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Does God Have a Plan for Women? by Scarlett Stephenson God first began to deal with me on the topic of women some time ago, as I was preparing to teach a message on His willingness to heal the physical body. I was reading in Mark 5:25-34 where the verses describe Jesus ministering to the woman with the issue of blood. According to verse 26, she “had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.” Ultimately, the woman heard about Jesus, came and touched the hem of His garment, and immediately virtue flowed out of Jesus to heal her. As I read this powerful passage, the Spirit of God spoke to me specifically about the word virtue in verse 30. Actually, as I read those words, the Lord spoke in my heart, asking, 'Do you know the meaning of virtue?' “Well, I think it means power,” I replied. Immediately, He reminded me of Proverbs 31:10. 'Do you know that a virtuous woman is a powerful woman?' His simple, yet profound, questions led me into a new study that altogether changed my perspective of the virtuous woman. Without realizing it, I had developed the misconception that the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 was weak, mousy and introverted. In many ways, she seemed outdated and out of touch compared to the woman of today. But as God began to reveal to me the power this virtuous woman possessed, my opinion changed dramatically. I became engrossed in her lifestyle and overwhelmed with her remarkable accomplishments and outstanding qualities. In fact, as I began to study and meditate on this text, I grew more and more astounded by the woman’s strength and power. I began to realize that she demonstrated an extraordinary love for her family and attained an impressive level of financial prosperity, all the while tremendously impacting her community. I began to desire this very same kind of power in my own life. Most importantly, I began to realize that this same virtue—defined as strength, might, force and wealth—is available to every woman who remains vitally attached to Jesus. I understood that a virtuous woman is a woman full of God’s power. A Virtuous Woman In Proverbs 31:10, the question is asked: “Who can find a virtuous woman?” The question itself implies that finding a virtuous woman might not be an easy task. “Her price is far above rubies,” it says, suggesting she is a rare find. Nevertheless, some harbor misconceptions of what characterizes a virtuous woman. There are those who read Proverbs 31 and say things like, “I can’t possibly attain to this level of perfection. Who can live up to the performance of this woman of virtue?” Then there are others who wonder where such a woman finds her energy and stamina. Still other women resent the virtuous woman for raising such a high standard for the rest of us to attain. *** article continues on next page *** Scarlett Stephenson...is the senior pastor of Goodness of God Church in Panama City, Fla. She is also the founder of Grace Counseling Center where she counsels those struggling with depression, anxiety and other soulish issues. In her book, God Loves Women, she declares God’s great desire to empower His daughters. For more information, please visit goodnessofgodchurch.com. BVOV : 19