by Pastor Art Kohl
Faith Bible Baptist Church
A Christian Woman's Strength
Copyright © 2004-95
Permission granted to freely copy.
Scripture verses are from the King James Holy Bible.
Rediscovering New Testament Christian Womenhood Series #1
Introduction
The scriptures say in Proverbs 31:25, "strength and honour are her clothing; and
she shall rejoice in the time to come." It also says in Proverbs 31:17, "She
girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."
Without a doubt, God gives Christian woman strength. As with everything God
gives us, we then become the stewards of that gift. We also become responsible
to use it right and accountable for how we use it.
So take inventory, dear lady, of the strength that God has given you. How have
you used it? The Lord has clothed you with strength. Whether you feel it is
little or great is not the point. The point is: you will use your strength on
something. You will direct it in some direction, either the right direction or
the wrong direction.
This article is my desire to help direct your strength in the right way. The
Lord's way. With God's help, I believe you will find that this booklet reveals
three great principles that will assure your walking in the perfect will of God
for the rest of your life. My prayer is that you will incorporate these three
principles in every decision you make in your womanhood. Now pray, and read on
with an open heart to the Holy Spirit to teach you. God has a perfect will for
your life ladies. Don't miss it for anything in the world!
I. A Christian Woman's Strength
The first general, but great principle to assure you walk in the perfect will of
God for your life is: "A woman's strength should be spent on her God."
"... As thy days, so shall thy strength be." declares Deut. 33:25. The Lord will
give us enough strength for today. He has promised, "Take therefore no thought
for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is evil thereof." in Matthew 6:34. You are going to make
it dear lady, if you'll utilize the daily supply of strength that God gives you.
Use your strength on God, not on self. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not
be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. You will be rich
with His joy; and "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10. You
will avoid burnout and be refreshed in your spirit daily.
Ladies, what is the greatest thing you can ever do? The Bible says in Mark
12:30-31, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with ALL THY STRENGTH: this is the first
commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor
as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." It is not a
waste of a ladies life to spend her strength on God, it is the greatest thing
she can do.
How can a woman use her strength on God then? The Bible is filled with some
wonderful examples of ladies who blazed the trail before you.
Let's look at some:
Anna used her strength in prayer and fasting- Luke 2:37b.
Other women used their strength at prayer meetings- Acts 1:14
Hannah prayed fervently- 1 Samuel 1:10
Junia was a missionary- Romans16:7
The woman at the well helped win her city to Christ- John 4:39
Rahab the harlot gathered her family to safety- Joshua 6:23-25
Philip's daughters preached the gospel- Acts 21:8,9
Tabitha was a disciple (student) and had a ministry of helps making coats for
widows- Acts 9:36-39
Phoebe was a helper in the Lord- Romans- 16:1,2
Women ministered unto Christ of their substance- Luke 8:3
Mary anoited Jesus with ointment very precious- John 12:3
The widow gave of her want- Luke 21:2
Another Mary gave support for the man of God for the Lord-Romans 16:6
Mary the anointer sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His word- Luke 10:39
Priscilla ministered for the Lord with her husband Aquila- Romans 16:3-4
Tryphena and Tryphosa laboured for the Lord- Romans 16:12
This is just a partial listing of women who used their strength for the Lord.
The Lord took note of them. Whatever they did whether small or great. There is
an old saying, "One life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will
last." Dear women, a million years from now and throughout eternity, you'll be
glad if you used your strength for your God.
II. A Wife's Strength
The second principle on strength regarding women is: "A wife's strength should
be spent on her husband." In the glorious grand finale of God's written word-
the book of Revelation, it says in 19:7-8a, "Let us be glad and rejoice, and
give honour to Him: for the marriage of his Lamb is come, AND HIS WIFE HATH MADE
HERSELF READY. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen,
clean and white..."
From this portion of scripture we get the custom of a woman wearing white on her
wedding day. Much preparation goes into those moments of her wedding day when
she presents herself to her husband. Unfortunately, it has been this Pastor's
experience, to see some women put more time into preparation for that one
wedding day then they do for their married life together afterwards. We as
Christians should constantly be preparing ourselves for our wedding day to
Christ and our eternal life with Him after. "And so shall we ever be with the
Lord..." 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
The point is: The wife should always be with her husband. In presence, or in
heart. Genesis 3:16b says, "...thy DESIRE shall be unto thy husband, and he
shall rule over thee."
She is called "an help meet for him." Notice Genesis 2:18, "And the Lord God
said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet
for him." The word "meet" means "fit". It means "one called alongside to help".
Thus, she is supposed to be with her husband to help him. She is to be his
completer.
When he is off to work, she is still to maintain his presence in her heart. 1
Peter 3:1-6 says, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;
that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the
conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled
with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden
man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek
and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this
manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned
themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed
Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and
are not afraid with any amazement."
