It’s time for another recap of my journaling through Illustrated Faith’s monthly devotional, this time for the month of April, which was called Proverbs 31.
In a previous post, I shared my reflections from March’s devotional – Joyful Obedience. These recaps are a collection of the same reflections that I share on Instagram, but sometimes with a bit more detail added.
The author of this devotional is Shawna Cardona. She takes us through Proverbs 31 and shares encouragement and wisdom about being women who live from an identity that is rooted in who God, our Maker, says we are.
The Proverbs 31 woman is clothed in Strength
As someone who struggles with chronic anemia, and the resulting fatigue, when I read the list of achievements by the Proverbs 31 woman, I feel exhausted just imagining all that she does.
So, I was encouraged by the reminder in the devotional to “be in awe of how God used and gifted the Proverbs 31 woman”. It is He who calls us to these varying roles and He who enables us to do them well by His strength. He equips us with His strength.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Proverbs 31:25
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Therefore, we can rest in Him; rely on Him and be led for His glory. We can be still and know His strength. We can be mighty in whatever He calls us to because He is our Almighty God!
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
For these pages, I used and took inspiration from Mary Wangerin’s printable set in Illustrated Faith’s Print & Pray shop called “Mixed Media Moments” in addition to the kit ephemera. It was fun to play with some paint.
The Proverbs 31 woman is worshipful
The Proverbs 31 woman is worshipful because she sees God and is filled with awe & wonder.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Shawna reminds us that awe begins with a fear of God; that is, a reverence, respect, and adoration for God. The more we focus on the character of God, the more we are moved to be in awe of Him.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered
Psalm 105:3-5
What’s moving me today is the remembrance of His sacrifice for our salvation.
Did you see Him ascend that hill? Did you hear Him say He’ll take our place?
We know what He’s done and we know what He’s promised to do. Are we aware of how He’s rescuing us even now? Focusing on His character helps us to see, with eyes of faith, what He’s doing today towards that promised future.
The Proverbs 31 woman is diligent, prudent, and generous
The Proverbs 31 woman is diligent and prudent for she knows her purpose, understands her gifting, and believes the time is so very short.
She works diligently – earnestly, with intention and delight; as unto God.
She uses the time and her energy prudently – sensibly, wisely; praying continually while He may be found.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Shawna reminds us that living with diligence and prudence allows us to then be generous. It enables us to give freely of what He’s freely given to us. And we can; because He is diligent.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
We have been made new; crucified with Christ and resurrected to new life. But, do our lives give evidence of this newness?
The sanctification process is so humbling! I’m learning to live with grace, from grace, and also extend that to others. It’s Christ in me, and Christ through me. What kindness from the Father that this is even possible!
Be diligent in doing good. Be prudent and do it today.
Be generous and pass on the grace He’s given.
A gracious woman gets honour.. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:16, 24-25
The Proverbs 31 woman is wise
The Proverbs 31 woman is wise because she fears God; she reveres His holiness and loves His name.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26
She abides in Truth and lives by wisdom.
She speaks with wisdom – gracious, life-giving words regarding righteousness; spoken loudest in the fruitful life she’s living for His glory.
Don’t strive, beloved, but rest. It is He who does this, in and through us, as we abide in Him.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom… the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James 3:13, 17
The Proverbs 31 woman is a blessing
Lastly, the Proverbs 31 woman is a blessing to her family and community; for she delights in being His hands and feet.
She blesses others by being salt and light to those around her. It’s important to note that these instructions, to be salt and light, follows The Beatitudes and so their meaning is in relation to that.
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
Matthew 5:13-16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
She is a blessing because she lives as one who is highly favoured and joyfully shares the abundance of what she is given. Her God be exalted!!
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
This was such an amazing and timely devotional, and I was so blessed by it! I hope you are too, from reading this recap.
You can check out the #IF_Proverbs31 hashtag on Instagram for more inspiration. Also, visit IllustratedFaith.com for the kit (if still available), the digital version and/or any related products. Stay tuned for May’s recap, on living a fruitful life, coming soon!
