“When she was perfect, beautiful, and innocent, I found no toehold where I could connect with Eve. When she was tempted by her flesh, humbled by her sin, and redeemed by her God, I could sing out, ‘Oh, sister Eve! Can we talk?’”
Bad Girls of the Bible has been a compelling read for me, and a pleasant surprise. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations, although I’m not really sure why, but God continues to mold me and teach me the important lesson that I can’t judge a book by its cover, no pun intended. The Lord has ministered to my heart a great deal through each Bad Girl’s story. I so resonate with the above quote, so it gives me great comfort in knowing that even the few that God saw fit to make the final cut of His Word had pasts, baggage, and their lives were filled with failures just like mine. Again, we see the value and the importance of sharing our stories because a story of a life lived, good or bad, has the potential to impact us greatly.
I am currently going through this book with my girls small group. I love the discussion that this book fosters, and I feel as if each week we walk away with a fresh understanding and a firmer grip on God’s Word than before, and that my friends is all that matters. I’m not only experiencing a change within myself as I’m challenged each week by one of the ten women’s stories that are highlighted in this book, but I’m blessed to witness the lives of my girls being changed. God’s Word is rich and intriguing, and it’s full of captivating, real life stories that are not only relatable but also relevant. Far too often, the world is used as the measuring tool for what is relevant and what is not. Girls, God’s Word is relevant, it’s sufficient, and it’s all that we need. We all have issues, but isn’t it somehow comforting to know that so did Eve, the mother of all creation who literally walked with God in the garden? I love the stories of redemption from lives of sin, like those of Rahab and the Woman at the Well. I’m tremendously encouraged and motivated to trust in the Lord fully and refuse to lean on my own understanding when I read the stories of Michal and Lot’s Wife. I’m convicted beyond measure to become a wife of noble character when I read about Delilah and Potiphar’s Wife. God’s Word changes us. Sometimes it’s through an amazing promise such as “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 Other times, it’s through a story of a woman just like you, just like me that moves you closer to the heart of God.
I want to share with you a few highlights that I learned as I read this book. May these points of conviction for me propel you forward in your walk with Christ and spark your faith in Him more and more.
1. Know God’s Word so you won’t be fooled. It’s not simply enough to have a vague understanding. Satan uses my weaknesses against me. Let’s not be weak in our knowledge of God’s Word! Rather, let’s become women who have God’s Word written on our hearts so that when temptation comes, we can stand firm on what we know to be true.
2. Be prepared at all times. I never know when temptation will rear its ugly head, but when it does I can be ready to resist it. The days are evil. Choose to live wisely and pursue godliness.
3. Delayed obedience is disobedience. When God speaks, my immediate response should be obedience to whatever He’s calling me to do. The more I readily walk in obedience, the deeper my trust in Him will be.
4. Thirst is a gift from God. My thirst serves as a reminder to me of my need to be satisfied. I want to be one that falls into the category of “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
5. My words need to be uplifting and edifying towards my husband. What I say to him and about him matter a great deal, and my words have the power to injure or to heal. I want to be a minister of healing in my home.
6. Living a life of integrity is a priceless quality. I should be in private the kind of woman I am in public. When no one is watching, I must remember that God still sees.
7. My sorted past does not determine my future. God will use any heart that is willing, and when He chooses to use the least likely which He often does, He is glorified fully.
8. Generational sin can end with me. I am not forced to follow in the footsteps of those before me who rejected God and turned from Him.
9. Sin builds a wall between me and God, and nothing stops my worship faster than unconfessed sin. Confess, repent, and then enter into His presence with thanksgiving.
10. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are God’s aroma to this world. How do you smell?
You have a phenomenal gift! I have truly enjoyed your posts. Thanks!