This post is 1 of a 6 part series on faith: 1) We have a Heart Problem, 2) Palm Sunday-The Love of Jesus, 3) Easter-Believing in Jesus, 4) What happens next?, 5) Being a New Believer, and 6) Patience in Growth

4 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

Mother May I? (Learn a Lesson in Patience)

If there’s one phrase every mom has said a thousand times, it’s this:

“How many times do I have to tell you...?”

We get it. We all wish our children would listen and obey the first time. Wouldn’t that be nice? One prompt and—boom!—perfect behavior.

But in reality?
Growth doesn’t happen in a single moment.
It happens slowly.
Repeatedly.
Patiently.

Which is why this Mother’s Day, I want to encourage every mom—and every new believer—with a powerful truth:

God is not looking for perfection. He’s growing something deeper—something lasting—and that takes time.

🌱 A Lesson from Moms (and from Mark 4)

Moms, your everyday faithfulness—those gentle reminders, encouraging words, and consistent boundaries—may feel small. But over time? That’s what discipleship looks like.

In Mark 4:26–29, Jesus tells a short but powerful parable about spiritual growth:

“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground... Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” ~ Mark 4:26–27 [emphasis added]

Growth happens in stages. Quietly. In the background. Out of sight.
And if you’re a mom or a new believer, that’s really good news.

Because whether you’re raising a child or growing in your faith, you don’t have to force the results.
You just have to stay faithful in the small things.

🌳 The Kingdom Starts Small

In the very next verses, Jesus adds:

“It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants...” ~ Mark 4:31–32

That tiny seed—the kind of spiritual seed you’re planting in your kids, or God is planting in you—it doesn’t stay small. It grows into something bigger than you ever imagined.

So if you’re a new believer and you feel like you’re still struggling with old habits, still confused by parts of Scripture, or still tripping over your own weaknesses—guess what?

That doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re growing.

And if you're a mom watching your child push every limit and repeat the same mistake for the third week in a row—don’t give up.
That’s growth too. Slow. Invisible. But steady.

🙏 A Mother’s (and New Believer’s) Prayer for Patience

God, thank You for the way You parent us—with grace, patience, and steady love. Help me to remember that growth takes time. Whether I’m nurturing a child or becoming more like Jesus myself, give me a heart that trusts the process. Let me celebrate small steps, rest in Your timing, and never despise the days of slow beginnings. Amen.

💗 So This Mother’s Day...

Celebrate the moms who keep showing up.
Celebrate the new believers who are just getting started.
Celebrate the God who sees what’s growing—even when we can’t.

Because faith, like family, is not about fast results.
It’s about faithful roots.

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Have Patience During Growth.

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground... Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” —Mark 4:26–27

Theme Song:

Patience - SioVera | Praise House | Mass Anthem (Lyric Video)

References Used:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.