When You Can't See the Fruit: The Eternal Impact of Your Motherhood

Have you ever wondered if all your motherhood efforts really matter?

As we conclude our Mother's Day series, I want to speak to that question that sometimes whispers in the quiet moments between loads of laundry and bedtime stories: "Is what I'm doing making any difference at all?"

Seeds That Grow for Generations

In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes to Timothy: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

Think about that for a moment. Timothy became one of the most influential leaders in the early church—a world-changer whose impact continues to this day. And Paul traces Timothy's faith directly back to his mother and grandmother.

Their faithfulness—likely expressed through ordinary, everyday moments—created a legacy that has touched millions of lives across centuries.

The Unseen Work of Motherhood

Much of what you do as a mother is invisible:

These moments may feel small and unseen.

But Psalm 78:6-7 reminds us of their purpose: "So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."

Also, all [the people of] that generation were gathered to their fathers [in death]; and another generation arose after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the LORD, nor even the work which He had done for Israel.  Judges 2:10

Your faithful mothering today is creating ripples that will continue long after you're gone—potentially for generations.

I often reflect on the verse in Philippians 2:21 For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

And this verse Deuteronomy 12:8 You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. 

As moms and dads we are to take the time to instill in our blessings from God the words of God.  We are to choose Jesus over party, or nationality or family.   

It is in doing this that we start to see that we can change the world when we start at our family.  

World-Changers Begin at Home

History is filled with world-changers whose impact can be traced back to faithful mothers:

The next world-changer might be sitting at your dinner table tonight. The next person to impact thousands for God's kingdom might be the child whose tears you're wiping right now.

When You Can't See the Fruit

Some days, it's hard to believe your efforts matter. The toddler tantrums, teenage rebellion, or everyday challenges can make it feel like you're failing rather than raising world-changers.

But Galatians 6:9 offers this promise: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

The harvest of motherhood often comes in seasons far beyond what we can see today. Your faithfulness matters, even when—especially when—you can't yet see the fruit.

Hebrews 3:10
Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known My ways.’

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

You have the ability to instill that knowledge.

You have the ability to point their hearts toward God.  

Yes I recognize we cannot be sure they will stay on the path but we can start them there and we can plant seeds that come up when they stray.

Because that is what happened with me a preachers child yet I still walked away from God for more than 15 years.   

It was the words of God that my father made sure were instilled within us that kept bubbling up.  It was the words of God that drew me back to Him.  I am so thankful for Godly parents.  

As Mother's Day approaches, I pray you'll be reminded that your work as a mother has eternal significance. Though much of it happens in unseen moments, God is using your faithfulness to shape not just your children, but potentially generations to come.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" – Proverbs 31:28-29

Celebrating your eternal impact.