You see the woman was made for the man and not vice-versa. That is the way God
created it. 1 Corinthians 11:9 says, "Neither was the man created for the woman;
but the woman for the man." Man needs woman, more than a woman needs a man. A
woman can help a man find and do the perfect will of God for his life, or she
can hinder him. Often the woman makes the man.
When I think of the perfect marriage, I think of the Biblical couple of Aquila
and Pricilla. Pricilla was a help meet to Aquila and helped him do God's will:
Acts 18:1,2 says, "After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to
Corinth: And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from
Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to
depart from Rome:) and came unto them."
Pricilla's husband was a hard working tent maker. So was the Apostle Paul. She
opened her home up to him and ministered to not only her husband, but also to
Paul. Those were hard times, for as Jews they had recently been kicked out of
Rome and had to settle in Corinth. With a new business and a new home, the Lord
blessed Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 18:18 says, "And Paul after this tarried
there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed
thence to Syria, and with him Pricilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in
Cenchrea for he had a vow." Priscilla accompanied her husband and Paul on
Missionary work to Syria. It is good for a wife to help and accompany her
husband on missionary work.
Acts 18:24-28 says, "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an
eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was
instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and
taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And
he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Pricilla had
heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more
perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote,
exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much
which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that
publicly, Shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." Pricilla helped her
husband lead Apollos to Christ and disciple him so that he became a powerful
minister for the Lord. It is good for a wife to help her husband lead people to
Christ and disciple the new converts.
1 Corinthians 16:19 says, "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Pricilla
salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." Priscilla
and Aquila started a church in their house. Aquila probably Pastored the church
and Priscilla helped him. I can't tell you enough how my wife has been a help to
me the last twelve years of my life as a Pastor. Wives, help your husband do
God's will.
Will the men just get the credit? No! When Paul remembered them, he put it,
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus." Romans 16:3.
Help your husband do God's will. Complete him. Move along side him to help him.
But, you say, my husband isn't even saved. God's will is for him to be saved. (I
Timothy 2:4) Help him to get saved. Make that your life work by living according
to 1 Peter 3:1. 1 Corinthians 7:16 says, "For what knowest thou, 0 wife, whether
thou shalt save thy husband?"
But, you say, my husband is saved, but not serving the Lord. Help him serve the
Lord! That is God's will- Ephesians 2:10. Pray and fast and encourage him. Don't
preach to him, but pray that whatever it takes, that God would bring him back to
the Lord.
Find out what the will of God is for your husbands life and encourage him in it.
Encourage him to: attend church, pray, study the scriptures, witness for Christ,
pay his bills, tithe, fast, serve, love, forgive, love his children, etc., etc.,
etc..
It's not hard to figure it out wives: Use your strength on your husband to help
him do the will of God for his life. Don't hinder him, don't discourage him,
don't stop him, don't complain about him, don't harass him. God wants to do
great things through you both. Let Him!
III. A Mother's Strength
The third principle regarding a woman's strength is: "A mother's strength should
be spent on her children."
Proverbs 31:13-31 says "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with
her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a
portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit
of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and
strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle
goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold
the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth
her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all
her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of
tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Herr husband is known in the gates,
when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth
it: and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her
clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with
wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways
of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up
and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have
done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is
vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the
fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
1 Timothy 5 : 14 says, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear
children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak
reproachfully." Titus 2:4-5 says, "...teach the young women to be sober, to love
their husbands, TO LOVE THEIR CHILDREN... keepers at home..."
As you consider these portions of scripture, undoubtedly it takes a lot of
strength to be a mother. These verses are not God's suggestions to you, it is
His word! Use the strength He has given you on your children. This will assure
you of leaving a living legacy behind- "Her children arise up and call her
blessed..." Proverbs. 31 :28a.
Think of the poor "career women" who gives up motherhood and child bearing. When
they die they will take nothing they worked for with them. 1 Timothy 6:7, "For
we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
Their legacy will be a car, house, some money or whatever else, all left to the
state or inheritors and who knows what they will do with it. Take a good look at
Ecclesiastes 2:18-19, "Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the
sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who
knowest whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over
all my labour wherein I have laboured..."
Your life, however dear Christian mother, will live on for God and hopefully
duplicate itself several times over and over through your sons and daughters, If
you've brought them up to serve the Lord. Use your strength on God's way.
We've already seen that this means to love them. Of course, love is such a
misunderstood word these days, we mean you must love them God's way. Study 1
Corinthians 13 for instance- the "Charity" chapter of the Bible. Also, by love,
we mean that the children must have proper discipline and structure! If not,
they will burn you out. Then your strength will be wasted.
Check out the Proverbs on this subject:
Proverbs 13:24, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him
chasteneth him betimes."
Proverbs 19:18, "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare
for his crying."
Proverbs 22:15, "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of
correction shall drive it far from him."
Proverbs 23:13-14, "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest
him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt
deliver his soul from hell."
Proverbs 29:15, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself
bringeth himself to shame."
Proverbs 29:17, "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall
give delight unto thy soul."
