How could a beauty contest save an entire generation? 

The question burned in my mind as I breathlessly read the pages of Esther, yet again. 

It doesn’t matter how many times I return to this story. It never gets old. 

The sparkling stage, dazzling characters, and harrowing, nail-biting circumstances, are exciting enough to be a mega blockbuster! 

But God didn’t give us the beautiful story of Esther for mere entertainment. His Word is alive. It is living, and powerful and sharper than any double-edged sword. It is prophetic, powerful, and purposeful. Every line within this tale, holds such depth and meaning. 

And I believe that what God did within the pages of Esther, He is doing again, today. 

The story carries on, as set-apart young women who are whole-heartedly surrendered to our God, give Him the pen of their individual life stories and say, “Lord, have Your way. Write whatever You desire.” 

Esther’s story is unique. It includes being orphaned at a young age, being taken to the King’s palace to compete in the beauty contest of the century, winning the King’s heart, facing fear and speaking up for her people, and saving an entire generation.

If this story were to play out on today’s stage, I can imagine many within the church might grow upset. Religious, close-minded thoughts might try to tell us, “God can’t do that! He can’t use worldly things such as beauty, success, influence, favor, and fame to change the world.” 

Many within the church would think Esther was severely missing the mark. Why? Because it’s much easier to judge something, then it is to have faith for something.  

Influencing Hollywood. Setting young women free from trafficking and prostitution. Healing hearts in public schools. Producing Godly media. Restoring fashion, arts, and entertainment for God’s glory… “Impossible!” They might say, “Selfish, self-centered, and ungodly. There’s no way God’s hand is upon that!” 

Oh, but sisters, we must be so very careful, not to open our mouths and speak against what God is doing. We cannot judge what God is orchestrating in this season. We do not know what God has called someone to do, and it is not our place to tell them whether or not they should be doing it. 

Esther married a pagan King. She competed in a secular beauty contest. She lived among non-believers! And she was a Jew! How very unholy and ungodly of her! 

I’m sure there were many scoffers. Many who would never believe even if they were told, the fullness of what God was going to do through Esther’s life! 

Sure, we clap now. We love and praise Esther, calling her an “inspiration”! But not everyone was clapping back in Esther’s day. Those who were stuck in the middle of the story, didn’t have the vision to zoom out and see the fullness of what God was doing. Instead of seeing from God’s perspective, I’m sure there were many Jews who gossiped over the fact that Esther had gone down a different path than all of their daughters. Esther was different, and we can be sure that it was not always easy for her. We as humans tend to struggle with anything “different” or “out of the box”, because we don’t have a label for it. People couldn’t quite label Esther, until after the story was over. And people aren’t going to be able to label you either. 

Just like Esther, each of our stories are SO radically unique! God is a creative Author! He loves creating different stories, circumstances, obstacles, trials, and triumphs for each of us! We all have such unique gift sets, callings, and directions on our lives. I’m not called to be like you, and you’re not called to be like me. And that is one-hundred-percent, okay! 

Sisters, it is time we stop judging one another. It is time we stop gossiping, criticizing, and analyzing one another’s stories. It is time we step back, and let God be God! 

Esther’s story was radically different from Daniel’s. David’s was different from Ruth’s. Paul’s different from Peter’s! Today, in hindsight, we love and celebrate them all. We see God working in UNIQUE, OUT-OF-THE-BOX ways in each of their lives. Is there one story, that we’re all supposed to be like, and conform to? Are we all supposed to enter a beauty contest and marry a King? Are we all supposed to take care of shepherd then kill a giant? Are we all supposed to be missionaries in Africa? Are we all supposed to be writers? Are we all supposed to homeschool?   

Of course not! God celebrates our individuality, and it is time we see things from His perspective, and begin celebrating the unique stories of those around us! Even if we don’t understand them. Even if we know we would do things differently in our own lives...It doesn’t matter. 

Your story is not my story, and my story is not your story. And that is a beautiful thing. 

Different gifting’s, but the same God! Different destines, but the same purpose! We are One in Christ. 

So even though our life stories are all going to look very different, we know that because we are family, there are some things that are going to be the same. Let’s take a moment to talk about those. Let’s highlight five amazing character qualities we find in Esther that we can all apply to our own lives, no matter our dreams, desires, or goals!  

