Raise your hand if you thought for sure 2020 would look normal again by now.
Me too.
In this season of sheltering-in-place, yesterday looks like today looks like tomorrow, yet nothing looks like normal. While this wayward year remains seated in the principal’s office of life, it can feel challenging to lead our families into a fresh semester of uncertainty.
Perhaps you’re concerned for safety as school began amid the social distance of pandemic. Or you’re wondering how to manage a makeshift kitchen-table-classroom while working an essential job.
Maybe your college student struggles with a new normal, longing for what would have been. Or, like many of us, you’re heartsick over racial and civic tensions, craving unity and equality for the youth of your life, your community, your world.
I sense a collective refrain of prayer among mothers as we bend God’s ear, seeking favor and protection over the young and vulnerable around us.
And I’ve come to realize that motherhood is one long prayer of crying out to God for help to meet all they need with all we lack. 
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Nodding in solidarity, I read King Solomon’s humble prayer, “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10) After succeeding his father David as king of Israel, Solomon knew he needed wisdom beyond human supply to lead God’s people well.
How comforting to know that the same God who graced Solomon with wisdom to lead is still on His throne, granting wisdom to us as well.
Time and again, the Lord reminds me that the door through which wisdom is accessed is hinged with faith. Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “… we live by faith, not by sight.” Oh, for perfectly posed snapshots of tomorrow so we might parent without pressure — but faith isn’t a supplement for sight; it’s a substitute.
By faith we lean into the whispers of the One whose view is eternal. And friend, when you struggle to make sense of those whispers, and you wonder if you’ve heard God correctly, be encouraged, for our human perspective is naturally limited. We can’t see the layers of detail God is crafting in our children’s lives. So let us take comfort in Solomon’s instruction: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Whatever your worries, dear mama, there’s hope. We aren’t left to wander in the nearsightedness of human understanding. James 1:5a tells us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.”
Not a single moment of this ill-behaved year has taken God by surprise. Even 2020 kneels before a faithful God who beholds the view beyond the valley.Tweet This
This year may look different than expected, but God’s faithfulness has yet to wrinkle with time. We can trust His eternal compass to guide us as we shepherd those within our care.
Whether you’re leading students, employees, ministries or others, when you rely on the counsel of God’s wisdom, you magnify the power of His purpose in the lives of your people. 
In what areas could fresh wisdom be a balm for you in this unusual season?
Join the conversation over at Proverbs 31 ministries today; we’d love to hear your thoughts!
I so needed this devotion today! Our daughter is going through a terrible divorce and custody of their 18 month old son. She is 6 hours away from us alone with no family or friends battling all this alone with a husband who is a lawyer. I had just had my morning devotion and prayer praying for wisdom to know what to say and guide her through all this. She wants to come home to South Carolina but he will not let her. He is VERY controlling and wants to continue to control her even though he committed adultery and abandoned her and their child. As a Mother I feel so lost during all this not knowing what to do or help her. All I can do is pray that God intervenes and handles this. I know He is in control not her husband. Thank you again for this timely devotion!
Oh, Jane. I’m so sorry. Bless her heart. Joining you in prayer for your daughter and her family. Bless you, mama. ♥
Thank you for this devotion today; it was God-sent. Just this morning I was praying for our college son who is several states away. We haven’t talked to him much since he’s been back at school, and my heart and mind tend to become anxious wondering if everything is ok. It’s hard letting our children be the adults they are, but I know I have to give him that space he needs to do so. I believe the enemy puts that anxiety within my heart, so I’m trusting in God’s promises that all is in His hands. Your words delivered the message God wanted me to hear today. Thank you and God bless you.
((Hug)) Andrea. I understand. I have one away at college, too. It’s an adjustment letting them go and not seeing them every day anymore, isn’t it? Prayers for you and your son. And praying God replaces the enemy’s anxiety with His perfect peace today, my friend. ♥
Raising my hand up too🙋🏻♀️ as reality settles in that this is not where I hoped we would be, by now. The fall always holds the hope of a new season and your devotions Brenda, always make me smile and feel comforted in all of this 2020 discomfort. Wishing you Christ’s blessings, from your friend in NJ,
Jen Dottinger 😊
Oh, Jen, I feel you’re in the company of many raised hands today, my friend! Mine’s raised up, too. So thankful that even though 2020 continues to run amuck, God is–and always has been–in control. Such a comfort to be under the shadow of His faithful wing. Hope you are well, sister! ♥
So thankful for this blog 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😥seeing the world around me going amuck God is the one and true that only remains i also have been dealing with a backslidden son he moved out @17 now he is 20 our relationship with him is estranged i had to deal with alot of worry self doubt on parenting letting him go to find his way but God always gives me peace in the unknowing gods story is not over for this time in my life he still near and close in spirit to him thanks
Prayers for your son and for restored relationships in your family, Cynthia. So thankful God isn’t just our Father, but our children’s heavenly Father, as well. Bless you, mama. ♥