DEVOTED
GREAT MEN and THEIR GODLY MOMS
“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound / That saved a wretch like me! / I once was lost but now am found / Was blind but now I see.”
John Newton
To those reading, I hope you’re looking for a good read, because this book blew me away!
The author, Tim Challies, has long been a respected voice in the Christian world. Since launching his blog, Challies.com, back in 2003, he’s been writing daily reflections that have shaped conversations across churches and homes alike. Beyond blogging, he serves as an elder at his church in Toronto, is a devoted husband and father, and has authored several thoughtful books.
With that background, it’s no surprise that his work is both engaging and deeply rooted in biblical truth.
Now, while I’d love to reflect on all of Tim Challies’ writing, that would be a hefty task (and quite a long read!). Instead, I’ve chosen one book in particular, one that feels especially relevant, timely, and full of truth for today.
I want to encourage everyone to pick up a copy (you’ll find the link at the end of this article), but I’m especially writing with women in mind–mothers of young / old children, particularly little boys, and young men. This book offers wisdom and guidance, this book speaks into the sacred calling of raising men and women who love the Lord, children who will one day look back and recognize how much they owe to their godly mothers.
“Men who changed the world”
In this book, eleven men (well known throughout the evangelical world) are used as focal points. They aren’t presented as the true stars of the story, but rather as living testimonies to the influence of their mothers. Each of their lives further proves the immeasurable impact of a mother who is willing to sacrifice for her son for the sake of the Gospel.
The earliest of these men lived during the 18th and 19th centuries, walking in a world vastly different from ours yet shaped by the same timeless principles of faith and maternal guidance.
As the timeline progresses, we encounter men from the 20th century whose ministries touched millions, up to more contemporary figures whose influence continues to be felt today. Across these eras, one truth remains consistent: the faithfulness of a mother can set the course for a life devoted to Christ.
“The faithfulness of a mother can set the course for a life devoted to Christ.”
Eleven Men Listed
The men featured in this book are a remarkable group:
John Newton, Hudson Taylor, J. Gresham Machen, Christopher Yuan, William Borden, Charles Hodge, John Piper, Charles Spurgeon (the “Prince of Preachers”), St. Augustine, D.L. Moody, and Timothy.
Do you recognize at least three of these names? Or, maybe all? Each of them has been a faithful steward of the Gospel, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today. Many are quoted in sermons, shared across social media, and read in homes around the world. From early church leaders like St. Augustine to modern voices like John Piper and Christopher Yuan, their lives collectively illustrate the lasting impact of mothers who raised sons devoted to the Lord.
Three / Eleven Men Highlighted
Before we dive into the chapters, I want to note that I don’t want to give away all of the important intricacies this book offers. Devoted is full of wisdom, stories, and insights that are best discovered firsthand.
That said, I do want to highlight three men whose chapters stood out to me: John Newton, Christopher Yuan, and finally, Timothy, so you can get a glimpse of the book’s heart and message.
While each chapter in the book ends with reflection questions, I will conclude each chapter section with one takeaway.
Ch. 1 John Newton: The Hidden Strength of a Weak Mother
John Newton, author of Amazing Grace, owed much of his spiritual foundation to his mother, Elizabeth. Though frail and suffering from tuberculosis, she devoted herself to teaching John Scripture, hymns, and catechisms, and prayed faithfully for his soul. Even though she died before he turned seven, her influence left an indelible mark, shaping the boy who would later wander into sin and eventually experience God’s amazing grace. Newton later reflected that the lessons learned at his mother’s knee were “the foundation for [his] eventual conversion and Christian commitment.”
“My dear mother, besides the pains she took with me, often commended me with many prayers and tears to God; and I doubt not but I reap the fruits of these prayers to this hour.” pg.10
Takeaway: For mothers, this chapter is a reminder that spiritual foundations are formed around age nine. Even brief, consistent teaching and prayer—no matter physical weakness—can leave a lasting legacy. The time to start is now, and Jesus works in the youngest lives, even when we don’t expect it.
“As I was her only child, she made it the chief business and pleasure of her life to instruct me and bring me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Ch. 4 Christopher Yuan: The Perseverance of a Godly Mother
Christopher Yuan’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of a mother’s faith-filled, persistent prayers. Though he lived a reckless life of partying, drugs, and crime, his mother Angela never gave up. She devoted herself to daily prayer, fasting, and study of God’s Word, often in private, unseen moments, and continually brought her son before the throne of God.
