Working Through Adversity

One of my favorite business-minded women is the Virtuous Woman. The women that all the men want to make their wife, she is industrious, resourceful, and industrious. She seems so perfect and her good works look effortless. But a closer look at her description tells a different story.

Proverbs 31 v 13 to 15 says, "She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants". It goes on in verse 21, "She is not afraid of snow for her household..."

Working with your hands? waking before sun rise? working in the dark? Working in the snow? Oh, no! Those are all hard things. These are comparable to some of the hardships that we single, business-minded women face in real life. Working on your feet. Waking up early. Working late. Working on deadline.

So why work so hard? Because God honors a hard worker. Jesus came to earth as a servant, doing His Father's will. God honored Him, calling Him His well beloved. In verse 25, the Virtuous Women is honored for her hard labor. "Strength and honor are her clothing. She shall rejoice in time to come."

If we honor God with our hard work, even and especially when we are not recognized on job, God will honor us and give his blessings.

During Your Lunch Time, Read: Proverbs 31 v 13 to 31

After Reading, Meditate on This: Am I really working my hardest on the job or am I coasting? Am I honoring God at my workplace? What can I do to make sure my work brings honor to God similar to how the Virtuous Women bring honor to her husband?

If you have read this and you do not have a personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son, honoring God starts not on your job but in your heart. Get on your knees and pray this prayer:
God, I am sinner who has lived a life that has not honored you but my own desires. I would now like to exchange that life for one that honors you. I acknowledge that Your son, Jesus Christ, is the only way to that life. I accept Him now and ask for full forgiveness of my sins. Thank you in the name of Jesus, Amen.