while today

When Paul came to Derbe and Lystra on his second missionary journey, he met a young man named Timothy.  Timothy was a believer, and the scriptures say he was “well spoken of by the brethren…” (Acts 16:2, NAS95) Paul was so impressed by this young man that he wanted to take him along on his journey, and he did just that.

Isn’t that something we all desire for our children—that they would be full of faith, even in their youth, and that they would have a good reputation among the people of God?  Don’t we desire that our children, like Timothy, would grow to be dedicated to the Lord and His cause?  How did this young man grow such a faith?

We know a big part of the answer to this question.  Years later, Paul writes these words to Timothy, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” (2 Timothy 1:5, NAS95) Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a tremendous impact on his faith.  They must have been remarkable, strong, faithful ladies in the Lord.  When we read of Paul meeting Timothy in Acts chapter 16, it appears that Timothy’s father was not a believer.  It can be very difficult to raise faithful children when the father, who is supposed to be the spiritual leader of the family, is not a believer.  And yet, Eunice, no doubt through much sacrifice and dedication, raised her son in the Lord!  And grandma Lois had a tremendous impact, too!  Think of the influence these women had on the spread of the gospel of Christ.  Think of the souls that were touched directly through their ongoing faithfulness, and indirectly through the ministry of Timothy.

Praise God for women like Eunice and Lois!  Faithful women had a great impact on the world then, and they still do today.  Sisters, if you are a mother or grandmother, dedicate yourself to raising your children in the Lord!  You will never regret it.  It is the most important job that you have.  And know that if you do not have children, you too can have a tremendous impact on the brethren and on the work of the Lord.  What a blessing, what an encouragement our faithful sisters are!  You all have a special role to play in the body of Christ.  May God help you and strengthen your work for Him. 

—Scott Colvin