Joyfully Feminine

Genesis 1:27, “So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them.” (NLT)

God has seen women as His precious creation since the beginning of time. He has displayed His character and traits through them and cherished them despite the way that various cultures in history have despised them. The gospel of Luke is most clear in its record of how Jesus took time to teach, heal and save women in a society that largely treated them as second class citizens. Even today, in cultures where the treatment of women is less than God’s ideal, women are regarded with much greater respect in Christian circles.

Women’s love of beauty, sensitive tenderness and desire for deep relationships all display God’s character. All it takes is one look at the spring-time blooms popping out all around us to know that God loves beauty. Instead of making creation simply utilitarian, God pulled out all the stops in adding color, detail and exquisite beauty all around us. Also, He is so sensitive and tender toward His children. This beautiful verse from Hosea brings to mind a mother caring for her young child. “It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.” (Hosea 11:3-4 NIV)

A woman’s desire for deep friendships and relationships is one feminine quality that I believe most reflects God’s nature. I once read an article in which the writer explained that all teenage girls need to recount an event in their life to a friend to make it real. For example, before that first kiss is validated, it must be told to a friend. I don’t think I’ve ever grown out of that phase! I feel happiest and most secure when I am connected to close women friends.

God desires deep relationship with us—with you—even more than that. We are created to know Him, to love Him and to have friendship with Him. The perfect life, hideous death and glorious resurrection of His Son, Jesus, were all to have a relationship with man and woman-kind that could transcend the wall of sin. For anyone who accepts Jesus as Savior and turns away from sin, God gives this amazing promise, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15 NIV)

It’s a mind-bending offer. God, the one who created this beautiful spring and the vast world around us and the one who created you in all your uniqueness, desires relationship with you. It’s a privilege to be a woman made in His image. It’s even a more exciting journey to know God and be in-process toward becoming more and more conformed to that image. Come join the adventure!

Respond:
God, I’m amazed that you say that I’m made in your image. I’m even more amazed that You desire friendship with me. I let go now of everything that I’ve valued in this world and all the sin that entraps me, and I reach out for You. Thank you for reaching back to me. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Apply:
Begin your friendship with God by getting to know Him through Bible study and prayer.

Reach out in friendship to someone in need today.