In discussing this second trait (see preceding post for #1–and these are not given in any particular order, just as God gives them to me) for women of strength, let me share a little flashback with you:
Back in the late 80’s I attended a memorial service for a friend I knew before I was saved. I saw his picture in the obituary section of our local paper while I was home on Christmas break. I had not seen him or any of the members of that circle of friends for nearly ten years. A lot of water had passed under the bridge, as they say. He died because he had contracted AIDS, due to his illicit lifestyle. After the service–a grievous (no pun intended) affair, conducted by a woman minister and including a show-stopping rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from a Broadway musical, (yes, you begin to think in exclamation points at a time like this) I was reunited with a couple girls I knew, ‘way back when. We agreed to get together and drive to Philadelphia the next afternoon to visit another mutual friend of ours. I gave the whole situation to the Lord in prayer. We visited superficially during our hour or so in the car. It was clear that I no longer fit with this group of friends. I was a new creature. During our soiree’ in Philly, my friends snacked on wine and cheese while I ”curiously” chose a can of pop. During one of those uncomfortable lulls in the conversation, our friend Keith blurted out, “Diane you are so different now…you aren’t flailing anymore!”
Flailing…yes, that would characterize my spirit in those teen years during which I used to hang with this crowd. I suppose it worked its way out into my mannerisms as well. But now I was not flailing…I was quiet, composed, confident. Why? What ensued was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had to share my faith with friends or family…and the discussion continued in the darkness of the car on the way back home that evening. Candid questions that people only ask when their faces are in shadow. God blessed. I hope there will be lasting fruit from that opportunity one day.
Quietness….the Bible says that “…In returning [repentance] and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” (Isa 30:15). These words were addressed to the nation of Israel…a people who were chosen by God, but who had turned from His instruction and care (read the chapter–better, read the book). This was a flailing people. Their hearts were in an uproar and this was manifested in their outward rebellion. But God is jealous over His own…His people may not “have their cake and eat it too”. They are either quiet (finding confidence and strength in Him as they trust in, long for, and rely entirely upon His mercy and grace) or they are as the individual In Prov. 28:1, full of paranoia and fear, scrabbling hither and yon toward this amusement, that diversion, this indulgence, that “broken [cistern] that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13). Rebellious people are not strong. They are insecure, desperate, unfulfilled, and without hope (Jer. 18:12). Women who have “I Did It My Way” as their theme song (Isa. 53:6) are not women of strength.
So, you want to be a godly, “strong woman”? Find quietness. This should probably be “Trait #1″ in priority, for this quest is at a dead end without it. How is quietness achieved? If you have not trusted Christ as your Savior, be cleansed today of the sin that separates you from God.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18
Click on the “How to Trust Christ” link in the right side bar. You can also learn about my journey into faith by reading my “About Me” page. If you have questions, please let me know.
If you are a believer, but you have made wilful choices that have taken you out of fellowship with God and into a life of unrest and dissatisfaction–for half a day, or for many years– turn back to Him today. The prodigal son of Luke 15 was only a hopeless case until he made the choice to turn around. He was tearfully welcomed with open arms. Your Father waits for you:
“And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you:
for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for [long for] him.” Isaiah 30:18
