“Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.”

The judgment has passed and there is no need of fear, even for the animals in the fields, who were also affected by the sinful behaviour and lifestyle of the people. God speaks to them and tells them that there is plenty for them all. The pastures are springing up out of the wilderness and the trees are coming into fruit. The fig tree and the vine are becoming rampant for they have regained their strength. 

This is synonymous with the blessings of the people of God. Where before they wandered in the wilderness they are now enjoying the green pastures of their own land. The growth of the ground has sprung up to furnish all their needs and desires and they are walking in the green pastures.

“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:1-3

The people of God now enjoy safe pasture for the Day of Wrath is passed and they are safe in the land. Their lives are bearing fruit to God and are enjoying the strength of the Spirit within. This is true for their lives in this world and also for the life to come when Christ returns to take His people to heaven. We have freedom and power now to live for God and will enter into the full reality of that kingdom life when Christ comes for His church. 

“I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4

Who do you model yourself on? Who do you admire above all others?

A strong woman is so secure that she sees no need or inclination to retaliate, save face or protect her goods or reputation. She walks so firmly and with such a giving attitude that nothing is too much or too unfair for her to give out, and she quickly bears the burdens of others. The second- mile mind-set is central to her thinking and practice, and nothing is too much bother, which shows itself in generosity of effort, time and belongings. These attitudes reap for her an eternal store of righteousness in the place where no one can take it away.

She fears no loss of status or any of life’s necessities, as she knows God is in total control and always oversees all events and happenings, so her faith does not waver in the face of any kind of adversity. The knowledge that God is the sovereign king over all, and his power complete, is the foundation stone of every day, making every encounter with other people, an opportunity to demonstrate the purpose and mercy of God.

The gifts she has been given are committed to Christ, using them to full extent for his sake and for the benefit of those outside His fellowship. All areas of skill and the wide variety of abilities God gives, grow and develop, so that she becomes a person of trust, obedience and love. Her family become blessed because of her, and there is plenty of room for those who are in need, so that all who seek spiritual nourishment and friendship, can shelter near her refuge in Christ. She has learned to relate to anyone who should come into her circle of friends and those who least seem to fit, become accepted and encouraged.

This woman’s lifestyle is after Christ, and only Him, and her eyes daily watch him, listen to him. Every prayer is a seeking after His likeness, so that all within her being, is conformed to His self. She herself is daily denied the cravings of selfish wanting, and those she interacts with in daily life recognize the likeness of Christ’s character in all her thinking, speaking and doing. All beliefs, attitudes and prejudices become subject to His perfect law and lifestyle.

No other person is worth following in comparison to the Master, and even those who are regarded as worthy or worth listening to, seem vacuous, inconsistent and flawed. To be like Him is her true and constant delight, but costs her everything in terms of this world. Yet the realization of the value and sheer delight of knowing the presence of Christ, renders everything devoid of joy without Him.

As she lifts her eyes to Him, looks into His gracious face of love, all human and earthly activity pales and fades away, leaving only love for Christ and love for others, with the certain hope that one day, she will see Him with her own eyes, and be truly like Him, showing His glory, in the clarity of peace, love and humility…

The woman of noble character…Proverbs 31

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

“O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer
This is my constant longing and prayer
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of life’s pleasures
Jesus Thy perfect likeness to bear…
O to be like Thee!
O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art.
Come in my weakness, come in Thy fullness
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart…”
Thomas Chisholm (1860)