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BIBLICAL WISDOM
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." - Proverbs 23:7
Today I'm reflecting on the profound wisdom of Thought. It's fascinating how our entire experience of life is shaped through our thinking in each moment. Just like a projector creates images on a screen, our thoughts create our personal reality. The beautiful thing is, once we understand this, we realize we're not victims of our circumstances, but creators of our experience. When we see that our feelings and perceptions come from thought rather than external situations, it opens up incredible possibilities for peace and wellbeing. What if your struggles aren't coming from 'out there' but from your thinking about what's out there? This understanding has been transformative in my life. Would love to hear your insights on this!
Ruth's APPROACH
TO The Obstacles in Life
Ruth's Approach to Obstacles: Lessons from a Biblical Journey
Ruth's story in the Bible offers a compelling portrait of resilience in the face of daunting obstacles. As one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman, the Book of Ruth presents valuable insights into overcoming life's challenges with determination and faith.
Background: A Life Upended
Ruth's journey begins with profound loss. As a young Moabite woman, she marries into an Israelite family that had fled to Moab during a famine. When her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law all die, Ruth faces a crossroads. She could return to her people and familiar surroundings, or follow her widowed mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem, a foreign land with uncertain prospects.
Confronting Multiple Obstacles
Ruth encountered several significant challenges:
Loss and grief: The death of her husband left Ruth a young widow in ancient times, a highly vulnerable position.
Cultural displacement: By choosing to follow Naomi to Bethlehem, Ruth became a foreigner in a land that viewed Moabites with suspicion.
Economic insecurity: As women without male providers, Ruth and Naomi faced potential destitution.
Social marginalization: Ruth was an outsider—a Moabite woman in an Israelite community.
Ruth's Response to Obstacles
What makes Ruth remarkable is not the absence of obstacles but her approach to them:
Unwavering loyalty: Ruth's famous declaration to Naomi—"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16)—demonstrates her commitment to her mother-in-law despite the risks.
Proactive problem-solving: Rather than passively accepting their difficult circumstances, Ruth takes initiative by gleaning in the fields to provide food.
Dignified work ethic: Ruth labors diligently in the fields, earning respect through her hard work. Boaz notes: "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband" (Ruth 2:11).
Cultural adaptation: Ruth navigates unfamiliar customs and expectations with grace, learning new ways while maintaining her personal integrity.
Strategic thinking: Under Naomi's guidance, Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, skillfully following cultural protocols to secure a future for herself and Naomi.
The Outcome of Ruth's Approach
Ruth's response to obstacles ultimately leads to:
Provision: Her needs and those of Naomi are met through her gleaning efforts and eventually through marriage.
Integration: Ruth becomes fully accepted in the community of Bethlehem.
Legacy: She becomes the great-grandmother of King David and is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew's Gospel.
Lessons for Today
Ruth's approach to obstacles offers timeless wisdom:
Commitment matters: Ruth's loyalty to Naomi grounded her decisions and gave her purpose.
Initiative overcomes victimhood: Rather than surrendering to circumstances, Ruth actively sought solutions.
Cross-cultural bridges can be built: Ruth demonstrates how cultural differences can be navigated with respect and openness.
Character speaks volumes: Ruth's reputation for integrity preceded her and opened doors.
Faith provides foundation: Ruth's adoption of Naomi's God anchored her in uncertain times.
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Ruth's story reminds us that obstacles, while challenging, can become pathways to unexpected blessings when approached with courage, loyalty, and faith. Her journey from widowed foreigner to respected ancestor in Israel's royal lineage demonstrates that how we respond to life's obstacles often matters more than the obstacles themselves.
The Armor Of God
For Christian Women
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For women, these battles might manifest as:
- Self-doubt and negative self-image
- Comparison and competition with other women
- Overwhelming responsibilities in family, career, and community
- Cultural pressures and societal expectations
- Relational conflicts and emotional wounds
These challenges aren't merely circumstantial—they often have spiritual dimensions that require spiritual solutions.
The Belt of Truth
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist" (Ephesians 6:14a).
For women, the belt of truth anchors everything else in place. In a culture that bombards women with falsehoods about their worth, beauty, and purpose, God's truth provides an unwavering foundation. The belt of truth reminds women that:
- Your identity is secure as a daughter of God
- Your worth isn't determined by appearance, achievement, or approval
- God's promises are reliable, regardless of feelings or circumstances
Practically, putting on this belt means regularly immersing yourself in Scripture, rejecting cultural lies, and surrounding yourself with truth-speaking community.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
"...with the breastplate of righteousness in place" (Ephesians 6:14b).
