From Our Hearts

Acknowledging that God’s ways are not our ways has made a real difference in my life, and accepting that truth can make a difference in yours, too. Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

“Make a wish!” How often have you said or heard this statement on your birthday or one of your children’s birthdays before blowing out candles on a cake? God, in essence, made a similar statement to King Solomon thousands of years ago. In fact, God told Solomon he could have anything he wanted. Anything!

Some years ago, our family vacationed in Montana. One morning we drove over a short bridge with a sign that read “Missouri River”—which caused one of those “Wait a minute!” moments.

Do you want in on a really good secret? I read it in James, and I’m excited to share it with you. James wrote, in essence, “Let me tell you a secret that will revolutionize your life as you encounter the various trials life sends your way. A secret that will bring about greater endurance, character, wisdom, and faith in you!” Doesn’t that sound exciting?

One of my favorite descriptions and pictures of the Proverbs 31 woman is that of her watching over her family and home: “She watches over the ways of her household” (Proverbs 31:27). As wives, mothers, and homemakers, we wear many hats as we discharge our duties at home. And there’s no doubt that one of our most important duties is that of a “watchwoman.”

In Paul’s day, women were coming to faith in Jesus Christ out of pagan religions. They truly needed the godly teaching and example of older women in both the spiritual and practical things of God. But the same is still true today. Women who come to Christ need help as they seek to put off the teachings and standards of the world and put on the behaviors the Word of God teaches.

I’ve made a life-long study of time and life management. This subject became so interesting to me because the first 30 years of my life, and early stages of marriage, were characterized by miss-management, lack of direction, and frenzied frustration.

Today, let’s take a closer look at someone who sat at Jesus’ feet and received His praise. Can you imagine that—receiving God’s praise! The attitude of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated for us the meaning of a heart devoted to God. What did Mary do that moved our Savior to praise her?

One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.

“I’m done. This is just too much. I can’t believe this is really God’s plan for my life!” This is not an uncommon confession among Christian women. But it is true: suffering is part of this life. Every one of us will face times of trial and loss. Job’s lament is a testimony to the physical, moral, and spiritual suffering he experienced.

In the country of Taiwan, Jim and I were blessed to experience the Bible come alive. For years I had been reading Proverbs each day…which means for years I had been reading Proverbs 8:34, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Several days after arriving our sponsor arranged for us and our two preteen daughters to go to a local university to sit and converse with students who were learning English.

It’s so much fun to pursue your dreams while you are young! It’s an opportunity to discover what you love to do—and what you are good at. And the Proverbs 31 woman (see Proverbs 31:24) gives you these three points to keep in mind as you pursue your own dreams.