Strength also needs to be put into your children's spirituality. They will not
become spiritual by accident. It must happen on purpose.
May I suggest some ideas to help bring about this most desired affect:
1. Homeschooling your children- With all the Christian curriculums that I have
ever seen there is a Bible time daily.
2. Daily Devotions- This doesn't have to be long or boring, but consistent. From
5-15 minutes perhaps. As the children get older, encourage them to read through
the New Testament or perhaps the whole Bible.
3. Prayer Time- Have a prayer meeting with the children right after Devotions.
Maybe they have a prayer request. They could even pray for one of the requests
to get them used to praying in their own words.
4. Church Time- Don't ever miss anything at the fellowship of your church.
Attend all services, Revival meetings, DVBS, etc. Don't ever let it be an issue
of discussion in your home. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, you
do the same. (Ephesians 5:25b.)
5. Soulwinning / Visitation- Be a soulwinner. Be involved in evangelism. Try to
involve your kids in it somehow.
A good example of a mother using her strength on her child is Lois. When the
Apostle Paul addressed a letter to Timothy, he spoke of his grandmother and
mother in a wonderful way: 2 Timothy 1:5 "When I call to remembrance the
unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and
thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."
Now notice what these mothers did for Timothy in his childhood, 2 Timothy
3:14-15, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou
hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
It worked! They used their strength on the child Timothy and he became the great
preacher and Pastor of the church at Ephesus.
IV. Misplaced Strength
As with everything else in our Christian walk, the devil has a plan for a
women's strength. One of the devils devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), of which we
should not be ignorant of is: He gets us to substitute that which is good for
that which is best. Thus, the good often becomes the enemy of the best.
The best is God's perfect will for your life as revealed in the scriptures, KJV
- 1611. This booklet has tried to reveal God's perfect will for your strength.
What to spend it on. If Satan can get you to misplace your strength, he will.
Satan would love to have you spend your strength on things which are not
eternal. WATCH OUT! Here are some of his pitfalls:
1. Busyness In the scriptures we see the sad story of Martha who misplaced her
strength in busyness. The very Blessed Son of God came to her house and she
thought it more important to do the dishes than listen to Him!
Let's read it: Luke 10:38-42, "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he
entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him
into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet,
and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him,
and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?
bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her.
Martha, Marta, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is
needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from
her."
Women, does Jesus dwell at your house? Is He the unseen guest there? Do you
really believe it? Do you act like it, or are you rude and ignorant toward Him?
You better think about it. Mary chose the needful part. Mary used her strength
on the Lord, not on busyness.
2. Money Making Money is the cheapest of all God's blessings, yet it is what we
get excited about the most. We have missed the mark. I Timothy 6:9,10 says, "But
they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of
money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred
from faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Money can't buy salvation, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, knowledge, wisdom, compassion, charity,
friendship, etc., yet this often gets the strength of our women today- money
making. How sad.
Everything money makes will be left behind and melt in a fervent heat someday.
(II Peter 3:10-13). We came into the world naked, we leave naked. (Job 1:21) We
take nothing with us except what we did for God. "She is no fool, who gives up
what she cannot keep, to gain that which she cannot lose."
3. Beauty The devil would like to have you fret over beauty and your personal
looks the rest of your life. This is one of his greatest pitfalls. Yet the Bible
says so clearly:
Proverbs 31:30 says, "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."
1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of
plaiting the hair, and wearing of Gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it
be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God a great
price."
1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in
modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or
gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing
godliness) with good works"
The Devil would love to sap your spiritual strength by giving you as many "Bad -
Hair Days" as possible. Rise above the flesh! Live on a higher plain. Work on
your inner beauty in the sight of God more than the outward. God sees the heart.
Rule your spirit. Don't let your emotions rule you. Don't let your looks rule
your emotions.
4. Distractions TV, soaps, sitcoms, news broadcasts, radio programs, magazines,
books, shopping, crafts, etc. The list goes on and on and on. The devil has a
never ending list of distractions that will eat up your life one hour at a time
till you die. Dear ladies, its time for you to discard everything that is in
your life that is not eternally important and give your strength to God.
The churches are filled with women today who "don't have enough time" to study
God's word, memorize scripture, pray, fast, witness, minister to others, attend
church services, get involved in ministries and so on. What is their problem?
MISPLACED STRENGTH.
Conclusion
One life `twill soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last.
The Bible puts it this way: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 says, "According to the grace
of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the
foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he
buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which
is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest:
for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire
shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he
hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work be burned, he
shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
Your whole life as a saved person will be reviewed and tried by fire. Anything
done for self will be burned up and cease to exist. Anything done for God will
endure the fire and remain. We will only be rewarded in Heaven for what remains.
Use your strength on what will remain forever.
Christian women, use your strength for God!
Christian wives, use your strength on your husband!
Christian mothers, use your strength on your children!
Don't let your strength be misplaced!