The Softest Whisper Changed Me

As I finished wiping the kitchen counter at 10:15 last night, realizing that I had been up since 5:00am and had a couple of hours of work left to do before I could go to bed, I began to feel sorry for myself. I was tired, my back ached, and I longed to slump into bed with a book and relax for a few minutes. But in that moment of self-pity, I was blessed (and challenged). With the softest whisper, the Lord asked me, "what is a wife of noble character?"

What is a wife of noble character?

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

I was humbled. What an amazing woman. What an inspiration. What an example. I'm sure there were many moments when she was exhausted and wished she could take a break. But she didn't. She was noble. She walked in obedience, even when it was hard.

In that moment I was reminded that I too am walking in obedience. I have no doubt that by caring for my husband and child, I am fulfilling God's call on my life. Sure, some days are going to be difficult, and that's okay. He warns us that, when we are following His plan for our life, we will encounter hardship. But He also assures us that He will walk beside us during those difficult times.

So, with that gentle whisper, I choose to embrace the hardship, giving thanks that He has entrusted me with this life.

Lord, give me the strength to walk in obedience. Continue to remind me that this life is not about me, but about bringing glory to You. Transform me into a wife of noble character. May I honor You in everything that I do.