On a recent scan of Scripture, I spotted a pattern that reveals God’s affection for women. It connected women like Mary of Bethany to the Proverbs 31 woman to Titus 2 women with this resounding theme: God dearly wants women to grow.
God wants women to grow in love with Jesus – to believe His Word and to do what He says. Jesus loved that Mary committed to growing this way, and he encouraged her sister to do the same thing. He loves when we grow closer and closer to Him. That’s why He made us.
God wants women to grow in practical skills that will enrich ourselves, our families, and our communities. In Proverbs 31, God celebrates the vibrant woman who is always learning new skills, enjoying hard work, and sharing her wealth with everyone around her. The Proverbs 31 woman grows in every direction – faith, physical strength, beauty, knowledge of God’s will, family, craft, business, ministry… All of her growth springs from her love for God and her desire to glorify Him.
God wants women to grow in relationships that will encourage them to love their families and live righteously. Titus 2 encourages women – old and young alike – to build relationships for the purpose of growing, living according to God’s Word, and being radiant examples of God’s goodness and grace.
I recommend reading Hebrews 12, which is a powerful call to grow in the Lord.
Pray about it? Last night, I got together with a handful of women to pray about how each of us may grow in the Lord this year. We based our prayers on Jesus’ example of growth: “Jesus grew in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. I thought perhaps you’d like the outline of our prayer time to guide your own.
Wisdom: How is wisdom calling aloud for me? What light have you already shed on my path that I must walk in? How would you like me to grow in wisdom this year? (Consider James 1:5, 3:17, Proverbs 8:11, and Proverbs 9)
Stature: How have I grown physically this past year? How do you want me to grow physically this year? (Consider Luke 10:27, Proverbs 31:17 and 25
Favor with God: When you think of me, what delights your heart? How do you want our relationship to grow this year? Consider the truths in this song:
Favor with people: What do you think about my relationships this past year? Is there anyone I must reconcile with this year? How can I love people better this year? (Consider Mark 12:28-31)
May you and I make this a definitive year in which we throw off every sin that entangles us and holds us back, so that we can grow to be more like Jesus, showing people everywhere how good God is.
