me.
“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”~ James 1:5 (AMPC)
A Balanced Schedule
Since I worked full time, I remember the guilt I felt everyday dropping my son off at daycare for almost 12 hours. When we were together at night, I had to learn to make whatever little time I had with Brandon quality time. The reality was, that was all I was capable of doing.
Seriously, I lived paycheck to paycheck, and had very little left over for entertainment. So I had to get creative with our activities to make our quality time fun, and memorable.
To this day, Brandon often asks me: “mom do you remember when it was just you and me, and we use to go to the movies or get juicy chicken?” Mind you, the movies he was referring to was an old theater we used to go to. Where movies were $1 because they were movies that came out a long time ago.
Brandon is 27 now and the fact that the little things I did is what he remembers most, means that I had succeeded at creating memories with the little I had. And I did that by balancing my schedule and prioritizing my time with him when I wasn’t working.
Quality time with your children will always trump quantity time when done right. I know plenty of families who are together all the time. However, they are distracted by work, electronics, and their own busyness. They don’t even spend time with each other because they’re too busy with themselves.
Living a life within the priorities of God is not just for couples, it’s a lifestyle for all of us married or single. When we purpose to live within the priorities of God, it will lead to a life of no regrets, even as a single parent!
Just because you’re single doesn’t mean your primary focus has to be work. Your first ministry begins at home, and when we live a balanced life, God will see to it that we have everything we need.
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” ~ Proverbs 11:1 (KJV)
God’s Provision
Being a single parent often means living on one income. I was living paycheck to paycheck, and I wondered how I was going to provide for my son.
Being in that position motivated me to not just pray for God’s provision. I wanted His wisdom, directing me to the right information or resources that would help me manage what I had. As this would be a far better use of my time, instead of focusing on what I didn’t have.
When thinking about relying on God for finances as a single mother, I often think of the story in the Bible about the widow, and Elijah ( 1 Kings 17:7-24). I think about how Elijah saw her at the well and asked her to make him a cake. She said all she had was enough for her and her son. However, she did it anyway, and God made sure she had enough.
It was hard for me to trust God with my finances when I was already feeling like I barely made enough. Did I really tithe 10%? No. I did what I could until I grew enough in my faith and learned how to manage my finances to point where I was able to tithe.
Since I worked at the bank, I realized I needed to learn everything I could and actually apply it to my life. Have you ever met a manicurist whose nails looked horrible? Or what about, a hair dresser whose hair was a hot mess? Well, I didn’t want to work at the bank and have no financial knowledge, so that’s when everything changed for me.
I learned how to balance my checkbook, start a savings account even if it was a small amount. Over time, I learned the importance of credit and how to build it and eventually bought a home.
To be honest, it wasn’t easy. It was difficult, because I started out with the wrong attitude. I was thinking; what’s the point in learning how to manage money when I don’t have any. And that is when Luke 16:10 became real to me.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”~ Luke 16:10 (NLT)
As I started to make little changes, my faith grew. As a result, I started to give on the very little I had. Before I knew it, Brandon and I were living very comfortably on one income.
In The End
Being a single mother is hard when you’re trying to meet the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of your children. All while you’re trying to meet those same needs for yourself.
However, you don’t have to do it on your own. My best advice is to cling on to God, and seek His wisdom, a balanced scheduled, and His provision. As difficult as it may be, there is nothing too difficult for our God. He will give you everything you need so that you will have nothing missing and nothing lacking.
PS… One of the first books I read was; The Courage To Be Rich by Suze Orman. It took a lot of courage to be honest about my financial situation. It wasn’t a Christian book, but I learned a great deal from it. Over the years, my library of financial resources grew as I grew in this area. Especially when I learned of Kingdom financial principles. In fact, Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way, and Simple Money Rich Life are two of my favorite Christian-based financial books.
Do you have another biblical truth that can help single mothers? Please share in the comments.