The same God who used a beauty contest to save an entire generation, wants to use you, to do something wild and wonderful! Something totally out of the box. So whatever it is, don’t judge it. Let God be God, and allow your heart to trust Him fully, as your story (and the stories of those around you) begin to unfold. 

1. Esther Lived in Humility 

There is only one way to rise to the top. And that is, through humility. Jesus said, the ruler of all, would be the servant of all. Humility was a shining character trait in Esther’s life. She humbly followed God’s plan for her life, and submitted to the advice both Mordecia and Haggai gave her. Instead of pridefully competing with the other women at the palace and fighting to “stand out”, she humbled herself beneath God’s might hand, and in due time, He exalted her. Humility is royalty. 

2. Esther Lived in Favor 

The favor of God is an incredible thing. It will take you far further than strive, determination, or doing things on your own, ever could. The favor of King escorts you through royal gates and causes you to dine with Kings. Esther had so much favor on her life, and God desires to use you as a woman of favor as well! He has great plans and purposes for you, and His favor will open doors you could never get to budge on your own. But the only way to obtain favor, is by beginning with humility. 

3. Esther Lived in Faith 

After Hamman announced his wicked decree to destroy every Jew, things looked bad. No, things were worse than bad. They were impossible! Instead of freaking out in fear, Esther chose faith. She told her maids it was time to fast and pray. Esther chose (yet again) a posture of humility, and told God she was willing to used in whatever way He saw fit. She believed He was able to intervene, and when her heart knew it was time to confront the King….she took that bold step of faith. As God’s daughters, we are called to be fearless. We can trust our Heavenly Father, no matter how terrible things look. God has a plan, and He wants us to choose faith!  

4. Esther Lived Selflessly 

Even though she was a Persian Queen with dozens of servants doting upon hand and foot, she did not allow such perks to go to her head. Esther knew her life wasn’t about her. She knew there was a greater story, and she surrendered to whatever God had in store. With the famous words, “If I perish, I perish”, Esther revealed she was willing to give her life to rescue her people. Just like Esther, we are called to live selflessly. Will we choose to lay everything on the line, to touch and rescue this generation? 

5. Esther Lived in Celebration   

A strong theme we see throughout the book of Esther, is the fact that Esther celebrated. There were many feasts, parties, and moments of rejoicing! The Jewish people were amazing at aligning themselves with God’s calendar – observing the feasts and festivals God gave them to observe. God knows that His joy is our strength. We’ll never make it through this life if we don’t take time to (as I like to say) stop, drop, and party! God has given us SO many reasons for our hearts to explode with thankfulness and joy – and Esther knew how to rejoice, even when she was going through a challenging season. May we learn from her example and apply this principle of celebration to our own lives!  

Esther’s story has gone down in the history books as one of the most beautiful, inspiring, life-changing tales ever told. But the story doesn’t end with Esther. The baton has been passed to us! 

May we, God’s royal daughters, live in Humility, Favor, Faith, Selflessness, and Celebration, as we fulfill our unique, individual roles in the magnificent story God is telling through each of our lives. 

About the Author:  

Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She’s published six books, one of which features devotional-style articles from the Becoming Esther team, Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns! When Livy isn’t writing up a storm for her next Christian fiction novel, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies. Come connect at:  www.livlynnblog.com 

Blessings, 

Livy Jarmusch

The Butterfly

By: Kenya Gossett 

\\metamorphosis : the change of the form or nature of a thing or person, to a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.//

I think everyone can agree that 2017 was a rough one. Our faith was stretched in every way possible. Although we experienced brief moments of joy and expectation of the future our God holds, I'm not gonna lie... it was a STRUGGLE. For some, just straight up dreadful, painful and exhausting. (Thank you Jesus for a new year!) but the struggles we have gone through and still might be facing, play a huge role in the way God is going to use this season for the ministry ahead of us. 

I'm going to use the butterfly as an example. 

It's amazing how even nature represents the beautiful timing and handiwork of our God. 

In order for the caterpillar to become a butterfly, it has to go through a season of intense struggle before it can build enough strength in their wings to fly. Then there must be a time of rest, before it can break out of the cocoon, or else it will damage the wings. and when the process is done, they have to hang in the cocoon just a little bit longer, as they wait for the blood to rush through their body. It can take hours! Talk about FRUSTRATING, right? The work is DONE but they still have to wait for the moment to break free.  

