I recently visited my Ophthamologist and was pleased to receive a good report about the health of my eyes, as well as a prescription to bring my vision to 20/20 when I wear the glasses that it prescribes. Medically, 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision). When my new glasses were ready, I was pleased to affirm that the prescription achieved its goal.
As we enter into a new decade, I am challenged to desire the same spiritual acuity for my heart and mind as my new glasses provide for my eyes (Deut. 4:9). May I encourage you to join me in using the Scriptures, especially those portraying women, as a prescription for maintaining 20/20 vision throughout the decade?
The lives of the notable women of the Bible challenge us to maintain four priorities—
spending time with our Lord so that we are prepared to serve Him effectively.
learning to make godly decisions.
having a teachable spirit.
possessing a willingness to use our skills and resources to minister to the needs of others.
These priorities are to be motivated by a heart of love rather than desires for self-fulfillment (Gal. 5:13) to be spiritually effective. Often, the application of the priorities begin with an act of the will—that is, doing the right thing and then allowing our emotions to catch-up with us (remember, the entire book of Psalms is directed to our will, not our emotions). Combining biblical role models with the instruction of the Psalms, let’s pursue, during the decade of the twenties, to emulate what the lives of these twenty notable women teach us:
Mrs. Noah, a credible model for patience and loyalty (Gen. 6:1-8:22).
Leah, a model of contentment in the midst of challenging circumstances and the choice to find happiness in the midst of grief (Gen. 29:15-35).
Pharaoh’s Daughter, only known by her father’s position, choosing to offer compassion to an infant that should have meant nothing to her (Ex. 2:1-10).
Ruth, willing to respond to the advice of older women (Ruth 3:11).
Abigail, a capable woman demonstrating exceptional wisdom under problematic circumstances (1 Sam. 25:2-42).
The Queen of Sheba, diligently seeking godly wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-13).
The Little Jewish Maid, boldly, but appropriately, speaking of her faith (1 Kings 5:1-14).
The Widow of Zarephath, trusting her heavenly Father to multiply her resources (1 Kings 17:10-24).
The Shunammite Woman, graciously extending hospitality (2 Kings 4:8-37).
Esther, choosing to take risks to further God’s kingdom (Est. 4:1-17).
The Wise Woman of Proverbs, purposing to fear her Lord (Prov. 31:10-31).
Elizabeth, believing that God works miracles in women of all ages (Luke 1:5-25).
Anna who was faithful in her service to her heavenly Father (Luke 2:36-38).
Mary of Bethany, listening with a teachable spirit, to her Master’s words (Luke 10:38-41).
The Poor Widow, giving out of her need rather than her abundance (Mark 12:42).
Mary, exhibiting humble love and devotion for her Lord (John 12:2-3).
The Woman with the Lost Coin, approaching each responsibility with tenacity (Luke 15:8-10).
Dorcas, sharing her talents with those in need (Acts 9:36-43).
Lydia, willingly jeopardizing her professional career to embrace the gospel (Acts 16:14-15, 40).
Lois and Eunice, endeavoring to leave a godly heritage (2 Tim. 1:5).
Kelsey, my Spiritual Granddaughter, is a graduate of the Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics) character-based program that I established at The Master’s University. She was impacted by the study of notable women of the Bible during the pursuit of her college degree. Her “Korner” recounts the difference interfacing with them makes in her life.
KELSEY’S KORNER
The lives of the women in Scripture are often unideal, full of sin, yet laden with God’s grace. For these reasons, studying these women can become a powerfully relevant tool to help us chip away at our own sins and to fashion in us hearts that truly seek after God.
