I’m generally a very upbeat person with a very optimistic outlook, but even I can’t ignore the signs. The handwriting is on the wall. We have allowed ourselves to get very far away from God’s standards and statutes, and He is not pleased with the failure of many to stand strong on His Word.
This is particularly meaningful to single women that are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. For many years now, we have witnessed what seemed to be a drought when it comes to eligible good and Godly men. Many of us complained because we felt that God wasn’t hearing us. We felt our prayers were going unanswered and that we had no choice but to put our faith on a shelf and leave it there. This led to many sisters in the Lord settling for relationships with men that were not aligned with God’s plan for their lives.
Now, the times seem more urgent and perilous than ever. Many women who were praying to cross paths with their husbands five years ago are still single. They are wondering, “What gives? What will it take for me to meet a compatible mate?” The answer lies in how willing we are to grab on to God’s standard in Proverbs 31:10(NLT) with both hands.
This verse says, “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.” The word virtuous means to have and demonstrate high moral and ethical standards. It means that we honor God by following the example of Jesus Christ, and that we treat others the way we want to be treated. One of our issues today is that we’ve gotten so caught up with the lifestyle and customs of this world, that we think God’s standard has changed, or that He no longer holds us to it. This just isn’t the case.
God said of Himself in Malachi 3:6(NLT), “I am the LORD, and I do not change.” We need to realize once and for all that God will never compromise on His standards, and He will not allow us to do it either. Dark and demonic influences surround everyday life probably more today than any other time. Many young women have had bad influences and they have picked up bad habits like excessively drinking, smoking, cursing, and having several different sexual partners. God is not pleased with behavior like this. He will not reward it, and His judgment is against it. He will not give us a ‘pass’ when our behavior is out of pocket. We must repent.
When you make it known to the people around you that you’re a woman of God, they naturally expect you will hold to a higher moral standard. We represent Christ, and we must be very careful about how we carry ourselves. Eyes are upon us. One false move and people are saying “But I thought she was a Christian.” Someone said to me, “I don’t care what they say about me. God knows my heart.” Truth is an impenetrable, unfailing, and untouchable defense. When we stand on God’s truth, His power is unleashed, and we have nothing to worry about. God does indeed know our hearts, but He expects us to walk in His truth so that the Word in our hearts is apparent in everything we do. No, we are not perfect, but we absolutely should do our very best walk in the love of Christ.
If you’re a mother be sure to treat your child with tender love and care, do not abuse or take your children for granted just because you have authority over them. Don’t abuse the power of being a mother. Bask in it and enjoy it. Thank God every day for your child. Teach your children the Word of God, and make sure your life is a great example of what the love of God looks like. Be a mother your children can honor and look up to.
If you’re a wife, don’t pressure your husband and make him feel like he’s coming to a house and not a HOME. Love, honor, and respect him, and the Lord Jesus Christ will back you up every time and bless your marital union. Be the woman he can lean on when things get tough. Don’t be bitter, talk down to him, and hold a grudge. When he makes a mistake, lift him up and encourage him. Be the light of Christ that he needs while the world around him is dark.
If you’re still waiting to cross paths with your future husband, you can’t sit back with your hands folded. God has requirements and we must have a heart to meet them. There is much work to do in order to spiritually prepare for marriage. It means there will be some things we must release and let go, and this can be challenging, but it must be done. There’s no other way.
There are spiritual disciplines that we must acquire. Open your eyes and ears. God has placed strong women of faith around you. Reach out to them. They are not perfect, and they don’t do everything perfectly, but many of them are virtuous. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and speak to you through their example. Ask these women questions, and don’t resist what they have to offer you in the way of Godliness just because they have flaws. Look beyond the flaws to see what God wants you to see. If you patiently follow the leading of the Spirit of Christ, you will be rewarded with the blessing you desire most. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Open Your Eyes and Ears”, written by K. Lizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.