|
Today I’m finding myself reflecting and totally amazed at the strength and courage, along with grace and mercy that encompass the lives of many women I know and have known. It has only been by God’s hand that they have been able to sustain the crashing waves that slam upon their families, jobs, circle of influence, and life…right down to their very existence. Peering into the windows of their lives, I have observed financial hardships, rejection, betrayal, disaster, difficult family situations, loss, declining health, and even death itself. These are women who love the Lord and have devoted themselves to serving and honoring Him no matter what the cost. I am proud to consider myself as one in whom God has also chosen to depend upon His power, too! May I always find myself displaying that same Holy character as these image-bearing women, one that is honoring to God. Some of these women continue to courageously fight against all odds and find power to withstand. Others have fought well and have gone on ahead. They have left a legacy for me to remember, and to encourage as I continually seek to make my mark for Christ on this world within the lives of others. To act with such God-dependent courage is a powerful and beautiful sight to behold.  It is the mysterious deep love of God that moves us to courageous action. I have witnessed it this week for sure! Hard words to speak have been spoken, and as the Holy Spirit empowered, I witnessed the rising of a holy authority that gave courage for those difficult moments. It hasn’t just been the speaking of words either. It has been in actions. These are actions to undertake tremendous tasks, born only from a heart at peace and with power from heaven. The same is so for many women of the Old and New Testaments. In Exodus, I have read of the courage of Moses’ mother, Jochebed, his sister Miriam, and step-mom, Pharaoh’s daughter. In the book of Judges, there is the great courage of Jael and Deborah the Judge. I’ve read of Rahab, a prostitute in the book of Joshua. Queen Esther who courageously stated, “If I perish, I perish.” Foreigner Naomi, widowed, returned to her homeland with her also widowed Moabitess daughter-in-law Ruth, and bid her to seek a kinsman-redeemer. There’s the story of Hannah praying fervently for a son and then courageously handing him over for Eli to raise and educate. And how about Abigail, Nabal’s wife (1 Samuel 25)! Talking about courage!! There are so many more examples in the Bible of women with great courage. If you are so inclined, I suggest you explore this theme on your own. Of all these examples, it appears that each act required a super-power! These were BIG things to accomplish. How is one equipped to tackle such difficult times? As I look back at the lives of my friends, and even knowing their faults, I find that it is a pure love for righteousness that prevails. These women have walked hand in hand with God and depend on Him for their strength, even in the small things! Their relationship with the Father is close and beautiful. They hunger and thirst for more of God because they know it is only His power that can sustain and support them. They spend time pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus, the lover of their soul. In turn, He floods the heart with peace, power, and good cheer. I find it interesting that the Greek word tharroo means “boldly” and related words are translated “to be of good cheer, take comfort!” Good cheer is take courage! In the New Testament, the Lord often commands his followers to “be of good cheer,” take courage! I’m sure you can recall many of those scriptures! “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  Are you feeling a little less than courageous these days? Perhaps there is something that is tugging at your heart but you are quickly dismissing it. Don’t let fear and procrastination win. It only takes a little step of courage, but it’s a step of faith that kicks that courage into action. Are you finding time to nurture a strong relationship with the Lord? Pursuing a close bond with God will give you the peace, power, and courage you seek. Uncover the heart of God by reading the historical stories of these women pressed into the pages of the Bible. You will find what concerns Him, how He provides, protects, rescues, and cares for each one. And finally, I encourage you to be of good cheer! Become captivated by watching God at work around you and through you. The legacy of the Godly lives lived by women of the Word will continue as you relate to them, finding hope and courage for your own life. Be captured by God’s selfless and resilient love that He expresses when hardships arise. He pursues you with a love that knows no end and grants you everything you need to draw close. He is faithful to keep His promises. Are you courageous enough to keep yours? When life’s tidal waves come slamming and crashing against you, remember Christ alone fuels your power and strength and provides enough courage to withstand. The more you know and trust His truths, the deep your tank runs! Of Good Cheer, Sherry
 You can sign up for Restore's Monday Musings Blog to come directly to your inbox!
Just enter your email in the subscriber box on the right above and then reply to the invitation email you will receive. Feel free to share them on your social media or email them to a friend. Mark your calendars now! We'd love for you to join us! Registration is NOW open!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Sign Up to Receive our Blog via email.
Click to set custom HTML
Archives
July 2021
Categories
|
RSS Feed
Photo from DDFic
