Iglesia Raveh Women’s Ministry

“Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God . . .” Hebrews 12:12-15

Many American women’s ministries appear to be focused on fellowship - there are sewing groups, baking sales, baby outings… and none of these things are bad. (I rather like the baking sales, yumm!!)

The content of the conversation is what must be monitored more carefully by the participants. Conversation that may begin with a prayer or devotional often degenerates into gossip or idle talk that does not edify, even when the gossip is “intended” to “help” another woman! Sometimes yes, we need to discuss things openly, but the Holy Spirit always alerts us if we are gossiping for the sake of gossiping. Women are particularly good at this because we love to talk and our caring natures make us want to talk about others, for good or for bad.

These verses from Hebrews help us to focus on what our conversations and actions should really be focused on: strengthening the hands which are weak and the knees that are feeble.

Churches have single women fellowships, 30-something fellowships, older women fellowships all broken up and they meet at different times on different days rather than interacting the way a Christian church should. Younger women in the church need to be interacting with the elderly women! They might resist, but what blessings abound in intergenerational activities. Why not have the elderly women’s quilting day, but the younger women bring their children that day? The elders will be blessed because they love children, too, and the younger women will learn wisdom from saints of God who have been in the faith for decades.Does every event need to be this way? No. But, it is a thought to consider the ways we are promoting division even when we don’t mean to. Strengthening the hands that are weak means a lot of things:

Literally helping those whose hands do not work well - these can be young men or women or older ones who used their hands for years but now struggle with daily activities. Strengthen their hands by lending a helping hand when needed without complaining that you too are tired.

Strengthening the hands that are weak is spiritual too. We are all members of the body of Christ, we are His hands and feet, but sometimes there is someone who struggles and needs encouragement. Strengthen that hand, strengthen that person, encourage them in the Holy Spirit.

As women, we need to strengthen our own hands that are weak. We do a lot. Cook. Clean. Wash dishes. Run the vacuum. Type on the computer. Lift up growing children who are getting too heavy! Tailoring clothes. It all adds up and we feel weak sometimes. We need to be wise enough to know our limits and humble enough to ask for help. We need to go to Jesus and ask Him to help us use our hands for His glory and be strengthened by His Word.

Whenever we feel weak, either physically or spiritually, we need to go to the Word of God who will strengthen us.

Maybe you’ve been praying for a miracle and haven’t seen it come to pass, yet. Your knees might feel feeble. Hold on to the hem of Jesus’ garment, and He will lift you up onto your feet, and by His Spirit who will have a straight path ahead of you and your hurting heart will be healed.

Even though we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) we do not have to fall short of His grace (Hebrews 12:15). He is there to reach out and catch you - obey His Word - pursue peace with all people and holiness/sanctification —- without which Hebrews 12:14 warns us on one will see God. I challenge you to meditate on Hebrews 12:12-15 this week and pray in the Spirit for revelation on areas you might improve in so that you are strengthening the hands of your sisters who are weak and strengthening your own relationship with our Father in heaven!