Last week I was studying 2 Timothy 1:1-5, preparing a sermon on intergenerational faith, parents passing their faith on to their children, and the church handing the faith off to the next generation.

Paul writes, “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

It struck me that Paul mentions Timothy’s mother and grandmother, but not his father. Timothy’s mom was a Jewish woman; his dad a Greek. Apparently, Timothy’s father was not a believer, or at least wasn’t involved in inculcating faith in Timothy.

That’s not the preferrable dynamic. Optimally, mother and father are working together with the extended family of the church, as well as grandparents, etc, to foster faith in their children.

But this passage is a reminder that God isn’t limited to optimal situations, as if he only works when all the stars align. This is great news to single parents who are trying to raise their children to know the Lord, who wish they had a partner in that spiritual endeavor, but who find themselves alone in the parenting task. The good news is, they aren’t alone.

Jesus famously promised, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

When we lose find ourselves abandoned or without the spiritual support of a spouse, the church can and should play an increased role in nurturing faith. But beyond that, God as our loving Father, infinite in his stores of power and grace, can supply all we need.

Being a parent is hard. Being a single parent must feel nearly impossible. If it feels like a hopeless battle, it’s not. God is your strong tower, your rock and refuge.