Today’s Christian Women’s Top Challenges

One of the reasons I enjoy ministering to women so much is that so many women have a giving spirit. When I asked the ladies who read Spa-llelujah! to take a very short survey for me, many of you willingly obliged. Thanks so much; I appreciate you!

Here are the questions and responses. Please note that I’ve grouped responses so that  you’re seeing a summary of the answers to my questions.

(1) What is your biggest challenge at home?

• Taking care of family
• Balancing personal and work life
• Getting rest & self-care
• Consistent personal Bible study

(2) What is your biggest challenge at work?

• Staying focused
• Getting along with co-workers
• Wanting to be an entrepreneur

(3) What is your biggest challenge at church?

• Consistent church attendance
• Attending Sunday School
• Dealing with unchristian-like behavior of Christians
• Being committed to ministry

In the coming weeks, I will be offering solutions to help with these challenges. In the mean time, I want to offer a word of hope and encouragement for every woman who is facing these challenges or similar ones. Romans 5:1-5 says,

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

And these words are found in Psalm 31:23-24,

Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Now, back to Romans 15:13,

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged my sisters!

 

God Never Gives Up on You

I’d like to share this short but powerful little story. If you’re having one of ”those days,” I pray that your spirit will be uplifted.
 
One day I decided to quit…quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality… I wanted to quit my life.  I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

“God,” I said, “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”  His answer surprised me…

“Look around,” He said, “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.  I gave them light.  I gave them water.  The fern quickly grew from the earth.  Its brilliant green covered the floor.  Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.  But I did not quit on the bamboo.”

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.”

He said, “In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.  But I would not quit.” 

“In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.  I would not quit.”  

He said, “Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.  Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant…But just six months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.  It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.  I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”

He said to me, “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?  I would not quit on the bamboo.  I will never quit on you.  Don’t compare yourself to others.”
 
He said, “The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern.  Yet they both make the forest beautiful.  Your time will come,” God said to me.  

“You will rise high.” “How high will I rise?” I asked. “How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return. “As high as it can?” I questioned. “Yes” He said. “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

I left the forest and brought back this story.  I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never regret a day of your life.  Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life. -Author unknown