What is thriving as Christian women?
As Christians, we have an amazing chance to spread hope and light to a world that sometimes feels dark and bleak. We are blessed to be able to show God’s love and grace to those around us. Let’s take full advantage of this opportunity and remember that the Christian life is about more than going to church and participating in religious activities; it’s about actively embracing and living our faith every day.
Thrive defined
When most people think of thriving, they think of a person who is rich, successful. But true thriving is so much more - it's about growing and developing as a person. Thriving is the act of flourishing, growing, and developing. It is more than simply existing; it is actively engaging in life and working towards one’s goals. Thriving is about overcoming obstacles and finding joy in the process. The word "thrive" is defined as “prosper, succeed, grow, and develop as a person.” It is a fulfilling journey of growth, success, and personal development that can lead to a truly rewarding life.
Psalm 52:8 NIV
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
Psalm 115:14
May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children.
- Thriving as a Christian woman is recognizing that accepting salvation is just the first step of a journey to be more like Christ.
Accepting the salvation that is offered to all is a glorious first step. It secures heaven for you. Sadly, that is where a lot of Christians stop. A thriving Christian woman though wants more she thirsts after righteousness, she meditates on God’s words. She wants to rob hell and populate heaven. To do that we must grow. We do not want to be babies in Christ forever we are to grow up and as it states in 1 Corinthians 14:20 “…stop thinking as children. In regard to evil be infants but in your thinking be mature.” We start as babies in Christ but as we desire the sincere milk of the word we should grow. And as we grow our fruit should manifest in our life, our faith should be growing more and more and our love for one another should be increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
This path is not always an easy path, but it is path that leads to peace, joy and fulfillment of purpose in God.
3. Thriving as a Christian woman is trusting God's plan and finding joy in the journey -
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
For many women, being a Christian is more than just following a set of rules. It is a way of life that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. We may make mistakes and stumble along the way, but we must never forget that God has a beautiful plan for our lives and is always willing to guide us. It is so much easier to trust God when you know His character and attributes. When we let our God guide us when we let His words lamp unto our feet and be a light unto our path we can and we are able trust God to do what He does and the relax into the plans He has for us and then we can find joy in the journey. I love the definition of joy from Tony Evans Bible Commentary Joy is internal stability in spite of external circumstances because of the knowledge that God is in control. And what all might we do on that journey?
- Embrace the opportunities to live in the fullness of God's presence and being a light to others.
- Have the courage to be different and standing in the gap for those who need a friend.
- Be strong and confident in who you are and what you stand for, taking risks, forgiving and forgetting, and fighting for what is right.
- Standing firm in your faith and convictions and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
- Go out of your way to do something nice for someone else and making sacrifices for the sake of those around you.
- Step out of your comfort zone and making the most of every opportunity and situation.
- Loving and being loved and making a difference in the lives of others.
- Walking in the purpose that God has given us
- Thriving as a Christian woman is a healthy relationship with God and reflecting the heart of Christ.
John 10:14 AMP I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]
Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Thriving as a Christian woman is so much more than just doing the right things - it's also about cultivating a healthy relationship with God and others. This relationship is built on trust, love, and understanding, and can be a source of strength and joy. By nurturing this connection, we can all find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
When we live a life that reflects the heart of Christ (Love) we can be a positive influence on those around us and be good examples of what it means to be a Christian. It's not just about doing the right thing, but it's about doing the right thing for the right reason.
1 Corinthians 13:1 AMP If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. Let’s serve with love!
- Thriving as a Christian woman is perseverance & servant leadership -
Luke 22:26 AMP But it is not to be this way with you; on the contrary, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest [and least privileged], and the [one who is the] leader, like the servant.
Philippians 1:6 I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]
Persevering when things are hard is not as common as it used to be. But quitting is not an option in the race that God has put us in. There is someone needing what you bring to the table. The actions that we do day in and day out in private and in public add up to our witness. It is said we may be the first bible someone reads. Our leadership our perseverance all should point to Christ.
You might be thinking I am not a leader. Let me stop you there and say you are. If you are a mother, you are a leader. If you are working or serving or living, you are a leader there is someone watching you and taking note of how you do what you do. The way you keep getting back up when knocked down, the way you stay on the assignment God has given you, the way you keep learning and growing despite things not changing the way you keep serving with compassion despite stretched finances, shaky relationships and internal healing going on that is all persistence. And can I take a moment and applaud you!!
What is servant leadership? It is recognizing that…
- We should love all.
- We should be humble.
- We should have integrity.
- We should steward what we have been blessed with well.
- We should be flexible to what and how God leads.
Servant leadership is kingdom not culture and in doing so you push forward the kingdom of God little by little each time you choose to do so.
Thriving as Christian women being Proverbs 31 women -
Proverbs 31:10 AMP An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
The Bible provides a beautiful definition of what it means to be a thriving Christian woman. The Proverbs 31 woman is a persevering, servant leader who has virtue and integrity and lives out her faith in all aspects of her life. She radiates the love of Christ to those around her.
Thriving as Christian women is embracing being the daughters of the King -
As women, we are the nurturers and the caregivers, the bearers of life and the defenders of the home. We are the lifeblood of the church, the foundation of the family, and the secret to a man's success. But we also deserve to be nurtured and cared for, protected and defended and loved and encouraged. (Thank you God for always doing so) We need to know our worth and value, and that we are more than just our physical beauty or our ability to bear children. We are more than a wife, more than a mother, and more than a woman - we are daughters of the King. As such, we need to treasure, protect, and defend who we are. We also need to be strong and courageous, and confident and secure in what we stand for. No matter our age, our marital status, or our children, we are all daughters of the King and are treasured by God.
We must root our identity in the identity that our Creator has given us as we became His daughters. When we live from the affirmation of our Father, we become stronger and less likely to focus on what the world may say about us.
Thriving as a Christian woman is about living life with intention and making an impact. It's about loving God and loving others and demonstrating that faith through your words and actions. It's about making a lasting difference in this world and being a woman of God who has the power to make a difference. It's about living with purpose and inspiring those around you - it's the ultimate way to thrive.