from Him, through Him, to Him - Chapter 2

Hi Ladies,

This is the third post in the True Woman Series.  You can find the introduction here and chapter 1 here.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!  "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"  "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"  For from him and through him and to Him are all things.  To him be glory forever.  Amen.  (Romans 11:33-36)

Know Him

A true woman embraces the truth about God.  She accepts God as He says He is in His word, and she rejects what the culture says about Him.  The world doesn't know Him.  She knows God and actively seeks to know Him better through reading the Bible, prayer, church, and fellowship with other believers.  Learning about God's character fuels her transformation into a godly woman.  Her thoughts, actions, motives, and attitudes are shaped by an increasing revelation about His character.  He is her anchor and she places her complete trust in His sovereignty and inscrutable ways.

Radical

A woman of God lives a radical, counter-cultural life.  She is not self-centered, her life's pursuit is not to accomplish all of her goals, she does not chase after the American Dream.  She is three things:

1. She is God-centered.

She stands on the solid rock foundation of a God who is perfectly wise and in control. She has genuine hope in a world full of pain and uncertainty.  She is not easily shaken.  (Proverbs 31:25)

2. She trusts God.

She does not give in to fear because God's depths never reach bottom and His ways are beyond finding out.  He is in charge of all things and even uses the seemingly bad circumstances in our lives for our good and for His plan.  She leans on Him and trusts Him in times of prosperity and joy as well as in pain and hardship.  She doesn't strive, control, manipulate, resent, resist, or run from the cross.

3. She says, "Yes, Lord."

A true woman's compass is God's Word.  She doesn't live her life or process circumstances by her ever changing feelings and emotions.  How confusing and unreliable!  She accepts her God-given roles with gratitude and lives intentionally.  Instead of asking, "What will make me happy?", she asks, "What will please You, Lord?"  She says yes to forgiveness, repentance, serving, embracing God's choices, trusting Him with her circumstances, and to fulfilling His purposes.  She says no to bitterness, self-centeredness, whining, complaining, pining, resenting.

Making It Personal

The verse in Romans that this chapter is based on is so rich and full of truth.  I found it helpful to unpack small chunks of it and apply it to my life and circumstances.  I encourage you to do the same!

Oh, the depth of the riches... 

When I sinfully compare my children's abilities, personalities, fill-in-the-blank to other children... 

When I crave material things... 

When I believe the lie that I don't have enough...

Lord, remind me that You have and always will provide for my needs in your perfect timing.  Keep me from the sin of comparison and remind me that even if I gain nothing other than Christ in this life, I already have everything because I have You.

Oh, the depth... of the wisdom and knowledge of God...

When I think that You surely don't see or care about the challenges I face...

When I think I can hide something from You...

When I sugar coat my fears and insecurities...

Oh Lord, you know it all, and you have the solution to every circumstance that overwhelms me.  Help me run to you first when I need answers.
  
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways...

When I can't see how something could possibly work out for my good...

When I'm impatient about an outcome...

When things don't make sense...

Father, You know.  You're in control.  You make no mistakes.  Allow me to rest in You. 

For from him and through him and to Him are all things...

When my view of You is too small...

When I don't desire You like I should...

When I'm tempted to think that I'm the one holding things together...

Remind me that You are the Source and Sustainer.  Help me to desire You and to live my life for one purpose - to bring You glory.  Amen.