This Is the Work God Has Given You Today: Finding Purpose in Homemaking
Inside: Sometimes the very work we are tempted to overlook is the chisel God is using to shape us into the image of Christ.
It can be easy to talk about giving our lives to the Lord. But what does that look like in the daily work of caring for a home and family?
How do we approach homemaking with a heart that sees it as worship and not just another list of responsibilities?
As a young Christian wife and mother, I found myself returning to Elisabeth Elliot’s books again and again. I don’t remember who first introduced me to her writing, but I will always be grateful. Her words were a source of encouragement and wisdom during those early years of marriage and motherhood, and they continually pointed me back to God’s Word.
One quote in particular has encouraged me through many years of homemaking:
“The job has been given to me to do.
Elisabeth Elliot, A Lamp Unto My Feet
Therefore, it is a gift.
Therefore, it is a privilege.
Therefore it is an offering I may make to God.
Therefore it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.
Therefore, it is the route to sanctity.
Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other. God looks for faithfulness. The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with—into the image of Christ.”
The Chisel God Has Chosen
One of my favorite reminders from that quote is this:
“The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with—into the image of Christ.”
We serve a sovereign God, and nothing in our lives is outside His control or purpose. The work before us today is the work He has given us to do. When we remember that truth, even the ordinary parts of our day take on a different perspective.
The work of homemaking often calls us to die to self as we care for the people God has entrusted to us. It is in that daily dying of self to meet the needs of those around us that we are often most like Christ.
An Invitation from the Lord
The Lord has used many ordinary moments over the years to remind me of that truth. One morning in particular comes to mind.
My favorite part of the day has always been my early morning time with the Lord. I love settling in with my Bible, a cup of coffee, and the stillness of the house before the day begins.
Years ago, before I had even taken my first sip of coffee, I heard little footsteps coming down the stairs. My youngest was awake much earlier than expected.
My first response wasn’t joy. It was irritation. My quiet morning had been interrupted. But the Lord gently reminded me that this was not an interruption. It was part of His plan for my day.
Loving on my little one was just as much an act of worship as sitting alone with my Bible.
Instead of letting impatience take over, I invited my little one onto my lap, and we settled into my favorite chair together. We snuggled, read Scripture together, and prayed. What I initially viewed as an interruption became a sweet opportunity to love and serve my child.
That morning reminded me that what often feels like an interruption is really an invitation from the Lord. This is true of all that we do as homemakers. From listening to a teenager talk through a difficult day to offering a gentle answer during a tense moment, the work before us is not random. It is the work God has entrusted to us today.
There is no divide between the sacred and the secular for the believer. In Christ, even the ordinary work of homemaking becomes sacred. The moments that feel most routine are often where some of the most important ministry takes place.
Friend, the Lord has placed you where you are on purpose.
He has entrusted you with people to love and serve. Even on the difficult days, we can rest in the truth that He does not make mistakes.
The world may not place much value on the work done within our homes, but God does.
And sometimes the very work we are tempted to overlook is the chisel He is using to shape us more into the image of His Son.
This article is adapted from chapter 2 of my upcoming book, Homemaking Matters: Living for God’s Glory in the Ordinary.
Wow so needed this. Thank you for the encouragement. I really love how you speak and share in this area. I have become lazy and overwhelmed in this and my heart longs to get back on track and love and enjoy being a homemaker. Please keep me in your prayers. I truly enjoy all that you wright. Its encouraging and convicting:)
Love this! This is exactly what God has been putting on my heart lately! Thanks for your encouragement to be faithful as a homemaker!
You are so welcome Rebekah – it’s the same encouragement I still need too 🙂