At one time or another, we have all felt that way in our relationship with God. We go through a lot of restless, uncomfortable seasons, filled with A LOT of change, just waiting for the moment to push through those boundaries. Spiritually, we have been waiting for months- maybe even years to spread our wings and FLY. 

As humans, we want everything done like yesterday. We want to move. We want those unfulfilled promises. But sometimes, God requires us to BE STILL, let go and fully embrace the process like the butterfly: knowing that He is God over all. Our whole destiny depends on the reaction we have now to the cocoon. 

There's a story I grew up hearing about a man who out of the kindness of his heart, helped a butterfly come out of the cocoon. As he was watching the butterfly struggle and struggle to push through this small hole, he noticed that the butterfly stopped as if it was stuck. He ran to get a pair of scissors and snipped off some of the cocoon, making the opening much bigger. His heart couldn't stand watching the pain. So he thought he was doing the butterfly a service. What he didn't understand was that in his haste, he completely destroyed the butterfly's chance to fly. The butterfly then emerged, but not as it should be. It had a swollen body and shriveled wings. Why? because it NEEDED the pain of pushing. That's what made the fluid rush to the wings to add STRENGTH and BEAUTY. 

When we're in pain, it's natural for us to look for an easy way out. We tend to push the panic button, before we realize that our season has been orchestrated by God. He wants to give us new perspective. New revelation. NEW WINGS. 

That's why we are being beautifully perfected. Our form is being changed into the likeness of God, our Creator. We'll never be able to fly to new atmospheres, new places or even be given an ariel view of His plan, if we don't allow ourselves to go through a season of struggle.

Beloved, don't abort the plan of God for your life just because you're tired- discontent and impatient. It won't always be like this, I promise. 

This is our year to take flight and RECEIVE the inheritance of Heaven. I see the daughters of God in 2018 with glistening JEWELS in their wings. Each one representing what they have earned from battle. They will carry the sweet aroma and victory of Jesus Christ: blessing other young girls with wings of freedom. 

So don't give up now. Breakthrough is near. Your struggle is for a greater purpose. It's beautiful. It's precious. You are being created, For Such A Time As This.

Come As You Are

By: Melody Mohnhaupt

“Come as you are” - a phrase we don’t often grasp the depth of. That goes for those of us that seek and serve the Lord diligently as well as for those who’s relationship with Jesus is hanging on by a thread or yet to be discovered. 

For those in the church, we sometimes expect newcomers to be transformed instantly and don't allow them time to grow. We don't understand how if God said “this”, why its still a struggle. We want to see them surrender all immediately! And for those in which salvation is practically nonexistent, they feel that pressure to change before they even walk through the church doors. They feel judged for not being in the place everyone else is. And for others, sometimes they are completely oblivious to the change the Lord desires at all.

You see, each one of us, whether we were born in the church or are ignorant to any Biblical understanding, at one point or another, have to choose whether we are going to come to the Lord. Most people in America have at least heard about God or understand remotely who Jesus is. Whether we inquire him or not is the question. We could know the ins and outs of the Word of God, recite verse after verse and still never experience coming to the Lord. Likewise, we can have only a minuscule idea of who God is and still come to him.

What I want to focus on is this: Jesus desires every single one of us to come to him. He doesn't care if we are a drug addict or a sneaky, trouble-seeking teenager. He doesn't care if we’ve been parading as a Christian for years but in all reality feel so far and lost. He doesn't care if we used to know him and serve him and have somehow let life drag us away from the alter and the life we once had in him. None of that matters. You could be in prison as you read this and it WOULD NOT MATTER. He is still saying COME TO ME! It is not too late. 

One thing that has become more and more clear to me over the years is how jealous or God is. And not just jealous, but compassionate and worried and concerned for your safety as any good parent should be. He’s not okay with just letting us go. He’s not going to just let us walk away. He is going to fight for us. He is going to show us that he wants us. He is going to use people to bring us back to him and remind us of his love for us. He is going to seek us out. He is going to answer our unanswered question and be that comfort in our most broken hours. 

