You Don’t Have What It Takes -But God Does
As women trying to juggle it all, we often feel worn thin—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—like we don’t have what it takes to be the moms we long to be. And here's the honest truth:
You don’t.
But God does. And He will give you everything you need.
This blog post is for every weary mom who feels like she’s not enough. Let’s turn to God’s Word together and discover the truth about weakness, strength, and the power of the Holy Spirit in motherhood.
1. Embracing the Truth: We Are Not Enough
We all often feel weary in motherhood, zapped of strength and energy. That nagging feeling that we are not enough? It’s actually true. On our own, we aren’t strong enough, wise enough, patient enough, or loving enough.
Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
We cannot rely on our own strength or wisdom. We must acknowledge our weakness and confess our inability. Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” —Proverbs 3:34
When we come to God humbly, admitting our sinfulness and brokenness, He is quick to respond with grace and help.
2. The Power of God Works Through Weakness
God doesn’t need us to be perfect moms—He desires us to be dependent moms. Only when we come empty can He fill us. Only when we admit our weakness can His strength begin to work through us.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Corinthians 12:9
We are not sufficient in ourselves, but:
“Our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers…” —2 Corinthians 3:5-6
God gives grace and power to the humble—not to the naturally gifted or outwardly strong, but to those who depend on Him.
3. God Equips Those He Calls
If God has called you to motherhood, He will equip you to walk faithfully in it. You do not have to be naturally nurturing, perfectly organized, or endlessly patient to be a godly mom. What you need is Jesus.
“It is God who works in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” —Philippians 2:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13
“The Lord… will equip you with everything good that you may do his will.” —Hebrews 13:20-21
We’re not promised strength to do everything—just what God is actually calling us to do in this season.
4. The Holy Spirit Lives in You and Strengthens You
One of the greatest promises for Christian mothers is that we don’t mother alone. The Spirit of God—who raised Jesus from the dead—dwells within us.
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you… he will give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit.” —Romans 8:11
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” —Acts 1:8
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” —Zechariah 4:6
The Spirit empowers us not only to survive motherhood, but to thrive in it—full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
5. Ask, Believe, and Be Filled
If you feel empty, depleted, or discouraged, ask God for help. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. He promises to answer that prayer:
“How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” —Luke 11:13
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” —1 John 5:14-15
Sometimes we don’t have the strength we need because we don’t ask—or we ask but don’t really believe:
“You do not have because you do not ask God.” —James 4:2
“When you ask, you must believe and not doubt…” —James 1:6-7
“Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” —Mark 11:24
6. Let Go of Self-Sufficiency and Control
We must be emptied of our pride, perfectionism, and control in order to be filled with God. Striving in our own strength will only lead to burnout. Surrender is the path to power.
We need to stop trying to be “good moms” in our flesh and trust that Jesus was perfect because we can’t be. He lives in us, and He will never leave us.
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…” —John 14:16-17
Even if you don’t have physical help with your kids, you are never without the Helper.
7. Discern What God Is (and Isn’t) Calling You to Do
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed not because God is asking too much of us, but because we are asking too much of ourselves. We have to discern what He is calling us to focus on, and let go of distractions, idols, and unnecessary striving.
Not everything good is God’s assignment for you right now. But whatever He is calling you to do, He will absolutely empower you to do it.
8. You Are Not Alone—You Are More Than a Conqueror
Motherhood is spiritual work. As you pour out your life for your children, you are doing kingdom work. God gives you power to make disciples—starting right at home.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” —Acts 1:8
“We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” —Romans 8:37
Through Him, you can face every trial, temptation, and struggle. You are not alone. You are not abandoned. You are empowered.
9. A Prayer for the Weary Mom
Dear mama, I pray this over you today:
“That out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” —Ephesians 3:16
He will answer that prayer.
Not because you’re strong, but because He is.
NEXT STEPS
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