The breastplate protects vital organs, particularly the heart. For women who often lead with their hearts, this protection is crucial. The righteousness referred to isn't self-righteousness but Christ's righteousness given to believers.
This piece of armor guards against:
- Guilt and shame from past mistakes
- The perfectionism trap
- Fear of judgment or criticism
When a woman puts on this breastplate, she stands confidently in her position as righteous in God's sight through Christ, regardless of past failures or present struggles.
Feet Fitted with Readiness
"...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15).
Women navigate many different terrains in life—from professional environments to family settings to community involvement. The gospel of peace provides stability and sure footing in every setting.
With prepared feet, a woman can:
- Step confidently into challenging conversations
- Walk steadily through uncertain seasons
- Stand firm when pressured to compromise values
- Move forward in her calling despite obstacles
This piece of armor enables women to bring God's peace into turbulent situations rather than absorbing the chaos around them.
The Shield of Faith
"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16).
The enemy targets women with fiery darts of doubt, worry, fear, and insecurity. The shield of faith provides active protection against these attacks.
Faith is not passive wishful thinking but active trust in God's character and promises. For women, this shield might be raised when:
- Doubts arise about God's goodness in difficult circumstances
- Fear threatens to overwhelm decisions about family, health, or future
- Comparison with others ignites insecurity
- Past disappointments tempt you to withhold trust
A woman's shield grows stronger with each battle when she witnesses God's faithfulness firsthand.
The Helmet of Salvation
"Take the helmet of salvation..." (Ephesians 6:17a).
The helmet protects the mind—a primary battleground for women who often process life deeply and thoughtfully. The assurance of salvation guards against overthinking, rumination, and mental attacks.
This piece of armor reminds women that:
- Your eternal security doesn't depend on performance
- Your mind can be renewed and transformed
- Your thoughts can be taken captive to Christ
- Your perspective can align with heaven's reality
With the helmet firmly in place, a woman can reject anxious thoughts, destructive mental patterns, and the enemy's attempts to distort her thinking.
The Sword of the Spirit
"...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17b).
Unlike the other pieces which are primarily defensive, the sword is both defensive and offensive. Women wielding this sword can actively engage in spiritual warfare rather than merely protecting themselves.
This sword becomes effective when:
- Scripture is memorized and readily available in moments of temptation
- Bible study moves beyond surface reading to deep understanding
- God's word is applied specifically to personal challenges
- Truth is spoken graciously into situations that need transformation
Women throughout history have wielded this sword effectively, bringing God's truth to bear on family situations, workplace challenges, and cultural issues.
Prayer: Activating the Armor
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18a).
Prayer isn't merely an afterthought to the armor—it's the communication system that activates and coordinates each piece. Women often excel at relational communication, making prayer a natural strength when developed intentionally.
Effective prayer as part of the armor includes:
- Consistent communication with God throughout the day
- Specific requests that align with God's purposes
- Prayers extended beyond personal needs to include others
- Listening as well as speaking to God
Putting It All On: A Daily Practice
For women juggling numerous responsibilities, developing a routine for "putting on" this armor is essential. This might include:
1. Beginning each day with acknowledgment of God's truth about your identity
2. Dedicating a few minutes to Scripture reading or meditation
3. Identifying specific areas needing protection that day
4. Speaking declarations of faith over upcoming challenges
5. Praying for protection over your mind, heart, and relationships
Sisters in Arms: The Communal Aspect
While the armor is given to individual believers, there's strength in standing together. Women supporting other women in spiritual warfare creates a powerful force. This might look like:
- Prayer partnerships for accountability and support
- Mentoring relationships between seasoned and newer believers
- Small groups for studying Scripture and sharing battles and victories
- Intentional encouragement among women facing similar challenges
Conclusion
The Armor of God provides women with everything needed to stand firm in faith amidst life's complexities. Far from restrictive, this spiritual protection empowers women to live boldly and purposefully. By daily putting on each piece, women of faith can navigate challenges with grace, advance God's kingdom with courage, and experience the peace and victory Christ offers.
As you face your unique battles, remember that the same God who designed this armor knows you intimately and stands ready to equip you for every challenge. In His strength, you are fully capable of standing firm, regardless of what comes against you.
Putting on the Armor of God: A Woman's Guide to Spiritual Warfare
In a world filled with challenges and spiritual battles, women of faith can find strength and protection in the biblical concept of the Armor of God. Described vividly in Ephesians 6:10-18, this spiritual armor isn't gender-specific—it's designed for all believers. Yet women often face unique spiritual challenges that make this divine protection particularly relevant to their lives.