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones be lost.” Matthew 18:12-14

The Lord is all around us always. He is with the believer and the unbeliever. He has his hand in all of our lives. The thing is, much of the time we just can’t recognize that it is in fact him at work. People tell me things all the time about their lives and situations they've been through and I have to point out, “That was God in your life! He did that! That was him at work!” He works through the good and the bad situations. He sometimes lets us go through the bad to build a strength in us. Sometimes he allows it so that we cry out to him and look for him. Sometimes it’s so that we have a testimony to tell others of how he delivered us from our lowest points.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

My heart’s desire is to truly come to the Lord. I want to surrender all. I want to take of that free gift of salvation and safety. I want to cling to his promises and walk after his way. I’m leaving the past behind me and running after my new, abundant life in the Lord. I have no to feel condemned. My Lord desires me and I desire Him. I’m coming back to the Lord with all of me! I pray all you reading make that conscious decision as well. There is no time to waste!

Isaiah 55 

“Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy grain and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost [simply accept it as a gift from God]. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your earnings for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight in abundance. Incline your ear [to listen] and come to Me; hear, so that your soul may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies [promised and] shown to David. Listen carefully, I have appointed him [David, representing the Messiah] to be a witness to the nations [regarding salvation], a leader and commander to the peoples. In fact, you [Israel] will call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that does not know you will run to you, Because of the Lord your God, even the Holy One of Israel; for He has glorified you. Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him [for salvation] while He is near. Let the wicked leave (behind) his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion (mercy) on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your way, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bear and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out [from exile] with joy and be led forth [by the Lord Himself] with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress tree will grow, and instead of the nettle the myrtle tree will grow; and it will be a memorial to the Lord, for an everlasting sign [of His mercy] which will not be cut off.”

HE WANTS YOU!! (I felt a bit like Uncle Sam writing that - But it’s true!!) Jesus doesn't want you to wait until you’ve got your act cleaned up for to seek him. He’s not disgusted by the mess you’ve made. He’s not shaking his head in disappointment. He’s standing there waiting for us all to come as we are. 

https://youtu.be/p2jH0ycUEpU

Wind & Waves

By: Kenya Gossett 

Recently, God took me on a great adventure. For the last 2 weeks, I've been in the land of the Philippines doing missions work and visiting my dad, who is now living there. It was eye-opening. Heart-convicting. and a total game changer. But as I'm home and reflecting over the new life God has given, I am thankful for the small victories. 

One of them will be shared today... 

Now, if you know me, I'm TERRIFIED of flying. 

The moment I feel turbulence, my mind will immediately play out survival scenarios if we crashed in water and if you've ever seen the show "Lost", that is also what I imagine. You may think, "what?! But you travel so much! Why are you scared?! You practically live on a plane!" Yes, and every single time, I get crippled with fear and severe panic attacks. Which is obviously not given from the Holy Spirit. 

Well then I discovered a new fear of mine. Water. 

Every week in the Philippines, we cross the China Sea to visit our outreach on the island of Matangib. We'll have a peaceful day, passing out rice, giving toys to the children and hearing the Word of God. It's one of my favorite places! But let's just say the waters weren't very peaceful due to raining season, and the wooden boat I was in, could easily snap. With every wave that crashed into the boat and every time the boat tilted as if it was going to flip, God was testing my faith. 

and He tested my faith yet again on my returning flight to the States... We had 5 hours of severe turbulence: the kind that makes the plane drop. 

As I sat there shaking and holding on for dear life: I looked to see if anyone else was concerned. But no, they were all SLEEPING. I thought they were crazy. Surely our plane was about to go down!!! 

That's when the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and was like, "hey, remember the story of Jesus on the boat? What was He doing during the storm? Sleeping. It didn't move Him. So it shouldn't move you! The timing of your life is in my hands. I'm not done with you yet!" WOW. 

Let's read Matthew 8:24-26 (amplified): 

“And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. And the disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was [at once] a great and wonderful calm [a perfect peacefulness].”

I think the same exact words came out of my mouth, "Jesus, save me!". I felt the same emotions the disciples experienced when they felt the waves and "turbulence". They couldn't see beyond the storm. They completely forgot that the King and Lord of all, was right there in the midst of that sea. They weren't going to die on that boat! They still had a destiny to fulfill. It wasn't their time. But the disciples had to learn the secret of having an anchored faith, and what better training ground than a near death experience! Hardship (distress, trouble) produces endurance. and endurance produces spiritual maturity. Which then produces a confident assurance. 

