Don't Throw in the Towel

O. T. #1506  "Don't Throw in the Towel"
August 16, 2019
Proverbs 31-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

We are learning about the characteristics of a virtuous, excellent, and kingdom woman. We are using as a resource, Kingdom Woman, written by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst. We don't want to miss out on the destiny which God has for us, do we? It is God whom we are striving to please and serve. So read on dear friend as we find out more so we can be more of a kingdom woman.

God desires excellence in all we do. Are we defining our decisions, thoughts, and actions by the highest quality and authenticity we have to offer?
So let us learn more about this kingdom woman that God loves:

• She is willing to trade in her shining exteriors for usefulness in God's kingdom.
• She desires His purposes over an easy life.
• She loves God's plan for her more than loving her plan for herself, even when it hurts.
• She trusts that He will only let her experience the grit and grime necessary for Him to fully use her for God's glory.
• As a seasoned sister, she chooses to be filled with God's love and power.

Do you recall the widow which Elisha the prophet visited? She was the poor one, in debt, who was down to her last pot of oil, yet she didn't throw in the towel when the prophet gave her instructions. He told her to go to her neighbors and ask to borrow all of their empty pots. She did it. As Elisha poured out her oil, it kept coming, and all the empty ones were filled. God did it. First, she had to humble herself to borrow from her neighbors. Her oil was increased in proportionate to her faith and obedience. Elisha told the widow to go sell the oil, pay her debt, and live with her children. What a powerful God!

No doubt, this kingdom woman experienced emotional pain because she lost her husband and feared loosing her children. She was in physical pain as she was hungry, with no food in the house. She was financially in pain, since the creditors took her two children away to be slaves. An even greater pain was spiritual pain. She feared God, yet nothing had happened before Elisha came. God blessed her faith and obedience.

Will God not bless our faith and obedience, also?
Faith doesn't always make sense, but it does make miracles as the kingdom woman obeys God's Word.

LET IT GROW

The widow's path of commitment was laid out by the prophet as she demonstrated faith to walk on it. What did she learn?

1. God's way is the best way to address life's problems.
2. God responds to our emptiness.
3. Give to others what you need God to give to you.
4. Continue walking until He reveals the next step. God's path is one of faith.

Do we think that when a problem comes along, we can do it on our own, fix it, solve it, face it? If we do, then we miss out on God's great power and glory. As a kingdom woman, we are to never bee too proud to beg for whatever it is we need from Jesus!

LET IT GO

Pour my last jar of oil into another's empty jar.
Take my little and turn it into much for Your glory, Almighty God.