I recently finished studying the book of Hebrews, in which chapter 11 recounts acts of faith from heroes such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

While reading about people who conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, escaped the edge of the sword, and put foreign armies to flight, I started wondering: Can a stay-at-home mom live by faith?

Because I don’t know about you, but I haven’t conquered any kingdoms lately and I certainly don’t see lion-stopping being a part of my imminent future, though at times I do think my kids and I would be a profitable addition to the circus.

One could say, “Ah yes. But you conquered the kingdom of your child’s messy room today! And you stopped the lion’s mouth of anger from your son!”

And I would argue that there are some cases in which metaphors are unhelpful. This happens to be one of them.

Because I’m not talking about metaphorically living for God and walking by faith. I want to do it for real. But I’m a Mom to four young children (3 of whom I homeschool) and if you boil that down it basically means that I, out of necessity, spend the majority of my time at home with a fairly predictable schedule. Is it even possible for someone like that to live out a life like the saints in Hebrews 11? And if so, how in the world can it be done?

Before we answer that question, we have to remember the definition of faith.
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as an assurance or confidence in things we hope for, but can’t see.
It’s like believing that God created the world even though you didn’t actually see it happen.

Mom, do you believe even though you can’t see?

Why do you speak to your child in a loving manner—even when your husband isn’t around to hear?
Why do you clean that area of your home repetitively even though nobody ever thanks you?
Why do you do the things you do—even when nobody else sees them?

Is it only because you think it’s what you’re expected to do? Or is it because you believe there’s a God who sees and rewards your obedience?

The Mom who walks by faith confidently lives as though her every action matters and is important to God—because it is. Our God does not turn a blind eye to the mundane work of motherhood. If you are a mama, he has called you to live out that role with joyful obedience! So whether I am a stay-at-home mom or not, I live by faith when I believe that God sees my every action and rewards obedience to his commands.

Do you believe God rewards your faithfulness at home?
Do you believe he blesses you when you filter your thoughts and emotions through his Word?
Do you believe he honors you as you teach your child to love and honor Christ in his heart, words, and actions?
When you respond to your wayward child in love instead of anger, do you believe that God sees and blesses your obedience?

Living by faith is not defined by lion-taming and kingdom-conquering. 
Living by faith is simply living in obedience to God and his Word, even when you cannot see the results.

“Without faith it is impossible to please him,
for whoever would draw near to God must believe that
he exists and that he rewards those who seek him”
(Hebrews 11:6).

As a stay-at-home mom, I can live by faith as I diligently seek my God who eternally exists and faithfully rewards.

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Related: When God Calls You to Something You Didn’t Expect