Challenge #4 Proverbs 31:13

I'm baaack! I know its been a while since I've posted on the Proverbs 31 Woman. I haven't been neglecting my challenge, its just been crazy around here lately. Anyways, here we go...

My Time As A Proverbs 31:12 Woman

"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."

This is the verse that I have been working on the past few weeks. When I started the challenge for this verse, I honestly thought I would come back and be able to report all these wonderful things that I did for my husband, but you know, it was harder than I thought it would be. Because as I mentioned before - it starts with humility.

Being good to your husband, family and friends AND consistent in your love all while being humble is a real challenge! It can get pretty stressful around here sometimes, so I found myself having to daily ask God for help and strength to keep it together and not let my bad attitude get the best of me. Once I got that in check and remembered that I can only accomplish things through God's strength and not my own then I was able to think more clearly. Its amazing how just relinquishing those thoughts to God and giving Him control can ease your mind. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him, because He careth for you.". God is a God of LOVE and PEACE and He is there for you always to call on Him and ask for help - it just takes a good dose of humility.

So, once I remembered that I needed God's help and not my own, it was easier to "be good and not evil" to my husband and others. It just starts with us on our knees before the holy and soveriegn God.

Challenge #4: Proverbs 31:13

"She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."

seek - to search thoroughly; to search every place; to try to obtain.

willing - cheerfully consenting or ready; prepared; eagerly compliant; not brought about by coercion or force.

Let's talk about the word "seek". The Proverbs 31 Woman doesn't just stumble upon things that need to be done. She is taking the time to look for tasks that will be an asset to her family. What about YOU? What kind of things do you do with your spare time? Are you looking for ways to help others? Are you thoroughly searching for things that could be done to better your family and your relationship with your husband?

Then there's the word "willing". Some of the thoughts that come to mind when I hear this word are "Okay, I'll do it...since no one else will do it and it needs to be done." OR "They owe me. I better receive some kind of reward or pay back for this!" It can be hard to give of self knowing there probably won't be a pat on the back or a reward for all your hard labor. But, once again, we need to give of ourselves and be prepared to do what God has placed before us. Is there something that you know God is asking you to do - and to do it willingly? What is stopping you? Is it fear or failure? Is it the fear of the unknown? Whatever it is, you can know that your Heavenly Father is there to help you along the way and whatever He has set before you, you will be able to handle it.

To sum it up: A virtuous woman woman is a willing worker - cheerful and content; and she has initiative to work hard on her own. She does not need prodding. She sees a need, and rolls up her sleeves and attacks the project. She does not hope her husband will do it after he is done with work; she finishes it so she can spend time with him.