Survival Through Love

When a giraffe is born, it tumbles ten feet to the ground, landing on its back. Within seconds it rolls over and stands, struggling on those tall untried legs. The mother giraffe positions herself directly over her newborn, swings her leg outward and kicks that baby, sending it sprawling and tumbling to the ground again!. If it doesn’t get up, she kicks it again! Even if it grows tired of mom’s teaching, she kicks it again to stimulate its efforts to stand. Each time the baby giraffe manages to get to its feet , the mother kicks it once again. Now, this may seem cruel to you, but there is a reason for the mother’s behavior. She is simply preparing the baby for survival, because that little giraffe must learn to get up quickly and run with the herd when danger comes – otherwise it will not survive.

I think it is fair to say that the attitude of mothers to see their babies survive is reflected across the board of life. The love of a mother is recognized as one of the most powerful forces known to mankind. “There are times when only a mother’s love can understand our tears; Can soothe our disappointments and calm all of our fears. There are times when only a mother’s love can share the joy we feel; When something we’ve dreamed about quit suddenly is real. There are times when only a mother’s faith can help us on life’s way; And inspire in us the confidence we need from day to day. For a mother’s heart and a mother’s faith and a mother’s steadfast love; Were fashioned by the Savior and sent from God above.” To the world she’s just a mother; To her family she’s all the world.

[1 Samuel 1:1 – 2: 21] A beautiful Bible picture of motherhood is found in the woman named Hannah. In 1 Samuel we read of her faithful prayer asking God to bless her with a child. She promised God she would dedicate him to the service of the Lord. When the child Samuel was born, Hannah kept her promise. Although she left Samuel in the service of the temple at around age two or three, she never forgot him. She continued to make him a robe to wear each year, and delivered it to him herself (1 Samuel 2:19). One can only imagine the care she went through thinking of  his needs as he grew older. What a faithful mother! By her faithful remembrance of Samuel, Hannah was exhibiting one of the characteristics of God. Isaiah 49:15 reads, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.” God has such a powerful love for his people. He never forgets His children! Your mother certainly loves you. But what great comfort we can take today knowing God loves you even more! Let us be thankful for such steadfast love! As Christians, we need to learn the same lesson that baby giraffes learn – When life kicks you down, you must get back up! You must never give up! Our soul’s survival depends upon our ability to persevere. James wrote, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). When things go wrong, Satan would love nothing better than for you to throw in the towel and give up on faith, God, Christ, and the church. That’s his goal – to get you to quit short of the goal of salvation. He wants you to become so frustrated that you will simply quit. Don’t let him get to you. When life knocks you down – Get back up! Always remember, whether they are with you still or have gone on, “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).