I’ve spent so much of my walk with Christ studying the virtuous woman while allowing myself to be intimidated by her, belittled by her mighty example and strength. But I’ve finally come to realize that despite what the world may think of me, I am the virtuous woman. Yeah, I said it. In fact every woman is her, it’s not a matter of becoming her, spending your life comparing yourself to the infamous woman of proverbs. It’s about realizing her example and finding your own way of becoming the virtuous woman God sees in you. I’ve worried myself sick about becoming perfectly like her when in reality it’s always been in me. I just have to shape myself into the woman that is going to glorify my future family. God is not about making us want to compare ourselves to each other like we so often do these days. He didn’t intend for us to feel inferior to the example He set out for us, instead He would rather us use that wisdom and become a unique woman in His image.
That revelation came to me shortly after a conversation with a few of my teammates. We’re at the point in all our relationships with each other that we are beginning to see each others amazing strengths. Unfortunately, so many times feelings of self-comparison are paired with these realizations. For me, I see wonderful strengths in women around me and instantly I begin to feel inferior. But here’s that beautiful thing, if God had made us perfect at everything we wouldn’t need Him at all. And with that perfection, we wouldn’t experience His infinite love for each of us. We are each given weaknesses so we may grow in Him while our strengths are given to us to edify the church.
For so long I compared myself to my flawless sister. Her beauty, wisdom and understanding radiate out of her – amplifying her love for Christ. But in seeking God’s will, I have begun to find my own identity, strengths and spiritual talents. I’ve realized that my sister and I are two different people who bring completely different gifts to the table. And together our gifts display such a wide array of God’s love for His daughters.
Monday, we begin ministry and I’ve never been more excited to pray over women and surround them in Christ’s love.
"She stretcheth out her hands to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20
All in His love,
Justine
