“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness”   2 Timothy 3:16

I so totally relate to many of the women in the Bible…  and not the pretty, inspiring, good traits but the ugly, selfish and prideful ones.

Eve

(Genesis 2)…allowed the devil to convince her that she’s not happy, she needs more, God is not enough… PLUS she likes the look of food so much that she can’t control herself!!  Boy, can I relate to that, just get me around some brownies…Eve

How often do I act on the evil one’s lies…focusing on that which I “can’t have” as being better than what God has already given!!  Doubting that God’s plan is best?!!

Father, give me a greater understanding of your original plan for our world.  Help me to envision its beauty so I might live with a constant awareness that you intend to restore paradise to all who belong to you.  May I surrender every sin and every sorrow to you, trusting that you will fulfill your purpose for my life.*

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”   John 1:16

 

Naomi

(Book of Ruth)… her anger & bitterness toward what has been taken away…  Oh boy, don’t get me started about my “poor me” attitude.Ruth and Naomi

How often do I focus on my troubles, my woes…how often do I ask to be called “Marah”??

Lord, thank you that Your Word promises You will restore us whether in this life or with You in eternity.  Please help me stop focusing on what has been taken and instead on Your goodness, Your promise, Your plan.

“You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.”   Psalm 71:20

 

Adulterous Woman

(John 8:3)…caught in the act of adultery but where’s the man?!! Seriously, it takes two…  Jesus calls out those condemning her, forgives her and calls for her to turn from her ways!!woman caught in adultery

How often do I re-visit old sins?  How often do I have to repent and turn back to Christ??

Lord, thank you that your forgiveness covers all sin.  Please help me make good choices; turning from my old self and living in a way that is pleasing to You.  When and if I do fall back to my old ways, please make it clear to me and remind me that only through Your sacrifice am I made new.

“knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin”   Romans 6:6

 

Sarah

(Genesis 17)…The Lord appears to Abraham telling him Sarah will bear a child.  Sarah, who is almost 90 years old, overhears and laughs.  Sadly I have also been known to laugh at God and think “Impossible!”old woman laughing

How often do I question God’s timing and doubt His plan for me? 

Father, thank you for loving me despite the fact that my soul still contains shadows that sometimes block the light of your Spirit.  As I grow older, may I trust you more completely for the dreams you’ve implanted in my soul, the promises you’ve made to me.  Like Sarah, may I be surrounded by laughter at the wonderful way you accomplish your purpose despite my weakness.*

“I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.”   Psalm 130:5

 

Lot’s Wife

(Genesis 19)… her family is spared from the judgment and destruction that falls upon the sinful city of Sodom.  As they flee, they are told “Do not look back, do not stop…” but Lot’s wife can’t help herself.
(Has anyone else wondered about the location of the Dead Sea?  Mmmm-hmmm, interesting.)Lot's wife looked back

How often do I look back with longing of what used to be instead of running toward the forgiveness and promises laid before me?

Lord, you call me to live in the world without embracing the ways of the world.  Help me to live in a way that preserves my freedom to follow you wherever and however you lead.  If I should leave behind a monument, may it be a reminder to others of faith and not foolishness.*

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”   John 14:27

 

So often people think the old testament and the Bible as a whole, for that matter, is full of stories that don’t relate to our world and our lives today.  But as I read through it and see myself so clearly in so many of these stories, I am reminded and comforted that God will use such selfish messes like me for His good and to fulfill His work here on earth.

Praise Him for creating us, loving us and using us!

 

*prayers taken from Women of the Bible Devotional