SWHW Bible Reading Plan: November 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Audra Haney:

As women called to worthy work, I believe one of the most dangerous and pervasive lies of the enemy is the lie that we must pursue our call, solely in our own effort.  

The lie that our talents, our motivation, our resources, our organizational skills, and/or our charisma can carry us puts us on dangerous ground.  We need to pause and take inventory because any Instagram platitude, motivational speaker, or sermon for that matter that points us to self-sufficiency instead of our Savior’s sufficiency is from the pit of hell. 

It is true that we have a role to play in Kingdom ministry (and we should stay faithful to that call) but I like to think of myself as simply a pipeline. A pipeline is not nourishing to a society. But, pipelines can carry water to entire cities. Pipelines are usually hidden. But, they work daily to provide benefits on our behalf. Pipelines do have a job to do, but their job is simple: they stay in the right position and they stay open.

The point is, if we can remember that we are simply the conduit of God’s love to a broken world, we relieve both the burden of carrying too heavy a load while also removing the temptation to feel prideful about our abilities. But, more importantly, when turbulent times rock our lives, we can remember the true source of our strength.

Paul employs beautiful imagery for this idea: 

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Sister, you are good enough, strong enough, and worthy of success. Just remember that we are only good because we are made new, valuable because we are redeemed, and strong when we are weak. 

Never forget that you have a royal identity that was bought with a crown of thorns.

And, never forget that your success may look like a hidden, daily cross that receives the eternal applause of Heaven. 

Jesus, I am so guilty of striving and trying to do things in my own strength. Thank You that You are my strength, my source, my shield, and my Savior. Apart from You, I can do nothing. Help me to listen to You, stay close to You, stay open to how and when You want me to work, and to work from an overflow of Your love in my life. Amen.