We were created to withstand the works of the enemy: just like airplanes and boats. The designer knew that there would be moments of turbulence and stormy seas! So it needed to be built to conquer what come its way.

When God created us, He created us in His image. He anointed us with strength from on high. He sealed our destiny from the moment He breathed life into our mothers womb. He covered us with armor to ricochet fiery trials, fear, discouragement, oppression, worry, ect. But The Holy Spirit requires faith for us to see it and fully walk in it! Even if it's the size of a mustard seed: there's still SO MUCH POWER to it! 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:19-20‬ ‭

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why could we not drive it out? He answered, “Because of your little faith [your lack of trust and confidence in the power of God]; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and [if it is God’s will] it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

When I sat on that plane, I had to build trust in the power of God because I clearly lacked it. 

I had to quickly remember every unfulfilled promise. I was going to live. My mountain was fear, and I used every ounce of faith I had left to remove it. God's past faithfulness, demanded my present truth. 

So, what mountain is before you? What are the little things you struggle with? Remove it. Mute the whispers of the enemy. Tell your storm to BE STILL and let the God of peace fill you. 

You have a HUGE calling and can't afford to be distracted by fear. The Lord is in your midst and He is mighty to save! The timing of your life is in His hands. Until then, live out what is written on your scroll of destiny. For Such A Time As This. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YSjIkoVqfo

Spiritual Value

By: Melody Mohnhaupt

We all know the one, famous, go-to verse for Christian women: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” Proverbs 31:10. At times I forget all about that little, tiny word “virtuous” and think that being a woman in itself is valuable. I forget that the virtue we carry is what brings us our true value.The word virtue means: having or showing high moral standards; chaste; righteous. Without this virtue we might actually be detrimental.

There’s a verse in Proverbs 21 that says, “It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than  with a brawling woman in a wide house”. What that’s saying in modern terms is- you're better off living in the corner of an attic than in a mansion with an argumentative woman. Ouch. 

When I see verses like this it sure does bring me back to reality. Just because I’m a woman, it doesn't mean I am already full of spiritual value. It doesn't mean I’m worthing of any praise. It actually reminds me of so many verses in the Bible that warn against deceitful, seducing, hotheaded women. It reminds me that if i don't actively change my attitude and cleanse my way of thinking, I could easily become that woman.

Proverbs 5:3-6

For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.

Proverbs 27:15-16

A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious (quarrelsome) woman are alike; Whoever attempts to restrain her [criticism] might as well try to stop the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.

Proverbs 21:19

It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious and troublesome woman.

Proverbs 12:4

A virtuous and excellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband,

But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 14:1

The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].

Proverbs 22:14

The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit [deep and inescapable]; He who is cursed by the Lord [because of his adulterous sin] will fall into it.

I could easily become offended by these verses. I could think they are sexist and archaic ways of thinking, but when I really take a good look at what these verses are conveying, I see how needful they are! It shows me how much power we as women have; and we can either use our power for good or to bring destruction. We can either produce life or death.

When I reflect on my younger years, I see now that I was much like this destructive woman. I was wandering aimlessly. My thoughts were impure and my heart was seductive. I thrived on the idea of making someone desire me. My words were like honey. I know I caused boys to stumble. 

At home I was a fiery, argumentative woman. My words rarely brought peace, but rather stirred up strife. My level of sass was off the charts, but I justified that by saying, “That’s just how I am. I’m Italian. Deal with it!” My soul was quick to snap back at whatever it didn't like to hear. I’m sure I was certainly not pleasant to live with. When I was in a bad mood, people knew to get anywhere far from me. Sound like someone we just spoke about?

I ignored Godly principles although I knew full well exactly what they were. I was raised in the church. Of course I knew right from wrong. I knew the standards the Lord held me to, but I did what I wanted anyway. I tried to get as close to the line as possible without “technically” going over. In the realm of the spirit, I was dangerous. 

You know what the most dangerous part of it all was? It was because I didn't even see the danger in myself. I didn't really believe I was seductive. Even if it was just in my heart. It was still true. I didn't believe my quarrelsome behavior was wrong or even something I could or should change. I didn't think the things I did were “that bad”’ so even though I felt guilty, and knew it was wrong, I found myself doing the same things over and over.

