God, help me to see, know, understand, and believe that I am a woman of value – a woman treasured by You and needed by others to fulfill great purpose in the earth.
Focus of the Month: Ordinary Women with Extraordinary Hope
As we have journeyed through many women of the Bible, we have realized each and every woman has had significant purpose in their own individual lives. From the very beginning of time, with the creation of Eve, to the very present here and now – as you read this right where you are – God has created each one of us to fulfill a purpose in the earth.
Many of us get lost in the pressures of life, and we often lose sight of our value. Perhaps our vision is darkened by the remembrance of the mistakes of our past. Maybe we replay the voices of others condemning us and telling us our lives don’t matter. Possibly our lives seem so completely detached and mundane that we don’t believe there is purpose at all.
Last week, Jen wrote that we can’t live the stories of Abigail, Deborah, Esther, or any other woman in the Bible…because we are called to live out OUR story – mine and yours. The stories of these other women help teach us important lessons and strengthen us in our own experiences. But God has created you and me, and every other woman, with specific, intentional, and individual purpose.
The simple fact that you are created by God makes you valuable. But the additional truth that you have a unique purpose causes you to be invaluable – to the kingdom of God and to those on earth! Many scriptures encourage us in this truth:
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. (Psalm 139:13-15 ESV)
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. (Ephesians 1:11 ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Today, we look at a woman we have not yet mentioned through this entire study of Ordinary Women with Extraordinary Hope: the Proverbs 31 Woman – the Virtuous Woman – the Woman of Worth. Depending on the translation of the Bible you read, varying words are used to introduce this woman to us, but the message is clear: she is far more valuable than the most precious stones. Her worth is immeasurable.
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. (Proverbs 31:10)
Why? Because she is created by God, empowered by Him, and called by Him to accomplish good things in her lifetime. Period. The source of her value is rooted in her Creator.
The same is true for you and I. Our value doesn’t come from what we do or don’t do. Our worth isn’t founded on how much money we make or how accomplished we are. Our excellence is not based upon our IQ, skills, or abilities. Our value was determined before the beginning of time by the One who created each one of us.
You are precious! Far more precious than the richest treasures found in the earth! See yourself that way! Know that you have an amazing God-ordained purpose for your life! It doesn’t compare to anyone else’s. It’s just for you. And that makes you an invaluable treasure! Walk out the story God has prepared for you, confident that you are a woman of great worth.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Proverbs 31:10; Psalm 139:13-15; Ephesians 1:11, 2:10