Understanding the Battlefield
Before examining each piece of armor, it's essential to understand the nature of the battle. The apostle Paul clarifies, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).
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Elisha and the Widow's Oil:
Lessons in Faith and Provision
The account of Elisha and the widow with the oil, found in 2 Kings 4:1-7, is a powerful biblical narrative that illustrates divine provision in times of desperate need. This story takes place during the reign of Jehoram of Israel, one of the eleven kings who ruled during Elisha's prophetic ministry. Though brief, this narrative contains profound lessons about faith, obedience, and God's provision.
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During this tumultuous period in Israel's history, the nation was divided into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Elisha's ministry primarily took place in the northern kingdom, where idolatry and moral decline were rampant. It was in this challenging spiritual climate that the widow's story unfolds.
The Widow's Predicament
The narrative begins with a widow of one of the "sons of the prophets" (likely a member of a prophetic community) approaching Elisha in desperation. Her situation is dire:
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Her husband, who had been faithful to God, has died
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She is deeply in debt
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The creditor is coming to take her two sons as slaves to satisfy the debt
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She has nothing of value except a small jar of oil
This widow represents the vulnerable in society - those without protection, provision, or power. Her story resonates with anyone who has faced seemingly insurmountable financial difficulties or felt helpless against forces beyond their control.
Elisha's Instructions and the Miracle
Elisha responds to the widow's plea with specific instructions:
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"Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few."
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"And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones."
The widow obeys Elisha's instructions precisely, gathering many empty vessels and shutting the door before beginning to pour. As she pours from her small jar, the oil miraculously multiplies, filling vessel after vessel until she runs out of containers. The miracle stops precisely when there are no more vessels to fill.
With this supernatural provision of oil—a valuable commodity in ancient times—she is able to sell enough to pay her debts and support herself and her sons with what remains.
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This powerful story offers several enduring spiritual lessons:
1. God Sees and Responds to Individual Need
While kings and kingdoms were in upheaval, God's attention was equally focused on a destitute widow. This demonstrates that no one is too insignificant for God's notice and care. In a world of political intrigue and power struggles among the eleven kings of Elisha's era, God was still concerned with the plight of a single widow.
2. Faith Requires Action
The widow had to take several steps of faith:
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Approaching Elisha for help
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Borrowing many vessels (perhaps risking embarrassment)
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Following instructions that seemed illogical given her limited resources
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Shutting the door (acting in private faith rather than public spectacle)
Her actions demonstrated that faith is not passive but requires movement and participation in God's solution.
3. Preparation Precedes Provision
The extent of the miracle was limited only by the widow's preparation. She received as much oil as she had prepared vessels to receive. This teaches that how we prepare for God's blessing can affect how much we receive. Had she gathered fewer vessels, she would have received less provision.
4. God Works with What We Have
God didn't create oil from nothing but multiplied what the widow already had. This demonstrates how God often works through our existing resources, however meager they may seem. The miracle began with her acknowledgment of the little she had.
5. Private Obedience Leads to Public Blessing
The miracle occurred behind closed doors, in an act of private obedience, yet the results benefited the widow publicly by freeing her from debt and preserving her family. This teaches that some of our most significant spiritual experiences happen in private moments of obedience.
6. God's Provision Is Sufficient
The oil flowed until it had accomplished exactly what was needed—no more, no less. This sufficiency is a hallmark of God's provision, meeting genuine needs rather than indulging excess.
Contemporary Application
This narrative from the time of the eleven kings during Elisha's ministry continues to speak to contemporary issues:
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For those facing financial hardship, it offers hope that God sees and can provide unexpected solutions
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For those feeling insignificant amid global events, it affirms God's attention to individual lives
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For those with limited resources, it encourages utilizing what is available rather than lamenting what is lacking
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For those hesitating to act in faith, it demonstrates the connection between obedience and provision
Conclusion
The story of Elisha and the widow's oil stands as a timeless testament to God's care for the vulnerable and the power of faithful obedience. While kings rose and fell during Elisha's era, this quiet miracle in a widow's home demonstrates that God's greatest works often happen in ordinary places among ordinary people who respond to divine instruction with extraordinary faith.
In our own challenging times, the widow's experience reminds us that when we bring our needs to God, act in faithful obedience, and prepare for His blessing, we may find that what seemed like insufficient resources become more than enough in His hands.
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Please reach out so we can pray for you!
"Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine." - Kathleen Norris
"Prayer is where the action is." - John Wesley