Devotionals, Five Minute Friday

Proverbs 31 For All Women

“A woman’s heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.” -Max Lucado

Do you believe that a woman should be hidden so deep inside of the Lord that one needs to seek Him to find her?

Women have become so very resourceful over the years. Movements show us stepping up to the equality that God has called us to that men have pushed to the side for centuries.  We are called to bigger, better God glorifying feats than ever before. Women have become more honored in noble acts and courageous deeds more than generations before.  

The question that is begged: haven’t women always been defying the odds, courageously moving forward despite oppression, and uplifted by communities and families from the beginning? It has just become louder and more demanding instead of the meekness that the fruit should have been producing in our faith.

There are a few thoughts on this. First, we are made to be man’s help-meet. Being equal and complementary at the same time, two are better than one creating fruit of body and fruit of the Spirit. Our first and foremost ministry starts in the home spreading outward according to the Lord’s will.

A second thought would be that no woman needs a man for life, ministry or growth. True, but we are missing the complementary side that God created in the garden. His perfect creation included both parties working side-by-side, building in strength and being in perfect communion with Our Creator. 

We can go at it alone, building strength from supporters, churches, parents, and friends. We can be strong, growing the kingdom and creating communities of Christ followers without the support of a partner. We are able, brave and can do more than our ancestors ever thought we could.

Some of us are meant to stay home, minister from the dining table, and create a legacy of hospitality and meekness. Are we less than the courageous mission lady who crosses deserts just to hack her way through a jungle to reach the lost? Are we lacking wisdom to finish University in a field that builds churches and reaches the masses? 

Can’t we all be the Proverbs 31 woman without marriage or while deep inside child-bearing and homemaking? Being a woman of noble character can happen on all fronts and in all life choices.

She is worth far more than rubies vs. 10

Can working while boots on ground, or milling flour with babes at the apron strings both we worthy without comparison?

…works with eager hands vs. 13

She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks vs.17

Can single women and mothers come together for a cause bigger than themselves?

She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy vs. 20

Is there less dignity in one party than the other? Don’t we all strive to be the same in love, determination, and growth in our faith walk?

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness vs. 25-27

But despite what camp you are in or that you wish to support, women are strong, capable, intelligent, beautiful and needed all the same. Women are meant to complement the world just the same as men are.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. vs. 30-31

 

But despite what camp you are in or that you wish to support, women are strong, capable, intelligent, beautiful and needed all the same. Women are meant to complement the world just the same as men are. Click To Tweet

11 thoughts on “Proverbs 31 For All Women

  1. Love this. Thank you for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things. I’m a new hostess for the Thursday party. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. Linda @Crafts a la mode

  2. I absolutely love the Max Lucado quote. I recently shared a synopsis of it with a friend going through a difficult time. It’s so true. In all the roles that we as women have, our relationship with the Lord should shine through. Thank you for this beautiful post. Stopping by from FMF.

  3. I loved this post – -and I love that you pointed out that the Proverbs 31 woman is not just superwoman within motherhood and marriage… but we are all called and equipped to be amazing –and that looks like different things/jobs/callings on different people!

  4. I love this!! We are definitely worth more than rubies and filled with strength and dignity! What a beautiful post! LOVE this!! ❤

  5. Clothed with strength and dignity – AMEN! (love the graphic for that one too). You ask some good questions for each of to consider. Thanks for sharing your perspectives.

  6. LOVE this post and my first visit to your blog. One of my best friends is 40 and she just got married a month ago. She always lamented that somehow she was “less than” those who were married. Because we so frequently don’t clearly see ourselves, she couldn’t see how amazingly God was using her and her talents in service to Him.

    1. I have friends who are single and sometimes they feel less than, until they are reminded that the Lord uses people from all walks of life. Thank you for sharing.

  7. Visiting from FMF. Such a beautiful reminder of the qualities and necessity of women. The photos are gorgeous. Thank you!

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