Encouragement for Women

Knowing your purpose as a Christian woman is important. To drift aimlessly through your precious days is tiresome, frustrating, and unrewarding. It would be a great tragedy to wake up one day and realize all you could have accomplished if you had focused on some worthy goals along the way.

Like other single people, a widow has a choice to make. She can worry about her situation as a widow, or she can take up God’s challenge and take on the multitude of opportunities for service.

I once read about a woman who went to an art museum. Determined to see it all, she whisked from room to room, from painting to painting. Each time she criss-crossed the museum, she saw a gentleman seated on a bench across from one painting. He remained there the entire time, drinking in the glory of one masterpiece.

There are few questions I’m asked more than, "What makes a woman become beautiful in God’s eyes?" The simplest answer is devotion and time.

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 is remarkable for many reasons. For starters, in that time and culture, it was uncommon for women to sit at the feet of a rabbi. Mary’s actions were a clear indicator that she desired to learn from Jesus. Then she “fell at his feet.” This action shows us that she recognized who Jesus is and chose to submit herself fully to His teaching and authority. It was an open act of worship. It was also the ultimate act of trust.

We don’t know her name, so let’s call her “Mrs. Noah.” She spent her days loving her husband, Noah, raising their three sons, and caring for their home. Daily life was simple, until the call came from the Lord, “I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you” (Genesis 6:18).

Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”

I vividly remember teaching a Sunday School class from the book of Joshua-Chapter 2, specifically. It stands out to me because this chapter features the story of the life of Rahab and gives us a picture of transforming faith. I want to share the exciting truths of how God changes a person like Rahab—and you and me—from the inside out.

If the Lord allows you to live to enjoy a long life, what do you want to have accomplished by the time you blow out the candles that represent 80, 90, or 100 years? My friend, I’m praying right now that your answer to this crucial question will indicate your heartfelt desire to be a woman who is beautiful in God’s eyes!

The temptation for worldly acceptance comes when you lose sight of your identity. As a believer in Christ you are a Kingdom citizen. You are a sojourner and a pilgrim, merely passing through this life on your way to eternity. Don’t get too settled in a world and a life that is passing away.

As believers, we view prayer as explained by God through the language in the Bible. We learn that prayer is the principle means by which man, created in God’s image, can communicate with Him. From the earliest times, prayer has been an integral part of the worship of God. Believers of all ages have expressed their hearts' desires through praise, thanksgiving, prayer, and intercession to and before God. It is so important for God’s people to learn to pray.

Have you ever heard a group of elementary schoolchildren reciting “the Christmas story” from Luke? There’s nothing like it! We experience, again, the story of the shepherds, tending their flocks at night, and being visited by an angel. During this Christmas season, may our hearts be filled with wonder at the reality of God's goodness to us, in sending His Son into this world.