Ordinarily Extraordinary

Though I feel I’m just an ordinary woman, Lord,
I know that because I reverence, honor, and trust You,
I am extraordinary. Thank You for Your presence in my life.

Focus of the Month: Ordinary Women with Extraordinary Hope

As I strolled down the stairs to my backyard, I had no particular agenda. Honestly, I just wanted to thaw out in the sunshine from the blasting air conditioner in the house. I plopped down on the bottom stair and breathed deep, casually taking in the beauty of summer. My heart was quieted, having briefly escaped the chaos of the daily grind. As my mind accepted this moment of rest, my gaze fell to the weeded “grass” at my feet. And then I saw it…

Among the varying ground cover, there was one little yellow flower, surrounded by many tiny blue flowers. The yellow petals were the only of its kind as far as I could see! Standing alone – brilliantly, beautifully, and confidently – this little yellow flower didn’t seem to mind being unique. As I sat and pondered the placement of this pretty, miniature blossom, my mind drifted to this scripture:

Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:29-31)

The Proverbs 31 woman stood out among other women who had performed the very same tasks – not because of all she accomplished, but because she reverenced, honored, and served the Lord in all of her doing. Trusting God, she boldly, confidently and sacrificially worked, served, and endured to bless others.

We have spent months walking through the stories of so many amazing women in the Bible who were also just “ordinary” women, yet who operated in extraordinary hope as they faced their individual circumstances. With faith and trust in God, each one endured hardship, sacrifice, and/or service to press through situations and fulfill their God-given purposes. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, each woman had surpassed others – simply because of their hope, trust, and faith in the Lord.

You, precious woman of God, are likewise called. As you hope in God, endure in trusting Him, and rise up in faith to serve Him, you will without a doubt surpass others…not because of who you are – but because of who God is. Christ – the hope of glory – lives in you. He is so great! The Light of the world will shine through you brilliantly as you live and move and breathe in the very places He created you to be. Just like that dazzling little yellow flower in the sea of blue and green – grow, bloom, and stand confidently, uniquely, and boldly – as you reverence Him completely. You may feel like an ordinary woman. But God in you makes you extraordinary! Shine on!

Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann

Scripture References: Proverbs 31:29-31; Romans 8:30; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 4:4; John 8:12; Acts 17:28