Growing Into the Person God Created Me to Be
Evening Scripture
Proverbs, Chapter 31
The sayings of King Lemuel — an inspired utterance his mother taught him. Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel — it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 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.
Evening Reflection
Have you ever encountered a season of change and thought, Why am I not where I want to be?” From education to careers or callings and relationships, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others, or even former versions of ourselves. Not only that, it’s as if we expect instant transformation on demand.
When we operate in this way, we have to admit it’s frustrating. No matter how hard we work, it’s still never good enough. But what if God never asked us to be anyone except the person He created us to be?
When you think about your life, what areas are you still growing in? Are there places where you wish growth would happen faster? I know there often is for me. But instead of putting myself down, I’m learning that growth is a process. The person God created me to be has many different seasons, but they’re all still me. And guess what? They’re all still you, too.
I used to hate when people would compare themselves to the Proverbs 31 woman. Not because she wasn’t admirable, she was, but because becoming her felt impossible. The reality is, the Proverbs 31 woman wasn’t born this way. But over time, she became her.
The next time you’re tempted to compare yourself to others, or even former or future versions of yourself, reflect on these questions:
What qualities is God developing in me right now?
Where have I seen growth in my life over the past year?
Am I focusing more on my shortcomings or God's faithfulness?
Though a lengthy passage, Proverbs 31 reminds us that God develops strength, wisdom, and character over time. Spiritual growth is a process, not a destination, and no matter what, our identity is found in who God created us to be, not in our achievements. God is still working in us even when we can't see immediate results. God is still working in us, even if we don’t like the versions of ourselves we presently are.
Tonight, as you prepare for rest, don’t knock yourself down for who you aren’t; remember who you’re still becoming. Then, ask yourself these questions
How have I seen God's hand shaping me recently?
What expectations do I need to surrender to Him?
How can I trust God's timing for my growth?
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Tonight, I want to thank you for creating me with purpose. Instead of seeing the Proverbs 31 woman as a threat or an impossible goal, let me see her as someone I can become and grow into over time. I surrender my desire to rush the process of growth, and I trust the work you’re doing in my life. Help me to rest in your love and grace as you continue to shape me. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Agape, Amber
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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