Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman

This is another Bible study that I found here!

What does chayil actually mean? It is more than simply virtuous, according to this study. This word also means capable and intelligent (Amplified Bible) while Strong's Hebrew Dictionary says that this word would describe someone who possesses a certain strength, might, and power.

I don't know about you, but I would love to be described with these terms!

And as I read on, boy does it hit home! As a Proverbs 31 woman, I need to be one who spends time with the Lord getting ready for the daily tasks that I am given, just like Mary, sister of Martha, at the feet of Jesus. I'm doing fantastically with this during the summer when I have lots of time at my disposal, but when I'm working and we're running every night?? I'll readily admit that my time with the Lord falls by the wayside.

This statement sums it up well:

Sometimes, it is easy to be so busy running around doing things for God, that you forget all He really wants is your heart.

God wants our hearts, not just our time spent doing. He needs us to spend time with him UNDISTRACTED. Oooh, that is a hard one for me!! When I spend time with the Lord without being distracted by other things, He can give me all I need to do my daily tasks. But if I don't give Him my undivided attention, is all of His message going to get through? Certainly not!

Discussion questions:
1. Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?
Not so much my plan but definitely my worth as a wife and mother. Our society is SO bad to make us think we can do it all...be great at work, a fantastic wife, and a doting mother. But that is not easy to do! I can do well at being a wife and mother when I don't have my job to distract me, but we gotta pay the bills, don't we?! Here is the thing that is so true but so easy to forget: when I let go of my time with God, I'm entering my day without a safety net. Without a map. Without that calm reassurance that He is with me. Why, oh why, are we so willing to drop this to the side and not see IT as the most important part of the day?!

Ok, I'm off on a tangent here!

2. Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?
Hee hee, I got ahead of myself didn't I? Yes, I do! See #1!

3. Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?
Yes and no...I'm not ever gonna be the most domestic thing ever, but you know what? Chris and God both love me for who I am. I don't need to try to be someone I'm not. I need to do my best at what I am, for God created this in ME!

4. What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?
I need to take some of the time I spend doing 'me' things...surfing the net, watching tv, and spend it with the Lord--and truly, this will benefit me so much more! It may mean that I have to get up a little earlier or give up a few things that I like to do, but I need to do it! If my priorities are straight and I give God the time He deserves, it will make the rest of the pieces of the puzzle fit so much better!