~ Timberley Gray
I have never been a single mom. But I love this post. God is sufficient to meet our needs and bless us and our children in whatever life circumstance we find ourself. That is a truth I have held on to through some miserable times!
Amen Helene. When we hold on to God’s truth no matter what circumstances we are in, we will never be without. ~ Blessings
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and having the courage to put it out there! I totally related when you were talking about seeking Gods wisdom and fear of making yet another mistake. Ive cried many nights as well, desperately begging God to just “show me” just “fix me” so that I can fulfill your purpose in my life and make right choices concerning my kids in all areas” . And upon reflection of the years gone by, I can say without a shed of doubt, “Our Lord hears them motherly cries for help” as my faith and trust in the Lord have grown tremendously and fear no longer controls my choices as it once did.
A super practical post, Timberley! Thanks for sharing your story—that James verse is just SO good. Stopping by from By His Grace Bloggers 🙂
Thank you Laura! I love that verse in James too! ~ Blessings
I am a single mom of 2, who has lost a lot of faith over the years. Times get hard for me and my babies but after reading this, I feel very inspired! Thank you!!!
WOW Miranda thank you for those encouraging words. It blesses us to know our blogs gives others hope! ~ Blessings
I’m a single mother of two as well. I’m in school trying to finish up my bachelor’s degree in Biology. Life is so chaotic right now and I’m feeling alone and stressed more than ever. The versus are nice. I hope to find more passages within the word that will help guide me on my path. I know this is not all that God has in store for my children and I.
Heather you are such an encourager – encouraging others as well as yourself. I can totally understand feeling alone even when you’re raising children, but you are so right – God has a purpose for you and your kids that may be greater than what you see right now in this moment. May God continue to strengthen you for the calling He has on your life (including raising HIS children). ~ Blessings
Hi heather i thank god for you postinh. I have two little ones myself and will be going to school soon for my lpn. Its just awesome to know i am not alone and my fellow sisters in Christians are all going through it but coming out the other end victorious. May God continue to bless you and your children. I love you and christ loves you more.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s 4:50 AM and I’ve been up praying for me and my boys. I felt it in my spirit to Google scriptures about single mothers and I found this. It’s just what I needed. God is so good. He always provides. God bless you and you family.
I am going through a divorce right now and I have 3 children under the age of 12. Lately, I have been very overwhelmed and anxious about what’s to come for me and my family and how I’d even be able to do it all on my own. Thank you for this post, I definitely needed to read this today.
Liliana I’m so sorry to hear that. I pray right now, Father God I ask that you will give Liliana your peace and a spirit of boldness to face the days and months ahead. Help her to rely on you for your provision, protection and most importantly your wisdom.I pray blessings over her family and bind any spirit of anxiety or fear. And may she rest in grace that is sufficient for today. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
I’m really struggling. I’m a single divorced mother to four. 21, 11, 11 & 7. I am the sole provider for my family in every way (financial, emotional etc etc). It’s so difficult. In the last 4 years I have fought in every way to pay off $40k in divorce and family debt. It left me burnt out. Physically sick and unaware that my fight financially to make a way took so much love away from my children. I’ve only ever desired balance in my life. I’ve been seeking and trusting God to provide. I’m in a horrible position to do anything than trust God’s word. I’m a couple weeks away to pay my rent, I’m a day or two away from running out of oil to heat our home. I’ve tried selling anything I could to get the money I need for only our necessities with no success. I don’t have anyone to fall back on. No family to take us in and an abusive ex husband who would do everything he could to take my children from me seeing I’m unable to provide. I’m scared. All I have is my faith.
Your post gave me a lot more hope. It’s so hard to trust I’m going to come up with the finances we need in the next 12 days. It’s seems so impossible. I do know with God anything is possible but I have felt forgotten. Between sick kids, doctor appts, and trying to build my children up emotionally (all diagnosed with PTSD) I can’t work my position as a subcontractor to provide what we need. I’ve fallen so short financially. My children have needed me and with that I’ve lost a lot of time to work to provide. I’m scared, I needed to read this. Thank you.
