The Accomplished Woman – #11

Is the accomplished woman a superwoman?

Let’s be very honest here. Sometimes as a woman, when you read Proverbs 31 at face value, it can be disheartening. When you read about all the accomplishments of this woman you may think, “Are you kidding me? Who in the world is really able to do all this?” Look at the skills she operates in from verses 13-22.

13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands

14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.

15 She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.

20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

You have to admit that this is certainly not the picture of a lazy, selfish woman. Quite the contrary. This is the portrait of a loving, caring, giving lady.

I think the key to this whole passage is the word “willingly.” This word is talking about this lady’s heart. It speaks of the fact that she is willing to do what it takes to make her family successful.

I don’t think all the things listed here are necessarily a “to do” list that you have to follow. These attributes tell us about the assorted and eclectic gifts that can flow through a woman that is willing to serve God and her family.

I personally don’t know any woman who does all these things. I certainly don’t. But I do know many dedicated, committed, loving women who operate in the unique talents and giftings that God has given them.
Another thing I want to point out about this multi-faceted woman: three times it talks about how she touches others with her hands. In the Hebrew language, the word “hand” is yad. Some of the meanings of this word are associated with power or direction.

This woman’s direction and power in life are plainly displayed by her hands. I believe the starting point of this passage; the beginning point of becoming this woman we truly are called to be; is when we lift our hands in praise to God. The lifting of our hands is an exhibition of our love and surrender to the Lord.

Psalm 141:2 (NLT) Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.

When you lift your hands to Him first and make yourself an offering; or when you direct your heart and desires to be HIS heart and desires; you then empower your hands to be productive.

Psalm 18:34 (NLT) He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.

I’m privileged to know several women who love Jesus and operate in their unique giftings; some young, some old. I’ve learned from and been inspired by all of them.

This one thing I do know is that this is a lifetime venture. It’s a journey that we continue to grow in. None of us will look like her overnight.  But we have the best trainer and coach you could possibly have helping us to become this “Accomplished Woman.” His name is the Holy Spirit.

Over the next few days, I will break these scriptures down and comment on them.
But in answer to the question I began with; Is the “Accomplished Woman” a superwoman? Well, yes. She can be with Jesus inside; because, you see, He is SUPERnatural!!!!

Oh, that just makes me want to tell Him I love him!