Through years of learning lesson after lesson and allowing myself to be changed, I know that is no longer the case. However, each day, each moment, if I’m not careful, those qualities can creep back into my character. If I don’t continually wash myself with the Word of God and abstain from ungodly things, my soul will return to its default mode, which is sinful and hazardous.

I’m sharing these things because, even though you may never admit it to other or even to yourself, I know many of you are a lot like me. You struggle with the same things I’ve struggled with. It is painful to come to that realization, but we must if we truly desire deliverance. We must be brutally honest with ourselves.

We were created for so much more than this. We were created because man wasn't complete without us. We were created to be that ruby and precious jewel that is worthy of honor and praise! We were created to attain our spiritual value.

Do me a favor and go read Proverbs 31: 10-31.

Here are a few characteristics of a woman that is obtaining her spiritual value:

• righteous/ chaste/ pure (vs.10)
• faithful/ trustworthy (vs. 11)
• reverences others over herself (vs. 12)
• has a willing heart (vs. 13)
• selfless (vs. 14, 15)
• strong (vs. 17, 25)
• works diligently (vs. 16, 18, 19)
• compassionate (vs. 20)
• wise/ kind/ mindful of what comes out of her mouth (vs. 26)
• practices self control/ uses her time wisely (vs. 27)
• fears the Lord (vs. 30)

This list is a visible guideline of how to increase our spiritual value! Take each one and practice it in your daily life. As I said earlier, we, as woman, carry so much power. What are we using it for? Which woman do we want to be? We have the choice and we CAN be changed. Believe it or nor, our God is THAT good. He can mold us and shape us if we let him. 

Compass

By: Kenya Gossett

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them." Proverbs 16:9

We're standing on the edge of a frontier. We're faced with choices. Fear. Uncertainty. Dreams. but many of us are tired and rightly so. I feel like 2017 has been a year of challenges that has stretched and built God's children.

Who has else has faced every element? I'm raising two hands!

I've walked through intense fire. Climbed treacherous mountains. Experienced the dryness and loneliness of the desert. Wrestled with water, and felt as if I was going to drown with each step. It has felt ENDLESS. Yet I've had to push myself. I've had to pioneer and plant seeds in every season. I've refused to give up and go my own way. Faithfulness was required of me when God placed a compass in my hand and lovingly whispered "Trust me".

I'm writing this today for those who are on the brink of throwing in the towel. I know how you feel. I know how easy it is to doubt the voice of God and take the easy way out. I've seen many choose that route, and sadly, when they see the results, they take it out on God. He was never the problem. It was them. They took matters into their own hands and tried to find short cuts to get to their promise. and let me tell you, it's not worth it. It just leads to disappointment, when you say no to the call and the trials that come with it.

God never said the Kingdom would be easy, but He does promise to stay true to His word concerning our life. It will not return void. His promises are yes and amen. Our destiny is already sealed and ready for us. But it's the journey there that we are tested and tried. We have to say yes, be brave, and lay down our life no matter the cost. 

It's scary. Especially when you don't understand why God is taking you through places where most hearts fail. Yet He knows exactly what He's doing. He will lead you down a road you never thought you could take. A road that you didn't think you'd be qualified for. A road that seemed impossible. You will be in places that you never would of imagined and that you didn't even deserve. 

Saying YES, is the best decision we could and will ever make. The Word says that MANY are called, but only FEW are chosen. That scripture is the perfect example of those saying yes to the call, but giving up. They were called, but could not be chosen, because they were not willing to endure. I don't know about you, but I want to be chosen. I want that crown of life and the treasures of Heaven. I want Jesus more than anything

A new horizon is burning in our sight. We can't throw away our compass now. We're ALMOST there! Have faith to see beyond what you can't feel. Don't lose hope.  

If you have strayed or have fell into a pit of discouragement, it's not too late to re-route and find redemption. God is faithful. So faithful. As long as you lean into the leading of His voice and let the Holy Spirit dwell in you, then you'll be alright. He will lead you into the joy of your inheritance. 

Let Him firmly establish your steps. The compass of God is not broken! Trust Him. For Such A Time This. 

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:20-21‬ ‭AMP‬‬