Jenn thank you for being so transparent. I can hear and feel the cry of your heart. As a sister in Christ I can only say please don’t lose hope. You are not forgotten. We are never promised that we will not experience hardship, but we are promised that God will not leave us alone in the hardship. Heavenly Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus. I stand in the gap for Jenn, asking you to provide supernaturally for her basic needs to care for her children. Give her wisdom to discern how she would use her time, and her finances. We ask for favor, and supernatural blessings. Surround her with your love, and comfort her heart and mind when she feels alone. I pray all these things in Jesus Name. Amen.
Jen I hope everything is going well for you. I can relate to a lot of this myself. Stay strong!! God bless you and your family. I pray he continues to give you the strength and faith to get through. You’re an amazing woman and mother! You should be very PROUD!!
Hello, thank you for this post. I am recently widowed. A mother of seven children from 18 months to 18 years old. A heavy burden indeed. Balance for me just doesn’t exist. Working to provide, taking care of the children, the home, and trying to grieve and take care of me at the same time. Something always has to give, either Im missing work that week to deal with home and family matters, or not getting my sleep the next because Im working so much to make the bills and feed us, or my house is a disaster the week after that because I need rest, time for prayer or grieving. I’m only one person and there is so much to do. I just can’t do it all.
It seems like Im stretched so thin no area is having its needs met. Im not at work consistently enough to accomplish as much as is required and needed of me or Im so tired and run down that I get sick, Im trying to make dinners or clean a mess that just keeps coming back so no time to be with the kids. Im there in body but busy trying to do all the chores of a mom/housewife. I think my children are getting the worst of it. They are all grieving too and Im so busy that I can’t even be with them. I have no family to help and the close friends I have live hours away. My older children are struggling with their own issues and for the most part refuse to help.
So Im pretty much alone, next to God of course. Just taking it one day at a time. Praying I make it to the next.
I am trying to figure out if there is some way to simplify things. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to do what is needed. Maybe someday God will bring some help into my life. In the mean time, I like how you said the quality not the quantity of time with your child is what mattered. I feel bad that I have little time with them and have to bring them to daycare. I hope to find moments of quality with each of them even if brief, hopefully they can hold on to those moments and know they were loved and not forgotten.
Desirae, I can feel your heartache and pain through your words. I cannot even imagine what you’re feeling or the burden you’re carrying. But I do know that the burden is not for you to carry alone. When we take our burdens before the Lord, He gives us His REST. And in this season you’re time with God is necessary for your own healing with grief and so that you can do what you need to for your children.
I say that to say, give yourself grace you are carrying a heavy load. For a long time I thought that meant for me to get relief something would have to be removed. But then I realized some of my responsibilities cannot be eliminated, so I changed my prayer from; remove this load, to Lord give me a stronger back to carry out the responsibilities you have entrusted me with.
When we begin to see our home as His sanctuary, and our children as His children, it changes our perspective on how we care for them.
I pray God is able to give you the grace you need for each day, and discernment for how you spend your time without feeling guilty, so you can spend quality time with your children – leaving a legacy of a Mother’s Love.
God bless you sweetie and thank you for stopping by to read. ~ Blessings
I was down and looking for a reminder this week of God’s promise and stumbled across your site. THANK YOU for allowing God to use you through this blog!! I love the verse you used in Luke to remind me to make the best with my time, talent, and resources…. even if it is a little. As a single mother of three boys living paycheck to paycheck, I find that I often “don’t have enough” of those things (time, talents, resources) to meet all the needs of my family and myself. OHHHH …BUT GOD the reminder to be “faithful in the little things” has renewed in me the desire to continue to seek God, and faithfully pay my tithes even when it seems I don’t have enough. The results I have seen so far have made me an addict, my desire to try God is increased every time I see my family sustained.
