Come closer, you're seen, heard, pursued, and loved more than ever.
Maybe you are a woman who feels the need to be self-reliant, putting a lot of pressure on yourself to grow independently. You strive harder because you understand that no one is coming to save you, unlike in popular movies where a knight in shining armor rescues the princess from the villain. On the outside, you may appear strong and independent, but deep down, you also long for someone to do the little and hard things for you, just as you do for others. Others may see you as brave, but you still long for someone who can be your safe place when you are scared; a place where you can be soft again, a stronghold in times of frustration. Perhaps you are someone who needs healing, a companion, strength, courage, or a family. Maybe you constantly long for a savior to come and save you.
I understand you — but let me tell you, He understands you more.
Mary, Elizabeth, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Bleeding woman, Mary Magdalene, Martha and Mary at Bethany, and many other women in the Bible experienced the same thing—longing for a Savior to come. Perhaps you might be in the same place as them.
Elizabeth, an elderly woman and the wife of a priest named Zechariah, was righteous before God, faithfully following all His commandments and statutes (Luke 1:6). Despite their faithfulness, they experienced the pain of barrenness and hopelessness as they waited for a child. Elizabeth had been unable to conceive for many years, and they were both old. I've seen older women who have been married for a long time without children express their sadness and longing for a child. They often wish they had married earlier so they could still have a child. The pain in their eyes is palpable as they wait for a miracle. Zechariah and Elizabeth probably prayed fervently for a son for years but had given up hope. Then, one day, an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and afraid. But the angel reassured him, saying, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John" (Luke 1:1-23).
If you are a woman like Elizabeth, desperately knocking at heaven's gate with your calloused hand, remember that the Savior hears your silent plea.
Mary—highly favored, blessed, and chosen because the Lord is with her and she received grace just like us. A young woman who confidently said to the Lord, “I am the Lord’s servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:26-38). Mary then responded with an affirmation of faith to be the mother of Jesus. She uttered the proper response of every believer to every promise of God, for no word from God will ever fail.
Perhaps God is calling you to do something for His glory, to be part of building His Kingdom, and all you have is His Word, doubting His promises if these can be trusted. Perhaps, just like Mary, you're going into a big transition of your life, a new season to come, but fears come at your doorstep, wondering if He will make it?
Just like Mary, surrender and trust His heart.
The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is quite remarkable. Despite being an outcast and shunned by the other women in her community, Jesus approached her and engaged in a meaningful conversation with her. This encounter was significant as it demonstrated Jesus's willingness to reveal himself to sinners and offer them love and security. The woman, who had a troubled past and was living a sinful life, was surprised that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan woman, for a drink. Despite societal norms and prejudices, Jesus showed compassion and acceptance towards her. This interaction was transformative for the woman, as she had been seeking worth and love in all the wrong places. Despite her past mistakes and shame, Jesus offered her a safe space to confess her sins, repent, and ultimately place her trust in him. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus's unconditional love and his willingness to offer forgiveness and redemption to all, regardless of their past. It's a testament to the transformative power of encountering Jesus and accepting his love and grace. (John 4:4-42)
If you feel like an outcast, living in a hell of shame and guilt because of the wrong things and choices you've made, there's hope. There's a man who can help you out of the pit. When it seems you're running out of hope, he has the spring of water, and you won't be thirsty or hopeless again.
Don't give in when it feels like the water in the well has dried up because He shows up even in your struggles and works well in silence.
Are you feeling like you're hanging by a thread, waiting for miracles and breakthroughs? Waiting for someone to listen to your murmur and cries for twelve years, yet no one would even try to listen to you and give you hope. Then, you heard his feet making your heart thud too loud in your chest. Is he the one? Just one touch of His garment, just one touch and I will be healed. A woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment (Matthew 9:20-22). Her faith, though imperfect, was enough to receive what Jesus wanted to give her. Her 12-year disease was immediately cured. So if you need healing like her, when it feels like you are just holding a thread, make sure it's His garment.
"You are not worthy of love, you are inadequate, you don't deserve to live here, and your life will be better if you die. You are different, you can't control yourself, run, and hurt yourself, that's what you deserve." Many young people experience anxiety, panic attacks, combatting with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and different kinds of mental illnesses and disorders at an early age. It's heartbreaking.
Also, there were some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, such as Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out (Luke 8:2). Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus cleansed her of seven demons, and she financially aided him in Galilee. She was one of the witnesses of the Crucifixion and burial of Jesus and, famously, was the first person to see him after the Resurrection. It's incredible to think that Mary Magdalene, who was once possessed by seven demons, had such a close relationship with Jesus and was the first woman to see him after the Resurrection.
May His Word resonate with you more when it seems that the voice of evil is getting louder. Remember, He sometimes murmurs because He's just beside you. You're not alone.
Mary and Martha were two dear friends of Jesus who lived in Bethany. Martha, the older sister, who wanted to do everything perfectly to serve Jesus, was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:38-41)
This message is for the woman who works diligently and wholeheartedly for Jesus. However, most of the time she forgets to sit at his feet and draw closer to him. Mary has chosen what is better. Mary’s good part was her simple devotion to Jesus, loving Him by listening to His word. This was Mary’s chosen focus. She knows her savior, sitting at His feet, lying back, and listening wholeheartedly. Enjoying His presence, getting closer to Him, knowing who she is in Him. Seeking him, finding him, and loving him.
Surrender—let go of trying to be on your own, loosen your grip of striving hard to save yourself. Beloved, lean back, feel his heartbeat, listen, and rest at His feet. Go back to the cross, the one who laid down his life already saved you.
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17
For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid. The LORD gives me power and strength; he is my savior.
Isaiah 12:2
