Week 3 – Day 4 Blessed by God
Focus: Finding beauty in the consistency of the relationship
Scripture: Read Proverbs 31:10-31. Ask God to fill you with spiritual excitement as you row in the qualities of His ideal women.
Comparing Myself to Others
Sue’s heart sank as she considered the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She has recommitted her life to God, asking Him to show her how to be the woman He wanted her to be. She also asked Him to show her how to get everything done on a daily basis, glorifying Him in the process. She was flooded with feelings of guilt and self-doubt as she read through the qualities of God’s ideal woman.
Have you ever compared yourself with a woman you perceived as “better “ at doing things God’s way? Yes or No – If yes how did that make you feel?
Place a check by the statements you felt verified her superiority to you.
o She’s always in a good mood
o Her children are well behaved
o Her house is always clean
o She is organized
o She gets so many things done.
o Everybody likes her
o She is close to God
o She’s the perfect wife
o She never gets upset
o Her clothes are always in style
o Other
Did God tell you to compare yourself to this woman? Yes or No. Explain.
At times God may give you an example in another person. He may speak to you through the words or lifestyle of that person, drawing you to His character. Other times you may initiate that comparison and the focus becomes jealousy and self-pity because you can’t seem to “measure up.”
God gives you the picture of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 because He longs for you to experience the glories of living such a life. He has specific plan for you at this precise time in your life.
GOD’S IDEAL WOMAN
She was up before dawn
She had her own garden
She made clothes for herself and her family
She owned and ran her own business
She was a wonderful homemaker
Her husband praised her
Her children adored her
She was intelligent
She took care of the physical needs of her family
She spoke with wisdom
She helped others
She was in shape – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
She feared God.
Draw :) Smiley face beside the characteristics you are pretty good at “pulling off.” How many do you have left? __________________
How do you see your potential to become the ideal woman? Check one.
o There’s hope for me. I think I can become God’s ideal woman.
o Maybe – with a lot of work – I can become God’s ideal woman.
o Nope. I can’t do it. I’ll never be what God wants me to be.
You CAN become the ideal woman – not because of what you can do but because of who he is.
Look back at the characteristics describing the mega-woman. Knowing what Scripture says and knowing the focus of this Bible study, what do you see as the most worthy and admirable descriptive?
She ______________ ________________!
She feared God. According to the Amplified Bible, the virtuous woman worshipfully feared the Lord. She put God at the top of her priority list. Only one thing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:30 as making her value “for above rubies” – her spiritual life. It ALL goes back to sitting at the feet of Jesus!
As you worship Him, read HIS Word and seek His counsel. God will tell you what things should be part of your life. Planting your garden may sow seeds of kindness through a volunteer project or might show particular interest in a family member’s activities. Being a wonderful homemaker may offer daily encouragement to your husband, listen to your children pour out frustrations about friendships, or write encouraging notes.
You will be strengthened spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically as you make God-time your top priority.
Look at the following phrases taken from The Amplified Bible of Proverbs 31. Write M for mental, P for physical, E for emotional and S for spiritual beside the statements you believe describe that characteristic.
“She rises while it is yet night and gets spiritual food.
“She considers a (new) field before she buys … not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties.”
“She girds herself with strength … physical fitness for her God-given task and makes her arms strong and firm.”
“She looks well to how things go… the bread of idleness, (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.”
In which area – mental physical, emotional, spiritual – do you most need strengthening? Explain.
Be affirmed and encouraged, dear Sister. God longs for you to experience peace in your daily activities. He wants your life to be filled with joy, not turmoil and panic. He invites you to the place of ultimate comfort, rest, fulfillment, and excitement: His presence.
What is the Father speaking to you as you come to the end of today’s study?
As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:
Dear Father, I know, You have a specific plan for me on a daily basis. I realize You will never make me place You as priority of my life. I ask that You continue to draw me to You and give me joy and excitement as I think about spending time with You. I love You.
