The woman of Proverbs 31 is quite the woman, isn’t she?
We’ve been peering into her life through scripture for a few Wednesdays now, and if you’re anything like me, you are learning a thing or two from her. God has set before us an example of a life that honors Him. May we each be encouraged!
Today we’re moving into verses 18 & 19 from The Message…
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
Three truths stand out to me here:
1. “She senses the worth of her work…”
TRUTH: WHAT WE DO FOR GOD IS IMPORTANT.
There is no greater work than the work God has set before us. Do you and I consider our work important and do we take it seriously?
2. “…Is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.”
TRUTH: WE ARE TO DO OUR BEST FOR GOD.
I’m reminded of Colossians 3:23 which reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” Do we work with integrity? Do we do our best for Him always?
3. “She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.”
TRUTH: WE EACH HAVE A WORK TO DO.
What specific work has God called you to do? To minister to thousands or to minister to your family? To lead a ministry or to lead a study with your children? To love the homeless or to love your husband? To work outside the home or to work within it?
A year ago I held a pretty important position in a public ministry. I had a great responsibility set on my shoulders to oversee the daily operations of a local mission.
But within the last year God moved me to the next step on this journey with Him. Today, my great responsibility is serving my husband and children, and following a dream God has placed in my heart.
Am I still doing God’s work, even though it may seem “less important” in the world’s eyes? Absolutely. He has shown me that how I’m serving Him now is no less important than how I was serving Him a year ago. I’m where He wants me to be. For now.
And God has YOU where He wants YOU.
I’ve learned He’ll let you know if you’re supposed to be somewhere else doing something else. Take comfort in that today.
I encourage us to allow the woman of Proverbs 31 to again be our example.
Is there an area above we could improve in? Considering our work important? Doing our best for God? Embracing what He’s called us to do? Is there an attitude we need to align with God’s? A thought we need to change? An action to carry out?
I’d love to read your thoughts below.
Thank you for spending some of your Wednesday with me! God bless you, friend!
Julie
We are working through Proverbs 31:10-31 each Wednesday. Linking up today with Meredith Bernard for Woman to Woman #W2W, Simply Beth for Three Word Wednesday (Our Significant Calling) and Holley Gerth for Coffee For Your Heart. Wednesdays are a blast!
This is what I needed to hear today, Julie, “And God has YOU where He wants YOU. I’ve learned He’ll let you know if you’re supposed to be somewhere else doing something else.” YES! I don’t feel very important in the grand scheme of things a lot of days, but I know I’m doing what God wants me to be doing and I want to do it well. For His Glory. Thank you for these encouraging words and for linking up today. Bless you, friend!
Meredith, thank you for hosting the link! I love #W2W! If it helps at all, I’m not feeling very important in the world most days either. God continues to encourage me though. You are doing what you are doing well, my friend. Keep up the great work for Him! He’s smiling on you today! Bless you too!
I agree with Meredith- I need to hear this today. Thank so much for this reminder that as Mother Theresa said, when we do small things with great love, it matters. It matters to God. You are an encouragement.
Thank you, Abby, for YOUR encouragement. I needed to write those words today for myself. I’m so thankful God continues to mold us, teach us and train us up! All what we do for Him matters. You are a blessing!
Agree with the other ladies! I needed so much to hear this. Yes, I want so badly to stay home, but God has a reason for me working. And when He’s ready for me to be somewhere else, He’ll let me know! Thank you for this!!
Kirsten, I know exactly where you are coming from. Two years ago I wanted to stay home so badly as well. I was wrestling with God, but He made it clear He wanted me working where I was. My heart yearned to be home. Now that He’s moved me home, guess what I’m doing? I’m second-guessing being here! Ridiculous, right??! Yes, God will most definitely let you know! Keep your eyes on Him, sister! Thanks for stopping by today!
Julie, what a beautiful reminder that wherever we are and whatever we are doing is all important!
Lately I’ve been less than important in this life, wondering what it is God wants me to do. I am a full-time homemaker and love it, but find that society does not value what I do. I even have some friends who think I’m not doing ‘enough’ just being home and I have let their words speak louder to me than God’s.
I am learning to rest in Him during this time of unrest in my heart and soul during this season of my life, and I know that He will lead me to whatever it is He wants me to be doing in His time.
I found your blog through Holley Gerth’s Link up for Coffee.
Have a beautiful day!
…I’ve been *FEELING* less than important! 😉
Yes, “feeling” is much different than “being.” You are important! Thanks for the clarification. 🙂
I’m with you, Amy. I understand some of what you are experiencing. Being home for the last almost-six months has opened my eyes to the way others feel about being a full-time homemaker. Some isn’t so positive, and that breaks my heart. But you’re right, we just need to continue to rest in Him and know He’ll lead us to wherever He wants us to be when He wants us to be there. Right now you’re where you’re supposed to be. There’s peace and joy in that! Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day too!
Julie, I loved this! I’d never read that translation of those verses. Wow! They pack a new punch! It is so hard to help women see the value of their calling, especially as homemakers and moms. Many feel their calling is undervalued by their husbands as well, unfortunately. But I found that when I began to value my calling, both as a mom and homemaker and as a woman in ministry, then my husband saw the value as well. Loved this post!
Yes, Kay, I’m beginning to see exactly what you’re saying. So many women do struggle with this, and I can understand why. This is an area of ministry I never knew existed. My eyes have been opened! Thank you for stopping by today, and for your comments of encouragement. I’ll head on over to your place soon! Have a great Wednesday!
This is actually something I’ve been struggling a lot with lately. Generally, while I’m a stay-at-home/homeschool mom of four (with a fifth on the way), I feel like my talents lay OUTSIDE the home. Translation: I often feel very domestically challenged, particularly in the areas of cleaning and organization. It feels like everything you do is CONSTANTLY getting undone. However, verses like this have really convicted me lately. Just because these are areas in which I don’t feel particularly gifted doesn’t mean that’s not what God is calling me to do or excel in. These verses are a great example of that. Thanks for posting the reminder! I’m going to go clean the bathroom now. LOL
Alissa, your name and the way you spell it blesses me! That’s our daughter’s name, spelling and all! 🙂 I relate to you regarding not feeling very gifted in certain areas when it comes to the home. Also I agree…doing over what I just did! I’ve determined that I will ask God to help me, and learn from others what I can. He’ll make it what we need. Thank you for stopping by today, and for sharing some of your life with me/us. We can be thankful God continues to teach us to grow us. Hope your bathroom stayed clean for at least a few minutes! Blessings!
Being content with where I am has taken me years, and there are days I still wonder how much I matter. This is something I think we could all read daily!
Hi Sarah! Thank you for taking time to stop by and join in our conversation today. Yes, I believe we all have those days, and I’ve had plenty of them recently. I’m thankful God has us right where He wants us. Blessings to you today!
Thank you so much for linking up with Coffee for Your Heart! I’m so grateful for your words. XO
Thank YOU, Holley! I’m enjoying getting to know you. Blessings!