The work of a pillar is to support a building and more often than not, pillars go unnoticed. When the magnificence or splendour of a house is mentioned, mostly it is in reference to the visible (design) – doors, windows, the roof, colours and rare attention on the pillars.

BUT……….a woman who fears the Lord is to be PRAISED, (Proverbs 31:30).

¬ Try praising your wife even if it does frighten her at first!¬ Anonymous

PILLARS OF/IN:

i. SINCERE FAITH: Timothy received his SINCERE FAITH from his GRANDMOTHER and MOTHER: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother LOISE and in your mother EUNICE and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

ii. COURAGE & WITNESS: While all the men were hiding, women delivered the greatest NEWS the world has ever heard – “He is not here: He has risen!” (Luke 24:1-6)

iii. MINISTRY: They supported Jesus and the Disciples in their ministry.

Mary Magdalene, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager, Susanna and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.  (Luke 8:2)

iv. SYMPATHY: When all men were hiding women cared for Jesus needs at his lowest moment when on His way to crucifixion. “They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there.”  (Mark 15:41)

v. EMPATHY: Only women and one disciple stood at the cross when He was in Great Pain ‘feeling’ with him. Following to the END. “Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. v26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved…..” (John 19:25)

vi. ADVICE/TEACHING: For moulding children and kings.

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8, 6:20)

“The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1)

What was the advice to King Lemuel: (Proverbs 31: 2-9) Not to spend his strength on women, his vigour on those who ruin kings, wine is not for kings nor beer for rulers, for it makes them to forget their decrees, thus depriving the oppressed justice or right. He was advised to speak up and judge fairly, and to defend the rights of the poor and the needy.

vii. PROVIDENCE & CARE: Each year Hannah would provide Samuel her son with a little robe.

“But Samuel was ministering before the Lord—a boy wearing a linen ephod. v19 Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 2:18)

viii. LEADERSHIP: Judge, Prophet, Worshipers, Deacons

Judges 4 and 5 talk of Deborah who was not only a judge, but also a prophet.

Miriam picked up worship instruments and lead worship after crossing the red sea, (Exodus 15:20). Miriam is also mentioned as a leader of the nation along with Moses and Aaron (Micah 6:4).

Phoebe the deacon (Romans 16:1)

ix. BUSINESS: Businesswomen

Lydia was a merchant who responded to the Gospel of Christ in Philippi and offered hospitality to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:14-15), and later on believers at her home, (Act 16:40).

x. INTERCESSORS: Praying for their children.

“A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” (Matthew 15:220)

x. RISK TAKING: Against ungodly orders:

“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” (Hebrews 11:23)

For the love of her people, Queen Esther said: “And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” (Esther 4:16)

IF YOU ENCOUNTER SUCH A WOMAN/WOMEN

“Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31)

¬By Chaplain Stephen¬