Oh bless you sweetie. Reading your comments brings me chills because I too know what that is like to be at your weakest and somehow God shows up and once again reminds you of who He is! The desire you have to draw close to Him is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family! So look up my sister to the one who holds your future. Thank you for stopping by to read. ~ Blessings
Hi Im a divorced single mum of two. I found this post trying to see Gods view of us single woman. I was really encouraged by James 1:5. I started to doubt God as the woman who took my husband was a Christian too. I felt perhaps I had sinned or failed. As another single mum shared that all of the sudden all responsibility is yours and you need faith too provide as mum and dad. Sometimes my daughter has waited late at school because i got caught up at work and i am her only transport. Not to complain but sometimes it hurts inside feeling like God abandoned us like our husbands. However I love your advice to cling onto God and seek his wisdom. I dont understand sometimes where to go from here but God will be my steer. Thanks for encouraging us and may God bless you further.
Joy I can feel your pain through your words, what a blessing that you are able to cling on the Lord despite your circumstances. Your daughter will remember the sacrifice, the love and your presence. Trust me, our God has not forgotten you nor forsaken you. And as you purpose to see Him in all the details I promise you, it will strengthen your faith in times of doubt. Thank you for stopping by to read. ~ Blessings
I can relate so much! This is beautiful you have no idea how much reading this meant to me at this moment ♥️ Thank you
Praise God Rocio may God continue to minister to your heart. ~ Blessings
Thank you for sharing such an encouraging testimony. My husband of fifteen years left over one year ago. I have two teens. I felt so overwhelmed particularly in having to make major descisions. I made an out of state move to be near my parents and family going from a good salary ro a very low one. Also leaving behind life-long church family and good freinds. So, the grief was no joke, but I couldn’t say enough about God’s grace. Now he has given me the strength to seek employment, and I am clinging to him for wisdom on deciding to go back near the former hometown for a lower wage or stay put for the position that is more comparable to what I left with excellent benefits and higher pay. I know that money isn’t everything, but we’ve been living with family in close quarters. I just want God’s best for our family abd to be led by him. God bless you.
Amen Melinda. When you make the right decision that honors God and your family, God will make sure you have everything you need with NOTHING missing and NOTHING lacking. May God continue to protect and guide you as you seek Him for direction. ~ Blessings
Hello, first off I pray all the beautiful women are doing fine. I came across this page because I am a single mother of 2 who is tired and lost at times! I want to be a great example for my two babies but at times I drop the ball and I beat my self up about it. My children deserve the best from me and I can’t stay focused on 1 thing for to long.. I need balance please pray for us!
Hi Nobel! You are an amazing mama with a heart to honor God and raise Godly children. I will lift you up in prayer for God to give you discernment with your time and give you wisdom as you raise His children for His glory. ~ Blessings to you!
Hi I’m Tek,
I’m truly grateful for all the posts and comments. I relate with most of the situations and the comments have given me renewed hope.
Glad you’re here sister, so we can be encouraged together. ~ Blessings
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s 4:50 AM and I’ve been up praying for me and my boys. I felt it in my spirit to Google scriptures about single mothers and I found this. It’s just what I needed. God is so good. He always provides. God bless you and you family.
Praise God sweetie that God gave you what you needed when you needed it. May God continue to give you wisdom and may you find peace in knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you.
this is so great! thank you! Praise God!
So many things speak to me! thank you for the encouragement. God bless!
Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
This is like God conforming things, He has been dealing with me on. I am a single mother and I’m also in a financial pit. But the article is on point for me, everything that I’m facing is what you have overcome. God bless you and all the single parents.
Praise God for his confirmation and thank you for sharing Monica. May God continue to lead and direct while bringing your heart peace as you raise HIS children for HIS glory.
~ Blessings
This article blessed me. Thank you for sharing your story. As a single mom most people can’t identify the mental processing it take to move through life as a single mom.
