Christ,’ she used to say, ‘keeps firmer hold on us than we keep on him’.
I have only read two of Tim Challies books. Both have been small, but powerful.
In Devoted: Great Men and Their Godly Moms, Challies pairs short biographies with thought-provoking questions and application from the lives of influential but forgotten mothers. Mrs. Challies jumps in at the end of chapters to walk through the questions and application thoughts which gives a practical angle to the usually information heavy side of biographies. It is a refreshing style!
With a small book comes small chapters. However, consider the most likely audience: mothers. What mother is there who has the time to sit down and read for an hour? I know of none. Yet, here we find a size and style that would allow mothers to take their few quiet moments of children’s naps, early morning alone time, and late-night feedings for the purpose of reading.
The encouraging material within this book will be a balm and a comfort for every mom who spends her days chasing her children and sacrificing her time for the sake of the next generation she is raising, though it should (as always) be considered a supplement to the Word of God, not a replacement. However, there is still great exhortation to godliness that can be found in the pages of Devoted as we consider the lives of these women who were devoted to Christ and the raising of their children.
Though not a mother yet myself, I found these biographies convicting and helpful as I consider how to come alongside mothers in my church. Prayer availeth much, as Scripture says, and I found wonderful content in this book to aid my prayers. For instance pray for strength and wisdom for single mothers, pray for discernment in how to best help the family of many children, pray for a mother’s tearful nights when a child’s salvation is unknown yet dearly desired.
For any who take the time to read this delightful little anthology of biographies, you will not be disappointed. Indeed, I believe you will be strengthened in your walk with the Lord!
