There is a woman named Susanna, that I often think about.
I have never met her because she died in 1742.
Oh, but her life has been one of the greatest role models to me in my own life and motherhood.
Susanna was the mother of John and Charles Wesley. As in, The Wesley’s who were founders of the Methodist movement.
Not only that, but Charles Wesley composed many hymns (over 900!) including, “Hark! The herald angels sing!”
John Wesley preached to close to a million people in the 1700’s, bringing revival in dry and desert areas. Wow!
Susanna had 19 children, but only 10 survived through infancy.
Her life was wrought with hardship, including a rocky marriage, going to debtor’s prison, deaths of many of her children, her home burning down twice losing everything…
Susanna had a very difficult life.
Oh, but her faith and her prayer life was one of great riches!!
Susanna vowed to God that for every hour of entertainment she spent, she would spend the same time in prayer and in His Word.
And, she did.
Her children were the fruit of those thousands of hours in prayer and study of His Word.
Susanna would put an apron over her head when she prayed so that her children would know not to disturb her.
10 children…many needs, many mouths to feed, much laundry, much mess…
Yet, she made prayer and time in God’s Word a priority, and her children witnessed it.
Day after long hard day.
She prayed and prayed and prayed.
Today, in our fast paced world, we have technology and appliances to help us speed up our “work”.
Dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, phones, computers….
Susanna had none of this.
Yet, her life was rich…in hidden treasures.
Surely, she never could have imagined that two of her sons would be used by God to draw millions of souls to Jesus….
Her faithfulness, diligent devotion to God, and determination to spend time with Him brought generations of fruit. Fruit that is still with us today.
Susanna did not seek to be famous, she sought to be faithful.
The little eyes of her children watched her dedication and devotion day after day.
Susanna taught those children by her actions without having to say a word.
She was faithful with the very little…
And God multiplied greatly.
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10
Friend, we have this great opportunity, as mothers, grandmothers, aunts, neighbors, teachers…to be like Susanna. To worship and devote our time to the greater good of our lives and those around us.
Let’s not waste another minute in fruitless endeavors…
Let’s throw that apron over our head and start praying.
The time is ripe.
The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen." Isaiah 60:22
looking for my apron,
jill
