Your continual growth in Christ

Who can find a virtuous woman?

Proverbs 31:10

Do we really want this?
To be this virtuous woman.
We know God is willing.
The real question is are we?

Ask yourself this, “Am I a virtuous woman?”.
If you answer no, then decide if you want to be.

 

With God all things are possible

Because if you want to be this woman you absolutely can!
Do you think there’s some deficiency in you that makes it impossible?
Some fatal flaw that means God is stumped. He’s met His match.
Bologna.

 

Does she intimidate you? 

She’s not intended to intimidate, but to inspire. She’s totally aspirational.
We’re suppose to want to be like her.

Just think how amazing it would be to know that our children, our husband and yes, even God, all acknowledge and appreciate us. To know that our efforts, our service our life counts now and forever.

An invitation for each of us

God is inviting us into a life He knows will bless us and be a channel of blessing to everybody around us.
He’s painting a picture, He’s weaving a tapestry of a beautiful and meaningful life. A life that matters now and forever to many many people.
God is being very specific about what you need to be and do.
Are you up for that?
Can we add your name to the list?

Because if not, what, if you don’t mind my asking, is your plan B?
Mediocrity.
Yuck.
Who wants that on the tombstone?
Here lies_______, she was totally mediocre at everything she ever did.

I know you never once wrote in your journal. “My life goal is to be mediocre.”

 

No, you want a life of vibrant faith, a life filled with every spiritual blessing your God and Heavenly Father has gifted you. You want to bear that good fruit Jesus talked about that results from following the leading of the Holy Spirit. You want to use your gifts, your energy and really everything you have to see God’s plans and purposes for you all fully realized.

His Plan and His Power in us

Do you know the meaning of that word virtuous?
The Hebrew word is chayil.
It translates: strength, ability, efficiency, wealth, and army, or force.

In a word this woman is CAPABLE.

And we can be too.

Here are a few reminders of both God’s plan and His power for your life.

 

 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Ephesians 1:19-20 I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven,

Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

 

God doesn’t intend that you become some kind of superwoman, or that you do any of this in your own strength. The focus is on His power made available to you to carry out His plan. To live out His will in His strength and with His power. How do you access it? 

Maintaining Your connection to divine life and Power

Jesus is simple and straightforward in telling us that ‘apart from Me you can do nothing’. He is the vine, the divine lifeline to spiritual life and power. Our fruitfulness is totally a measure of our connection to Him. We can cultivate it or neglect it, but the results show up in real life.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus told His disciples that they’d receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Power that would make them witnesses. We think of witnesses as those who ‘speak’ in a courtroom. But, it’s not their words alone that make them witnesses.It’s their lives that testify to the existence and power of God. These people have been changed, transformed by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Were they then perfect? No. In fact Paul puts it like this in Philippians 3:12-14:

I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing:

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.

Focused Energy for an Important Role

I especially like that phrase, “I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing”.

 

Is there something else more important that we’re doing? Is Instagram more important than actually planning and prepping meals? Is Netflix more important than knowing what’s up with each of your children?

That little phrase, ‘she looks well to the ways of her household’. That phrase means we need to pay attention to those in our care, those under our charge. Be diligent to look for teachable moments and unplanned opportunities to impart spiritual truth, or encouragement or just comfort after a tough day at school.

For more on parenting as a Proverbs 31 Woman see this post:

Parenting Teens ~ Have You Done What You Needed To Do Yet?

How To Think About Your Kids

Remember David’s words in Psalm 139:1-2 and 17-18.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

We can do that for our children. 

We can’t read their minds, but can often read them. Pray for insight into your children, into what they need to hear from you. Ask for the wisdom to guide them and meet their needs. 

Your Choice

It all comes down to being convinced of God’s plan for us as wives, mothers and as women who seek to be followers of Jesus.

We have to ask ourselves if we want God’s plan for us as women.
It’s a big, bold, beautiful plan.
But, His power and wisdom can make it a reality in our lives. His promises are the gateway to a life of faith, joy and eternal significance. A life that blesses us, our families and our God.

No more doubting ourselves or our God! 

With Him all things are possible, even you and me becoming modern day Proverbs 31 women. Are you in?

If so, head over to Instagram where you’ll find me @kellyjgrace and share what you think is most compelling about The Proverbs 31 Woman. What inspires you about her example?