Through her perseverance, God intervened, leading Christopher to faith while in prison and drawing him into a life dedicated to Christ. His mother’s prayers not only impacted him but also brought spiritual renewal to her husband and father. Christopher reflects:
“Like the persistent widow, my mother bombarded heaven with her prayers.” pg.49
Takeaway: For mothers, this chapter is a call to faithful intercession. It is never too late, you’re never too young or too old, and neither are your children. Your unseen, daily prayers can shape hearts, futures, and ministries in ways only God can accomplish.
Prayer Request:
As we reflect on the power of a mother’s prayers and God’s faithfulness in the lives of her children, I want to invite you to join me in praying for Dr. Christopher Yuan. On September 22, 2025, he suffered a severe fall at home that left him temporarily paralyzed. Thanks be to God, after surgery and the beginning of rehabilitation, he has regained some movement and sensation, including in his arms, hands, and toes. His mother, Angela Yuan, has been faithfully updating friends and followers on his progress, praising God for each sign of improvement. Let us continue to lift him up in prayer, asking for complete healing, strength for his recovery, and God’s continued guidance over his ministry and witness.
Ch. 11 Timothy: No Greater Accolade
Timothy, a trusted companion of Paul, demonstrates the profound influence of a godly mother and grandmother. From childhood, he was introduced to Scripture by his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, and this early exposure shaped his faith, preparing him for extraordinary ministry. Timothy accompanied Paul on missionary journeys, witnessed conversions, endured persecution, and helped establish the early church, all rooted in the spiritual foundation laid at home.
As Paul reminds him:
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am sure, now dwells in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Takeaway: For mothers, faithful, daily instruction and modeling of Scripture at home can shape a child’s life in ways that last a lifetime.
Where to Find Timothy in the Bible
Acts 16:1–3; Acts 17:14–15; Acts 18:5; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10–11; Philippians 2:19–23; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2–6; 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:5, 2:1–2; Hebrews 13:23
“Timothy was a man of the Word because he had been raised by a woman of the Word. Her trust in Scripture had become his trust in Scripture. Her love for truth had given him a deep love of truth.”
Why Buy and Read This Book?
This book is more than a collection of stories about men who shaped the Christian faith–it’s a tribute to the quiet, persistent, and often unseen influence of godly mothers. Through each chapter, we see that a mother’s prayers, guidance, and love can leave an indelible mark on her children, shaping their faith, character, and calling. Whether it’s John Newton, Christopher Yuan, or Timothy, these men’s lives remind us that no child is beyond God’s reach, and no act of faithfulness is ever wasted.
For mothers raising young boys–or any parent invested in the spiritual formation of their children–this book is both an encouragement and a challenge. It offers timeless lessons about prayer, perseverance, and the power of godly influence. Each story is a window into God’s transformative work, showing that He can use even the smallest acts of obedience to change the course of a life.
Click the link below, buy a copy and be inspired to pray more, love more, and trust God with the lives He has entrusted to you.
Click to Buy: DEVOTED: GREAT MEN and THEIR GODLY MOMS
To my mom:
I want to take a moment to honor my mom, a woman whose faithfulness and strength have shaped my life in countless ways. I’d love to write about her story (far more interesting than anything I’ve ever done) but she is a true, living, and breathing testament to the undeniable power and transformation that the Lord our God can do within a life. From dirt-floor hogans, to Mormon living in Utah, to getting saved at the altar in Albuquerque, to serving in many roles: Pastor’s wife, friend, businesswoman, and my favorite, Mom!
She was a single parent for eight years, raising my older brother—who we lost in 2014—before meeting my father in 1998. As a military spouse, she navigated long deployments, countless boxes packed, and moves to other states, yet through it all, she never missed a step. From countless clubs, sports, church events, and volunteer opportunities, she was always there, showing up fully for us.
Though she humbly acknowledges her faults and the things she might have done differently, I know that her life has been guided by God’s will, and her faithfulness has left an enduring mark on me. Our church had the joy of celebrating her this month, showering her with love for her steadfast dedication. But beyond accolades, she is a beacon of light in my life, a stronghold whose influence I will never take for granted. Mom, you shaped me, and for that, I owe you everything.
- C.B. Stevens (Buggy)
