Have you ever asked God for the deepest desires of your heart? I mean really, truly asked Him for really big, life-changing things? I don’t mean material things – I’m talking about KINGDOM things! Things that are all for His glory?
After I attended the “She Speaks Studio 2018” conference last November – I felt like I finally had “permission” to ask for the BIG things. Lives changed, for His purpose and His glory – igniting a spark in the next step in my joyful journey – walking with courage.
November, December, and into January was a very quiet season for me. Lots of questioning, lots of silence, lots of messages like:
“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10
As I was scrolling Facebook on January 1, I decided to do one of those little quiz apps to find out my “Word of the Year”. The result was COURAGE. I found the result interesting as I was finally feeling victorious over my battle with fear of sharing my faith. A gal definitely needs some courage while overcoming fear, right?
During those quiet months, I have to admit some doubts and fears started nibbling on my heart. I was not happy about it – I felt like my battle over fear was in retreat!
Doubts like – why am I spending all this time and money on this blog? Is there some purpose to sharing my heart? Should I give up my desire to help people? These are BIG things – too much?
I started a new year and was feeling a little down. Then on January 14, 2019 – HELLO – welcome to my life the study of Proverbs. Here’s some “purpose” from Proverbs 1: 1-7 (NIV).
Purpose and Theme
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, King of Israel;
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
I’ve never studied the entire book of Proverbs before. The timing could not have been better. I was about to gain some wisdom for a purpose!
I could write 31 blog posts to match the number of chapters in Proverbs and still not be able to cover all the practical, life-changing lessons in this book. But my major take-away from Proverbs came from the last chapter of the book. The First 5 teaching on chapter 31 focused on my word of the year – COURAGE.
How timely! I had just posted a blog about COURAGE the day before this lesson. Another spectacular God-incidence! Yes, Lord, Yes! I admit, I do need plenty of reminders and lots of encouragement from Him when it comes to what He is pressing on my heart.
Wendy Blight took a deep dive into the origins of the word “virtuous” in Chapter 31:10:
A Wife of Noble Character
10 [a]Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies. (NLT)
In her teaching, “Woman of Valor”, I learned the original meaning of virtuous translates to valor.
val·or
Dictionary result for valor
/ˈvalər/
noun
- great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
“the medals are awarded for acts of valor
Synonyms: bravery, courage, fearlessness, courageousness, braveness
I encourage you to click on the link above for the teaching. Spend 25 minutes gaining wisdom on the original meaning written in Hebrew. The original meaning of the Hebrew “eschet chiyal” – a woman of valor, is fascinating! Click here for an interesting blog post on the Hebrew tradition of “Eschet Chiyal”.
This was a wonderful, affirming lesson of courage through scripture. My entire journey through Proverbs started with my fear of the Lord, led to gaining wisdom through my daily passion studying His Word, and culminated with my purpose for this journey – to be transformed into a woman of valor. Eschet Chayil.
Back to my first question. Are you asking God for BIG things and how you can serve others in your journey? You TOTALLY should! I have asked Him for some downright crazy, BIG things for my role in His Kingdom building. I’ve also specifically asked for a huge portion of COURAGE. Saying YES without hesitation, too, when He clearly prompts and provides opportunity to serve Him! That takes courage.
Not sure where to start with your purpose? START in the Word. Every day. Gain wisdom. Get to know the character of God. Ask for your role in the Kingdom building. Pray for courage. And watch Him completely blow you away.
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