We were driving the other day and my 6 year old son proceeded to tell me that when I get old there was this stuff he saw on Television\u00a0that I could use to take the wrinkles away. \u00a0I sat in the front seat stifling a laugh and thanking him for his concern.\u00a0 But I found myself wondering about the quality of my skin. Do I have wrinkles? Is it time to invest in more effective skin products? I think of the days where I have a pile of clothes on my bed because all of the shirts I have tried to wear that day just\u00a0didn’t\u00a0look right. I think of my daughter, who will be ten later this month, preparing for the day in the mornings and taking a good amount of time doing so because she wants to get everything just right. We want to be lovely, we want to be captivating. \u00a0We question our inner \u201cloveliness\u201d in addition to our outer beauty. How do I come across to others? Do I display the traits of a Proverbs 31 woman? \u00a0We are always questioning a loveliness that was once natural and automatic or women.<\/p>\n
Biting that apple changed everything\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n How often do I find myself taking matters into my own hands? How often do I find myself telling God that I put all of my faith in Him to give me the life He wants me to have, but then I \u201ctake matters into my own hands\u201d? Speaking for myself, the answer is far\u00a0more often then I would like to admit.<\/p>\n \u00a0Proverbs 19:21<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Many plans are in a man\u2019s mind, but it is the Lord\u2019s purpose for him that will stand.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n This scripture brings me such peace, no matter what plans we may have, or how much we try to be in control, God\u2019s plans for our life will come to pass. And He plans for us to be lovely and captivating.<\/p>\n The implications of the curse can be intimidating; they do not paint a very promising picture.\u00a0 But we cannot allow this to deter us. \u00a0Yes, we women do have vulnerabilities…we do have the habit of wanting to control situations…we are affected by relational issues, but where we are weak,\u00a0He is strong.<\/p>\n \u00a02 Corinthians 12:9-10<\/strong><\/p>\n But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>My<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>strength<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed)<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>show themselves most effective<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>infirmities, that the strength<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!<\/b><\/p>\n So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>distresses; for when I am weak ]<\/sup>in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>in divine strength).<\/b><\/p>\n Rest assured God knew what was going to happen; He knew what the outcome would be. He also knew that, despite the curse and despite the fallout from the bite, we would be beautiful!\u00a0\u00a0We would be—and are—captivating<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n With love,<\/strong><\/p>\n Tonya<\/p>\n _______________________________________________<\/p>\n Let\u2019s Pray:<\/strong><\/p>\n Dear Lord, we wonder about the opinions of others…we question our inner and outer beauty…we worry about looking right and acting right. We are vulnerable, and like to take matters into our own hands. Please help us to remember that where we are weak, You are strong.\u00a0 Help us to keep our eyes focused on You, and remember that Your plan for our life was written before Eve took that bite.\u00a0 And that Your plan will happen. Thank you for making us beautiful and captivating, Lord. \u00a0In Jesus’ name, we pray. \u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n Your Assignment:<\/strong><\/p>\n I have the habit of taking matters into my own hands, or trying to that is. This week I am going to intentionally give everything to God. I carry a journal with me. So when a situation comes up, and I get that urge to take care of it, I am going to write it down…pray…and give it to God. I encourage you to do this. You can use your phone, a notebook, or whatever you are comfortable with.<\/p>\n _______________________________________________<\/p>\n