As a 23 year old single mom who’s navigating co-parenting, finances, and post-grad life, I GREATLY appreciate this!
This was great to come across today. I’m a 40 year old single mum to a 3 year old boy with no help. I’m in the process of a divorce. People always say Jesus has experienced everything we’ve been through and sometimes I think yeah but he wasn’t a single mother and he wasn’t divorced! But, he did experience all our emotions. I am learning that the things I say to myself have power over how I live. So in the process of trying to identify the lies I believe or tell myself I came across your blog. I often say I hate my life or I can’t do this and I’m learning that I can’t but God can. The scripture you included will be very useful and be what I declare when I am struggling.
Oh sweet Jen – thank you for sharing your heart. And I do believe that God gives us what we need when we need it. The fact that you’ve recognized in your own heart what needs to change is the first step to change. Glad you came accross this article, and glad you’re apart of the Living Our Priorities community.
Thank you for your inspiring words. I stumbled on you at 4:30 AM as I was searching out prayers for being a single mother.
I, like most of the women who commented am a single mother. I am raising two teenage boys. I am overwhelmed and exhausted. I so appreciate your noting self care. As single mothers, who is not blessed with a co-parent or family to assist us, our self care becomes last on the list. I am going to pray the James verse everyday. If I am not taking care of myself, how can I take care of my sons. Our self care and love is extremely important, and God is there to assist us.
I read all these beautiful women’s comments and stories. I wish I could say that my story is different- but it echoes what most stated – financial hardship, exhaustion, moments of despair, and intense anxiety. But, what I have realized is our children have us, God is with us and with Jesus’ love we WILL survive.
~Dana
Hi Dana so happy you stumbled upon this post – although we know that was all God. God bless you sister as you continue this walk God has set before you to raise His children. May you find the time to sow into yourself so you can be a blessing to your children. ~ Blessings.
As a single mom of 3 little girls looking for a little encouragement today. This definitely helped. Thank you.
Praise God! Bless you sweet sister as you raise God’s children for His glory. ~ Timberley
Hi. I’m so grateful God provided you with a husband after you had your son. My boyfriend is scared of introducing me to his family because he fears his reactions of me already having a child. What would your suggestions or views be ?
Hello Lulu thank you for stopping by to read. This is a tough one, especially if you’re already dating and there’s still some hesitancy. I would encourage you to pray and ask God to show you what to do. Ask God to guide, protect you and your family while you wait to hear from Him. Hope that helps.
I am a single mother to a now 8 year old girl I haven’t seen her dad since I was 6 months pregnant. Grew up in a church had a baby out of wedlock. Left church at 19 went back to church when my daughter was 10 months old. Jesus has completely changed my life I feel like I am called to be a Christian blogger. I am such a private person and find it really hard to tell my story on a public platform. But I am hoping it will give hope to other people. Really enjoyed this article.
Amanda thank you for sharing your story. And praise God for not only the change in you but the desire to share that with others. God bless you sister.
Thank you for this post. I am not a single mother- in fact I’ve been praying for God to help me find a decent guy to start a family with and was so worried God would punish me should we decide not to marry right away. The situation seems in fathomable right now and I am only getting older. Thank you for these resources.
God bless you sister! Don’t worry about the future, continue seeking God and honoring Him as your raise the children God trusted in your care. God will bring the right person at the right time. For now be encouraged you may be single but you’re not alone.
Just to encourage all the single moms out there. I was widowed at the age of 29 years with three girls to take care of. I thank God because this brought me very close to him, knowing I could not do it on my own. It wasn’t a matter of trial and error but total dependency on Him, Today I know I have to continuously train my Spirit to be obedient to all God’s precepts. He is real and has so much grace for us. He is the source of wisdom, strength, and unconditional love for others beyond our own trials,
Amen! Thank you for sharing, you encouraged me. ~ Blessings Timberley