For Women: A Life Worth Living

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR WOMEN
A Life Worth Living

Through the media – magazines, movies, and a host of TV and radio talk shows – women are being bombarded with advice on how to live a successful and fulfilling life. We are encouraged to achieve the American dream of owning our own home, having 2.5 children, taking annual family vacations, and maybe even a romantic cruise thrown in. The problem with this advice is that it is not based on the Word of God.

The Calling
Every Christian woman is called by God to fulfill His good will and pleasure, not her own. After all, that is the reason we were created (Rev. 4:11). The Bible tells us that God “has saved us and called us to a holy life” (2 Tim. 1:9 niv). We are encouraged “to live lives worthy of God” (1 Th. 2:12; 2 Pet. 3:14). The Apostle Paul encourages us to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called” us (Phil. 3:14). How will we answer the call of God in our lives? As women today, we must constantly check all advice given to us against the Bible to see how it stands up against His standards.

The Design
God has set forth a specific design for women. He has inspired writers throughout time to pen His thoughts concerning these things in the Bible. Whether we are single, married, divorced or widowed, God gives instructions for our lives. He has given this design for us not merely for our own blessing, but for a testimony and example for the unsaved to see.

The world is designed to keep men and women so preoccupied that they find no time to seek God. Mothers are ripping and running between family and the work place. They are hard pressed to juggle home life and work life. Fathers are hardly around, and when they are, they are tired.

To add to the stress, single-parent homes are struggling financially and emotionally due to the absent parent. The juvenile system is packed with kids who have chosen to commit crime and violence because they lack love, attention and a stable home life. We have broken away from God’s design. What we have as a result, is a world out of whack!

The Purpose
A woman who desires to fulfill God’s design, recognizes that she is different. She’s taken on God’s perspective for her life. This takes faith! She puts her faith into action by accepting God’s role for her life. If she is married, the home becomes her most important work place and the children become her first mission field. If she is single, she shines at work, and uses her spare time to serve in areas of ministry the Lord calls her to. Until further notice from the Lord regarding her status, she contentedly serves, realizing that her desire is for her Lord. The widow comes to know the Lord in a different way, depending on Him to be her all. She is able to minister to women both young and old, married and single. She can also serve in various areas of ministry as the Lord leads. Whatever our status, there is nothing more fulfilling than doing what we ought to be doing! Doing God’s will leads to a rewarding end.

The Testimony
In a world that has lost its way, our lives should serve as a vivid alternative. We were put here to be lights: “You are the light of the world ... Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:14). Lights are designed to shine, unless something is wrong with the bulb! (If so, get it fixed quick!) People should look at our lives, and see a whole other approach to life. This could encourage them to ask how we are able to live such a life, and that gives us the opportunity to share Christ with them. Living out God’s design for our lives allows the world to get a glimpse of God! In view of the day approaching, for the sake of the gospel and in honor of the God of our salvation, let us live a life worth living!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pat Stuart is a wife and mother of grown children who also serves the Lord in a music ministry in churches, camps and conferences. She resides in New York City with her husband Al, who also writes for this magazine.