Before I share more on how impactful studying the women of Scripture has been for me, let me set the stage. I was born in a broken but healing Christian home. My mother and step-father were incredibly wise and patient parents that loved the Lord fiercely, and due to God’s grace, I was saved at a young age. Hearts, however, are deceitful and desperately sick (Jer. 17:9); when I was in high school, I was often overcome by the alluring temptations around me: drinking, lust, pride, covetousness...I knew these things were wrong, but I was spiritually immature and ill-equipped. Eventually, I became so broken over my sin and overwhelmed by the convictions of the Holy Spirit that I hit “rock bottom.” I told the Lord that I wanted nothing of this world any longer—I only wanted Him.
One week later, by the Lord’s incredible providence, I joined a friend (as moral support!) as she toured The Master’s University, a bible college in Southern California. Since I’m a homebody, I never would have imagined I’d attend an out-of-state school. Yet, as soon as I walked onto that campus, I was overwhelmed—this was a place where people went to learn about the Lord, and I had to be there!
One and a half years later, I enrolled in the college and decided to major in Family and Consumer Sciences (simply because I liked Nutrition). Again, this is an example of God’s incredible sovereignty! I remember after the first day of classes running back to my dorm, calling my mom, crying—“THIS is right were I’m supposed to be!” The Lord used this program to create in me a deep passion for Himself, for His Word, and for biblical womanhood. I owe so much of who I am today to the teachings presented in the lessons, the books, and from the professors of this program.
One of the first books we read in our FCS-101 course was Legacy of Faith, by Lydia Brownback.
This book shares the stories of several women from Scripture, paralleling the ancient lessons with modern equivalents. Although I read the book more than 7 years ago, I often still think on and share the pieces of wisdom I learned from it. All of the character studies in this book were poignant, but I will share two of the most impactful examples.
Rahab
Rahab, as you may remember, was a prostitute that was radically saved because of her faith (Josh. 2:9-13). Despite her sinful past, she ended up marrying the godly and prestigious Salmon, became the mother of Boaz, the kinsman redeemer (see Ruth), and was placed in the lineage of Christ! Brownback points out that despite her sins, Rahab was not considered a second-class Christian. Reading this gave my sinful and embarrassed teenage heart incredible encouragement.
Brownback also writes on an idea I had never considered: Rahab’s past profession was written in the Old and New Testament and therefore known to everyone! Yet Rahab didn’t let the shame of who she was overcome who she had become in Christ. The Lord used this lesson to instill in me that although I may be immature and sinful, Christ’s righteousness has made me white as snow! Forgiven and secure, I, like Rahab, no longer needed to hide from my past. I vowed from that point on to not shy away from sharing my testimony—it only displays the incredible transforming power of God!
Michal
As I was piecing together what in meant to be a biblical woman, this example of Michal cut me to my core. Michal was the wife of King David and the daughter of David’s enemy, Saul. “Rocky” is probably a kind adjective to describe their marriage, but the straw that broke the camel’s back occurred in 2 Samuel 6:16. The stolen Ark of the Covenant had just been returned, and David, overwhelmed with joy, threw aside his kingly robes and danced before the Lord. When Michal saw this, her heart was filled with hateful bitterness and embarrassment towards David. Brownback points out that this, Michal’s hatred towards David’s godly joy, was sin.
The lesson I learned from this was simple: a biblical woman must support godliness, not worldliness, no matter how embarrassing, how inconvenient, or how humbling it may be. This is especially important in a marriage, as that relationship displays Christ and the church. To this day, I am careful to purpose never to extinguish godly joy or fervor but to always support it.
Although much more could be said, I wish to leave you with this encouragement. Purpose this year to study the women of Scripture. By looking to the faith of these “great cloud of witnesses,” Hebrews 12 tells us we are able to likewise lay aside our own sins and run with endurance towards Christ, our finish line! We were not created to run this race alone—instead, let’s learn from the examples of the saints before us.
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God’s Word states, “Now all these things happened unto them for examples and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.” (1 Cor. 10:11)
Therefore, I may boldly say, my spiritual vision for the new century will be 2020 when I embrace and follow the role models of women of the Old and New Testaments.