W@w - Women@work For God

Have you ever stopped to consider what it truly means when we say that we were created in God’s image and likeness? That we are a reflection of our Creator? That we are like Him? Would that cause you to act differently? To look at yourself differently? To look at and treat those around you differently?   Genensis 1:27 (NIV): "God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female."

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see ‘not good enough’, ‘not pretty enough’, ‘so many flaws’, ‘so many failures’? Why do we listen to what the world tells us about who we should be, how we should look, and how we should act? Please stop... let’s step back into the beginning. The bible says God spoke creation into existence (through the power of His word). But then He did something extraordinary – He formed man from the dust. He FORMED us. Just as a potter uses clay to create something beautiful, God formed and created each one of us by HAND. He got CLOSE and very PERSONAL. He had a divine design for your life... Oh... and it is spectacular! He was intentional when He made you!   Psalm 139: 13-15 (MSG): "Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God - you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration - what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was

Joy is defined as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune; or by the prospect of possessing what one desires”. A worker is defined as “a person who is actively involved in a particular activity”. How wonderful would it be if we could be defined as joyful workers in our Father God’s service? That is what would enable us to reflect an intentional God-first, Christ-led, Holy Spirit-inspired fulfilled life, that is an act of worship and thanksgiving to our Lord and a blessing to others.   Psalms 100: 1-2 (MSG): "On your feet now—applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence..."

A God-first, Christ-led, Holy Spirit-inspired life is all about being intentional with how we spend our days. Intentional living is underpinned by simplification, good discretion, understanding and discernment in all circumstances; and in living a disciplined life. The book of proverbs teaches us that wisdom cannot be separated from discipline. Discipline is needed to obey God’s instructions, and to be intentional with our time and with what we do. That is what finally cultivates wisdom in our hearts. Being wise and in right standing with God ultimately leads to His gifts of protection, favour and blessing.   Psalms 90:12 (NIV): “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Victory comes from TRUSTING and OBEYING God! Do you truly trust and believe that nothing is impossible for our Father? That you can be victorious in anything because of Jesus?   Deuteronomy 1:8: "See, I have placed the land before you; go in and possess the land which the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to them and their descendants after them."

Let us be determined to daily give our lives - our eating, sleeping, drinking, working, EVERYTHING - in total surrender to our Father God. And let’s always have a smile on our faces - reflecting Jesus' light in us.   Romans 12:1-2 (MSG): “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering…”  

Are you worried, stressed, lonely, discouraged, or just tired? There is only one place where we can find true rest and peace, where we can refresh ourselves and find the courage we need to boldly step out and become all that God created us to be. That is in the presence of our Father God. True happiness only comes from living in the Shadow of our amazing Father.   Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV): "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

Let us live from a place where we truly believe that God is our strength. In and through His power that is at work in us, nothing is impossible!   Psalms 18:1-2 (MSG): “I love you, GOD - you make me strong. GOD is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God - the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.”  

What does it mean to live a God-first, Christ-led, Holy Spirit-inspired life?   Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”