Focus: Finding beauty in the consistency of the relationship
Scripture: Read Proverbs 31:10-31. Ask God to fill you with spiritual excitement as you row in the qualities of His ideal women.
Comparing Myself to Others
Sue’s heart sank as she considered the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She has recommitted her life to God, asking Him to show her how to be the woman He wanted her to be. She also asked Him to show her how to get everything done on a daily basis, glorifying Him in the process. She was flooded with feelings of guilt and self-doubt as she read through the qualities of God’s ideal woman.
Have you ever compared yourself with a woman you perceived as “better “ at doing things God’s way? Yes or No – If yes how did that make you feel?
Place a check by the statements you felt verified her superiority to you.
o She’s always in a good mood
o Her children are well behaved
o Her house is always clean
o She is organized
o She gets so many things done.
o Everybody likes her
o She is close to God
o She’s the perfect wife
o She never gets upset
o Her clothes are always in style
o Other
Did God tell you to compare yourself to this woman? Yes or No. Explain.
At times God may give you an example in another person. He may speak to you through the words or lifestyle of that person, drawing you to His character. Other times you may initiate that comparison and the focus becomes jealousy and self-pity because you can’t seem to “measure up.”
God gives you the picture of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 because He longs for you to experience the glories of living such a life. He has specific plan for you at this precise time in your life.
GOD’S IDEAL WOMAN
She was up before dawn
She had her own garden
She made clothes for herself and her family
She owned and ran her own business
She was a wonderful homemaker
Her husband praised her
Her children adored her
She was intelligent
She took care of the physical needs of her family
She spoke with wisdom
She helped others
She was in shape – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
She feared God.
Draw :) Smiley face beside the characteristics you are pretty good at “pulling off.” How many do you have left? __________________
How do you see your potential to become the ideal woman? Check one.
o There’s hope for me. I think I can become God’s ideal woman.
o Maybe – with a lot of work – I can become God’s ideal woman.
o Nope. I can’t do it. I’ll never be what God wants me to be.
You CAN become the ideal woman – not because of what you can do but because of who he is.
Look back at the characteristics describing the mega-woman. Knowing what Scripture says and knowing the focus of this Bible study, what do you see as the most worthy and admirable descriptive?
She ______________ ________________!
She feared God. According to the Amplified Bible, the virtuous woman worshipfully feared the Lord. She put God at the top of her priority list. Only one thing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:30 as making her value “for above rubies” – her spiritual life. It ALL goes back to sitting at the feet of Jesus!
As you worship Him, read HIS Word and seek His counsel. God will tell you what things should be part of your life. Planting your garden may sow seeds of kindness through a volunteer project or might show particular interest in a family member’s activities. Being a wonderful homemaker may offer daily encouragement to your husband, listen to your children pour out frustrations about friendships, or write encouraging notes.
You will be strengthened spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically as you make God-time your top priority.
Look at the following phrases taken from The Amplified Bible of Proverbs 31. Write M for mental, P for physical, E for emotional and S for spiritual beside the statements you believe describe that characteristic.
“She rises while it is yet night and gets spiritual food.
“She considers a (new) field before she buys … not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties.”
“She girds herself with strength … physical fitness for her God-given task and makes her arms strong and firm.”
“She looks well to how things go… the bread of idleness, (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.”
In which area – mental physical, emotional, spiritual – do you most need strengthening? Explain.
Be affirmed and encouraged, dear Sister. God longs for you to experience peace in your daily activities. He wants your life to be filled with joy, not turmoil and panic. He invites you to the place of ultimate comfort, rest, fulfillment, and excitement: His presence.
What is the Father speaking to you as you come to the end of today’s study?
As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:
Dear Father, I know, You have a specific plan for me on a daily basis. I realize You will never make me place You as priority of my life. I ask that You continue to draw me to You and give me joy and excitement as I think about spending time with You. I love You.
