Key Verse: Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Background on Proverbs 27:17
The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom, that contains a treasure of wise sayings and practical counsels for daily living. Proverbs 27:17 is a profound verse that compares the process of sharpening iron to the influence that close friends has on one another.
In ancient times, people used iron to create weapons, farming implements, and different tools. For these tools to remain effective, they needed to be sharpened regularly. Similarly, for us to be effective in our personal lives and motherhood journey, we need that sharpening of true friendships. Genuine friendships have the power to shape and refine our character, just as iron sharpens iron.
How Iron Sharpens Iron in Motherhood
Motherhood is a journey filled with countless joys and challenges. It is a role that demands selflessness, patience, and unwavering love. Having a supportive community is crucial to fulfil our role effectively. As mothers, we dare not walk alone, and Proverbs 27:17 teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly friends who can sharpen and strengthen us in the journey of motherhood.
Throughout my own path as a mom, I have discovered the immense value of this scripture. Embracing the concept of iron sharpening iron, I have been blessed to experience the power of supportive friendships in my life. These godly connections have become a source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement, allowing me to navigate the complexities of motherhood with greater confidence and grace.
There are numerous ways in which we, as mothers, can sharpen and empower one another, and I am eager to share two of these methods along with personal instances where I have experienced their profound impact.
1. Iron Sharpens Iron When We Praying together
Some years ago, a dear friend and I shared a common desire—to pray daily for our children. We made a commitment to set aside a few minutes each day to come together in prayer. Little did we know that this decision would lead us on one of the most incredible journeys of our lives.
Today, our small prayer partnership has blossomed into a community of over 50 women, united in prayer for their children. This beautiful example of iron sharpening iron in motherhood has taught me invaluable lessons about the strength found in togetherness.
When I reflect on the days before my friend and I began praying together, I can see how I struggled with maintaining a consistent prayer life for my children. The demands of motherhood, the everyday busyness, and the challenges I faced often left me feeling overwhelmed and isolated. But as soon as we joined hands in prayer, everything changed. Our collective prayers were like sparks that ignited a roaring fire. The burden of solo prayer was lifted, and I felt an immense sense of support and encouragement.
My friend’s presence, her heartfelt intercessions for her own children, and the assurance that I was not alone in my journey as a mother bolstered my spirits. It was as if our prayers fuelled one another, strengthening our faith, and deepening our connection with God.
This newfound momentum didn’t stop at praying for our children alone. Our shared devotion expanded beyond that initial focus, encompassing our husbands, families, and every aspect of our lives. We uplifted one another in prayer, seeking divine guidance for our decisions and seeking solace in times of hardship. Through our regular gatherings, our friendships grew, and our bonds deepened.
Most importantly, our prayer community has taught me that motherhood is not meant to be endured in isolation. As iron sharpens iron, we strengthen one another through prayer, empathy, and shared experiences. In our unity, we find resilience, courage, and hope.
2. Iron Sharpens Iron with Accountability
Motherhood is an all-encompassing journey that can sometimes make it challenging to prioritize our spiritual and personal growth. In such moments, the value of accountability cannot be overstated. True friends can hold one another accountable, inspiring each other to strive for the best version of themselves.
In my own experience, I have witnessed how accountability within a group of moms can lead to transformative growth and empowerment. We embarked on a shared endeavour of reading together, knowing that this act of togetherness will foster accountability and provide the necessary motivation to stay committed to personal development. By reading and discussing thought-provoking books, we hold ourselves accountable for continuous learning and intellectual enrichment. The discussions allow us to exchange insights and apply the newfound knowledge to our lives.
Through this culture of accountability, our friendships have flourished, and we have experienced personal growth like never before. We have learned to embrace vulnerability, acknowledging our areas of improvement without fear of judgment. This open atmosphere has fostered an environment of trust and authenticity, allowing us to grow together as individuals and as mothers.
Importance of Friendship in Motherhood
In the journey of being a mom, having true friends is incredibly important. They provide unwavering support, say uplifting things to make us feel better, and share their own experiences. These friendships help us through both the good and tough times of motherhood.
Our mom friends are like a lifeline, especially when we’re busy or going through difficult times. They remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles and encourage us to keep going with kind and motivating words. When we share our feelings and experiences with our friends, we realize that we’re not the only ones facing challenges.
Others have been through similar things, and their stories can teach us valuable lessons for our own journey. In the beauty of genuine friendship, we find a safe place to be ourselves and to open up. These connections enrich our lives and help us become stronger and more confident moms.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we express gratitude for the gift of motherhood and the friendships that accompany us on this journey. We seek the Lord’s blessing upon our friends, praying that our connections may be rooted in love, compassion, and understanding. We ask for wisdom to learn from one another, grow together, and offer support in times of need. May our friendships be a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration, reflecting God’s love in our lives. We humbly seek the Lord’s guidance and grace in every step of our motherhood journey. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Find more Wisdom in Proverbs for Moms devotions here.
Guest Blogger Bio.
Oluwapelumi is a daughter of God, a blogger, a writer, and a speaker, passionate about being an example of good things and excellence to young women and ladies. Her mission is to live an authentic and purposeful life that will equip, challenge, and motivate other girls, ladies, wives, and mothers to love the Lord, their husbands, and children, live their lives on purpose and be a blessing to the world. She blogs on www.oluwapelumiboluwaji.com. She is also the creative director of Kids and Teens Bible World, a company that produces resources for children’s spiritual growth. Instagram: www.instagram.com/oluwapelumi.boluwaji