Proverbs 31- A Different New Year’s Resolution

Reprinted from my original blog post on WordPress.....

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character [a]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.  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 food for her family and portions for her female servants.  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. 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 household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them,and supplies the merchants with sashes. 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.  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, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

PROVERBS 31: 10-31

As 2014 comes to a close, I am very excited about what 2015 brings for our family. However, I must prepare for the road ahead of me. The only way I will survive what God has in store for me and my family is to live my life as Proverbs 31 directs in verses 10-31. That is not an easy feat! But my New Year’s resolution for 2015 is to be her………

We all feel as though we will never live up to God’s image for us as women, as wives, as mother’s and as the Christian women God asks us to be. The outline he gave us seems impossible. But we can! How? Because God tells us we can do anything through Him (Philippians 4:13).

A few months ago, I was struggling with this and voiced my concerns to some friends. It was then I received what I call the Proverbs 31 challenge. I was instructed to read this proverb daily from a wise woman in the community. As I read it, I am to pray for God’s guidance on what I need to work on that day (lately its been weekly). This has helped shape who I am as a Christian woman today.

The Proverbs 31 woman carries virtue, faithfulness, reverence, and goodness. She is a willing worker, good manager, and industrious. She has strength, endurance, and is well rounded. She is charitable, a provider and well dressed. She is the wife of a good husband, a good business woman as well as honorable, wise, and kind. She is a good mother who is busy, praiseworthy,and attains or excels in all she does or tries. But most of all she carries a fear of the Lord and is fruit bearing.

That’s a lot to live up to! I know I fall short most days. However, if I’m putting in the work to achieve these characteristics neither I nor God can be upset.  This is why it means the world to me when Lee tells me I’m being a Proverbs 31 woman.  Sounds silly, but when you look at what it really entails, it’s the best compliment you can give a Christian woman.

I am blessed to have a man who loves me enough to not only hold me to those standards but to give me recognition when I live up to them.

THE CHALLENGE: Read the passage below daily and find what you can work on to improve your journey of becoming more like a Proverbs 31 woman.

DIG DEEPER: Do a search on the traits listed above and find verses to help you pray through to help you become what God intended for you, your husband, your children, your family and your friends.

JOURNAL STARTER: God, I have burning desire to live as the woman You intended me to be. To do so I need to: _________________________

PRAYER: Father God, I ask that you guide us through this journey called life You have given to each of us. Tonight, I ask You bring your hand of grace and favor to all women. Place it upon our hearts to live for You as You have defined in our instruction manuals known as the Bible. Give us the burning desire to live as You have instructed for us. Guide us through this great challenge you have left with us to live as a Proverbs 31 woman. Help us find the 15 minutes we need to read the passage and meditate on Your word. It is in Your name and the name of Your son, Jesus Christ I pray. AMEN!

Have a blessed night!