What a Woman!

This past week in my girls' bible study we discussed the Proverbs 31 woman. What an example! What a challenge to each of us! 

As we read, I had the girls choose one quality of the Proverbs 31 woman that came easiest to them, one that was hardest for them, and one that was most important to them. It was an awesome reminder that God made us all different, yet we can all work together to accomplish some pretty awesome things. 

Before we begin, I must say that I know, as women, we try to do it all. I know I do. We try to be everything below. But we can't do it without God working through us. And we can't do it without taking time to take care of ourselves. Know what your priorities are. Know what God is calling you to do. And be okay saying "No" to some things that don't fit those lists. It's better to give 100% to the five priorities God is calling you to focus on then 60% to everything. (I'm still struggling with this myself.)

I hope you will be encourage, inspired, and challenged by the passage below and my application of it.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

I love the words above and try to live up to them in my marriage. Too often today wives belittle and discourage their husbands - but it's our job to be a wife our husband can trust, a wife that takes care of our husband and builds him up with our words and actions. 

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides for her family and her servants.

  This woman works hard to see that her family is taken care of and has the best of provisions. She is not lazy, but is willing to give up her time to watch over and provide for her home.  She not only takes the care of her family, but also takes care of those who work for her... 

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night

Not only is she wise with her time, but she is also wise with her money. She is active in the family budget, making wise investments, and her husband can trust her with the family finances.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her house;all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

This woman isn't lazy, but uses her talents and resources for her family and others. Not only does she give her time and heart for her own family, but she takes the time to give back to those who may not be as blessed as she is. While her first priority is taking care of her family and making sure they have all they need, she also makes sure that she presents herself well and represents her family beautifully.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders.
She makes linen garments and sells them, supplies the merchants with sashes.

 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 

Her husband is respected by others and able to be successful,  in part because he has a wife he can trust, a wife others admire, a wife who is his partner and help-meet. While her husband is working hard, this woman uses her talents to bring income to the family and provide for others. Because of her hard work and kind spirit, she can look forward to what's ahead with joy, knowing that she is prepared for whatever God has for her.

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.

This woman inspires others and speaks carefully, sharing her experiences and wisdom. She does not let things get past her in her home, but actively prays for, watches out for, and takes care of her home. 

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
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, let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

What a life to live and legacy to leave! She is admired and appreciated by her husband - who has confidence in her as his partner through life - and her children, who have been taken care of and have had the godly influence of their hardworking, kind mother. She will be honored and her legacy will be great. 

Esther - For Such a Time As This...

A story that has been shared by women for ages...The story of Esther is one of triumph and defeat, glamor and torture, partying and weeping,  twists and turns, surprises and "ah-ha" moments, God's salvation and His perfect plan. I wanted to give a glimpse of this story now because it's the beginning of a new year. And the story of Esther is one of God's perfect timing. Of "God-things" if you will.

Instead of taking it verse by verse, I'm simply going to make a few points about the story of Esther and her life. I encourage you to read the book in its entirety and bask in the raw, painful beauty of the whole story.

1.Being used - The story of Esther is all about being used, and we get our first glimpse whenever we meet Vashti.  During the first of many banquets, the king's beautiful wife is summoned to bare her beauty for all of the king's friends to see. When she refuses the drunk king, refusing to be used and disgraced, she is dethroned. And that is all we hear of this brave, beautiful queen who was tired of being used.(Check out Esther 1)

Then we meet Esther. Her older cousin/father figure encourages her to join the harem of women who are waiting to be paraded in front of the king, preparing in hopes that they will be the next queen. She's being used by Mordecai to gain them a better life. That's not all bad.

Then, after being chosen as queen, she's being used by the king for her beauty. Her body. (Check out Esther 2)

And next, and best of all, she's being used by God. Used - in the right place, in the right time - to accomplish His purpose. She was put there for a bigger plan, one hidden until the right moment. The moment that Mordecai whispers, "I don't know, my dear, maybe God put you here for such a time as this." To save your people. To turn weeping into rejoicing. To change the course of history. Maybe it has all led up to this.

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”(4:14)

I pray that we overcome being used by people and allow ourselves to be used by God. Even if we don't see His divine plan - maybe He's allowing you to be where you are for "such a time as this." Be patient. Have faith. And look for opportunities.

2. Suffering and saving - While Esther is living life in the palace, keeping hidden the fact that she's a Jew, her people are being persecuted at the hands of Haman - the king's right hand man. Not only do they face persecution daily, but now they are faced with their impending death. Her people are weeping in the streets, and Esther is feasting in the palace. 

She doesn't stay sheltered for long. Mordecai persistently shares the plight with this Jewish queen...realizing that she is their only hope. At first, it doesn't seem that Esther wants to risk her life for the life of her people. For that would be what she would be doing if she dared approach the king without being beckoned. Not to mention the risk of admitting she was a Jew. But then the reality, the struggle, the tears sink in...and Esther makes a courageous move on the behalf of her people. (Read Esther 3 and 4)

Are we ignoring hurting people in our lives? Is it too easy for us to close the palace windows and enjoy our perks, while others are suffering? Look at the big picture today and reach out to someone who needs it.

3. Beauty,brains, and braveness - Esther is chosen by the king because of her beauty, she is chosen by God because of her brains and braveness (courage). It took courage for her to approach the king without invitation. It took wisdom and clever understanding for her to invite the king and Haman to dinner...twice...before making her request known. Like any good wife, she understood her husband. And with God's guidance, she knew the best way to approach the situation. She didn't act hastily but patiently waited for the right time. And she put her own life on the line for the lives of her people.

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (4:15-16)

4. Coincidences?- I hardly believe in coincidences but, if you weren't a Christian, Esther is full of them. Esther, the Jew, being chosen as queen just in time to save her people is a pretty amazing God-thing...but that one isn't the one that makes me smile in satisfaction the most. 

See, in the book of Esther there is this little rat of a character named Haman. Haman hates the Jews, and Mordecai is his least favorite. Haman has the king wrapped around his finger and uses the king's ring to seal an edict for the annihilation of the Jews. One night the king can't sleep, so he gets someone to read old records to him. Sounds boring enough - stay with me here. These old records record a man saving the king's life. A man by the name of Mordecai. So the king wants to honor this man. Never able to make decisions on his own, the king consults Haman. "Haman, how should I reward a man who has done a great thing for me?". Haman rambles on and on, listing some pretty lofty rewards...thinking that the king is talking about Haman himself. Not so much. 

Oh, I love to imagine Haman's face when Esther speaks up during that second banquet. Wanting her people to be free. And wanting justice served. Yes, our God is a God of justice and mercy. I wonder how long it took Haman to realize it all. To put the bigger picture together. 

Yes, it's true. On the day that Mordecai was to be hanged...Haman took his place. And that lofty reward? Yep, it was Mordacai's.(Read Esther 5, 6, and 7)

As you start this new year, I encourage you to read the book of Esther. Curl up with it tonight.wo And, if you want a closer look, delve into this great book by Beth Moore (surprised?):