How Would Your Story Read?
Othella Hill-Jordan May 6, 2021
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“How Would Your Story Read?”
If you were a woman in the Bible, how would your story read? Some of the women in the Bible are not known by name but by reputation or circumstance. Also, not every woman in the Bible was considered godly or was a follower of Christ. Yet, there are lessons to be learned from them.
i.e., The woman with the issue of blood. (Luke 8:43-48) Her blood condition rendered her unclean, but she was desperate to be healed. Her faith that Jesus would heal her was realized when she simply touched his garment. Lesson: This is an example of faith that resulted in healing through Jesus.
“Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’” – Luke 8:48 (NIV).
i.e., The widow with two mites. (Mark 12:41-44) As Jesus watched, a poor widow placed all she had in the offering plate (two coins). Lesson: An example of stewardship. God desires that not only our needs be met but that we in turn bless someone.
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’” – Mark 12:43 (NIV).
i.e., Esther, (Esther chapter 1 -10) a Jewess, was used by God to save His people. Lesson: An example of fasting and praying. Though there were feasting celebrations all around Esther, she chose to fast and pray for the deliverance of her people.
“…I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16 (NIV).
i.e., Dorcas (Tabitha) a disciple and seamstress who lived in Joppa (Acts 9:36-43). She was always doing good and helping the poor. She died one day, and the mourning women sent for Peter, who prayed over her and asked her to wake up. Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. Lesson: By serving and loving others, we are conforming to Jesus’ nature – we benefit as well.
“He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.” – Acts 9:41 (NIV).
i.e., Miriam, sister of both Aaron and Moses, was a prophetess. (Exodus 2:7-10; 15:20-21) She was witness to the parting of the Red Sea and encouraged God’s people to respond to the Lord, not only for His mercy and blessings, but to acknowledge Him as God. Worshiping Him in song and praise. Lesson: We enter into true worship by first, thanking God for what He has done. Then we are able to praise Him for who He is.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4 (NIV).
Five women in the Bible. Think about these five women for a moment. Now think about how your story will read. Your story does not have to be a complete novel (as you can see, in the Bible, a story can be told in just a few paragraphs or a few sentences). Only Ruth (whom I didn’t mention) and Esther have their own book in the Bible.
You are who you are. Think, reflect, write your story. No one is perfect; therefore, we must turn to God for His help – encouragement – power – provision. Write your story, then critique it. The best critic is one who can criticize themselves. An even better critic is one who is willing to make changes to their bad habits – to change their ways that fall short of the glory of God.
Note: Your story is for your eyes only. Write it – put it away. Then, take it out from time to time to add to it. Or, as you grow in your faith, you will be deleting some things.
Faith – Stewardship – Fasting – Praying – Serving – Praise (worship)
How would you rate yourself in the above categories? Will your story include all or some of the above?
We are honoring (or, remembering) our mothers on Sunday, Mother’s Day. Praise God for the woman who carried you for nine months and thank Him for giving you life.
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