Read: Proverbs 31:10-31
A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds… She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day…. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor…. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly…Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises! (The Message)
Hats off to strong women! I, for one, admire them greatly and think the world needs more of them. I know a little bit about strong women since I am married to one, and have raised two more. I think they are amazing. I also think that strong women have a tougher time earning respect in this world than do strong men. But strong women, especially the kind that derive their strength from their fear-of-the-Lord way of living, have a unique potential for impacting the world and leaving a lasting legacy in ways that men can’t.
One of my favorite strong women was a missionary named Amy Carmichael. She was an independent-minded, unpredictable missionary to South India in the late 1800 when being a missionary was even more challenging than it is now. Among her many accomplishments was rescuing little boys and girls who were sold into temple prostitution by their parents. Because of the stance she took, Amy faced great hardship and opposition.
Once when asked what missionary life was like from a young woman thinking of pursuing that very calling, Amy wrote back and said “Missionary life is simply a chance to die.” One of the amazing things about Amy was that she never tried to raise money for her own support—she simply trusted God. Her motto was John 15:7, where Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” From this verse, she lived by these principles:
We don’t need to explain to our Father things that are known to Him.
We don’t need to press Him, as if we had to deal with an unwilling God.
We don’t need to suggest to Him what to do, for He himself knows what to do.
“The work will never go deeper than we ourselves have gone,” was her reasoning. This strong woman’s life was one of deep and unusual devotion to God. And God took care of Amy—her ministry was a miracle, her life made an impact, her legacy is still inspiring young men and women to a life of missions.
Up with strong women—may their tribe increase!
“One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.”
~Amy Carmichael
Your Assignment, Should You Choose To Accept It:
Do you know a strong woman of noble character? Encourage her today by telling her how much you respect and admire her. Chances are, she doesn’t get that kind of encouragement all that often.
🙂 Loved this!
Thank you, Pastor Ray. That was inspiring to read. May the Lord bless the women of PCC and make them "strong women" in Him.