A WOMAN OF STRENGTH KNOWS THESE THINGS:

1. SHE KNOWS NOT TO LET 'FEARS' DICTATE HER RESPONSES AND REACTIONS.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus didn't let her fears get the best of her. "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to YOUR Word" (Luke 1:38). She was a woman who only wanted God's will for her life. She could have feared the potential reaction of others in being a pregnant virgin. She could've shared her fears with her cousin Elizabeth when she visited her, but instead, they both rejoiced over this magnificent miracle of God!

Fears can take on many faces in life. Sometimes 'Fears' creep in when we are challenged. Sometimes a woman can become fearful when she feels threatened. Perhaps she is afraid of the influence another woman seems to be having in the realm of similar talents and gifts. Out of fear she begins to dislike, hate, and sow discord among other women, and encourage them to turn on this particular person who poses a threat. This type of stuff happens on the job, in families and in the church, unfortunately.

God has given each woman certain particulars that no one else has in that way. His desire and will for us is that we hone in on what ever that is and work it for His honor and glory. A woman of strength knows better than to let 'Fears' control her responses and reactions to others.

2. SHE KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE AUTHORITY!

Esther did the thing that was needed even when her very life depended on it. She stood in the gap for her people who were hated and rejected. She sacrificed and put her life on the line. She did not abuse her position of authority, as wife of the king. She had some power and she used it for God!

How many times have we seen women abuse the authority they were given? Some used it to advance themselves and for other selfish reasons, while others used it to exclude and keep out the other women. How we treat others says a lot about us!

Esther knew that her actions would affect all the others in the nation of Israel. Her uncle Mordecai told her that just because she had the position as Queen, didn't exempt her from the destruction against the Jews. Would to God that we as women understood that simple, yet profound thought! If we use power and authority granted to us to do evil, we too will suffer the consequences. NOBODY WINS!

3. SHE KNOWS THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE GOOD UNDERSTANDING!

A woman who had beauty and brains, with humility, was Abigail. She was able to encourage David in the moment of his fierce wrath to look beyond her husband, Nabal's, fooled hearted evil words. She had wisdom and discernment and spoke to David about his upcoming kingship and how not to spoil it exacting revenge on her husband.

It is better to be a wise and discerning person! These are attributes that money can't buy. A woman of good understanding will go far! David was no fool! He saw her worth and when her fool of a husband died, he married her!

4. SHE KNOWS HOW TO BE FOCUSED AND DEDICATED IN EVERYTHING SHE PUTS HER HANDS TO DO!

Dorcas used everything God had given to her. She didn't spend time looking at what other women were achieving. She took what God so graciously placed in her hands and went to work.

We accomplish nothing when we spend time gaping at the skills, talents, or gifts of others. We simply waste time! We rob ourselves of the blessings God is holding in His hand with our names on it. We are actually saying to God that He made a mistake or that He failed to give us anything useful! This is an out right offense to God. Be about your own business!

4. SHE KNOWS THAT THE KEY TO HER SUCCESS IS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OTHERS!

The Virtuous Woman knew how to meet the needs of her maids within her household. She was kind and caring. She recognized that she made the entire household stronger simply by providing for her maids. She also knew that to tare down another woman would essentially tare down the whole house, so she, instead, chose to strengthen the hands of her maids.

Ladies, when will we ever get this? To malign another woman, to hate on her, to speak evil against her, to plot and scheme against her, to get others to gang up against her, to curse her or to ostracize her is to tare down the whole house!!!!!

God seeks to honor women who honor Him! He seeks to bless and elevate women who know how to handle themselves and their stuff. Let's rise to the occasion and make God proud that He made us women!