The Narrow Way

If you’ve been around Christian circles for any length of time, you’ve heard it…

It was at a wedding shower, a couples engagement announcement, a women’s event, or perhaps a young unmarried woman and someone comes along and says “you are (or will be) a Prov 31 woman.” And with that, all of the other women around sort of melt, tilt their heads a bit and nod sweetly in agreement 🥰

And maybe they’re right?

But can I just say that I’ve thought quite a bit about this lady…🤔 this Prov 31 lady…and I don’t think she looks like many envision 🤷‍♀️ I could be totally off, but I see a homesteader and a prepper 💪 I see a strong woman who works her tail off sun up to sun down. She’s certainly NOT the one wearing a dress afraid to get her hands dirty, unsure how to cook a meal, and neglecting to plan for her families needs and future. 😬 She’s probably not regularly getting her nails done, going to movies and on shopping dates either. 😅🤷‍♀️ She’s got work to do 💪

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I think when people read about this woman, they often focus on her character, like the ladies I mentioned above, which isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s spot on. This woman has REAL character, and it’s because of that, that she is also a woman of action 💪 Her character prompts her actions, just like how our faith is to prompt our good works. When I read about this woman, I think “dang, she’s a legit homesteader.” She’s up before dawn probably feeding and watering animals. She’s thinking about how to be a better steward and simultaneously planning out the day for her family. She’s on a tight schedule; time, money, and energy are limited, but she does her best to use all wisely.

Somehow, despite the never ending workload, maintaining relationships, maybe raising kids, meal prep, and other kinds of chores, she barely gets it all done in time for the next day. If she’s lucky, she’s at least got help sometimes too, because if she’s honest, she really can’t do it all—not alone❤️. But this woman, she’s not a slacker, she doesn’t waste time.

When I think of the Prov 31 woman, I also think of a prepper. Someone who knows the times and the seasons and is in tune with them. She’s someone who isn’t running on fear, but fact. I would say she’s got a handle on Matthew 24 and related scriptures. Things in this world are slowly (or rapidly) going to become more difficult…I personally believe the End Times Jesus spoke of are slowly unraveling…😱 Creation is longing for His imminent return (Rom 8:19). We may not know the exact day or hour, but like a pregnant woman about to give birth there’s a lot to clue us in on a pretty narrow window of time. So if this is true, if we are in the time before Jesus’ return, what does God expect of us? 🧐

The way I see it: To be prepared (Mat 25:1-13). To be found waiting for Him (Luke 12:36, 2 Peter 3:13), full of faith (Luke 18:8). To continue to love God and love others no matter what they do or say (Mat 24:12, Mark 12:30-31, Jude 1:21).

As it relates to this post, I want to emphasize one word: prepare–though it’s *NOT* more or less important than the others. Prepare, yes, prepare!!! 👏👏👏 I believe God expects people to prepare for difficult times mentally, spiritually, and physically. I see this all over scripture, from Noah building the ark to Joseph storing up food for a seven-year famine (physical prep). I see the theme of preparation continued by John the Baptist and in the parable of the 10 virgins as they wait for the bridegroom (spiritual prep). Or when I read proverbs, over and over there is instruction to work and be prepared…

Why does the Lord expect you to prepare?

I believe it is for ministry, to be a witness. We, His people, are not unaware of times and seasons. When we follow God, we take action. It is an overflow of our faith, not contrary to it. We prepare not just for our own family, but others as well. Joseph saw in advance what was coming and he took practical steps to make himself and the people of Egypt as ready as possible. It was not a selfish “me and mine” kind of thing, it was wisdom and faith operating together ❤️💪 It takes faith to take action and devote yourself to extra work when life may just go on as it always has…God will use our preparations, however big or small, to draw others to Him.

For me, THIS is actually where I struggle a bit. I cringe at the idea that I’m working as hard as I can while others are going on one vacation after another (and no, rest, breaks, vacation aren’t inherently wrong 😉). But what does scripture say? The return of Jesus will be like the days of Noah. People will be drinking, marrying, laughing, going about life as normal and ignoring the warning 😰

I wrestle with the knowing that while we put our resources towards being a little more self sustaining some joke about how “I’m coming to your house when things hit the fan,” and live as the un-wise. I don’t get it 🤷‍♀️ Do you really think things are just going to keep on going?

So I pray out my frustrations and it’s there that I become fully aware that this really is not my problem.🙌 It’s the Lords. MY job is to be obedient to what He leads ME to prepare, do, give, or share both now and in the future. And I have no idea what that might look like someday 🤔🤷‍♀️ Will He lead us to help the believer or the non? The friend or the foreign? 🤔🤔🤔 Whatever it looks like, I’ve been preparing my heart for the “unfair” moments where He may ask me to give more than I want to someone who might seem undeserving (kinda like He did). 😳

I’ve thought to write about this topic so many times in the past year. But it wasn’t until recent conversations that I’ve felt led to. The world is increasing in chaos, yet many continue to hide their heads in the sand 😔 I hear Christians say things like “I will just trust God.” They seem to shrug off the idea that perhaps some work is required here…😬

Before continuing on, I want to be clear on something—I believe God calls us all to do something with our life, time, and skills. And this call can vary greatly, it doesn’t all look like homesteading. But it does all look like investing. There are plenty of people doing inner city ministry or other forms of investing that looks different from what I’m describing—thank you. Thank you for being obedient to what God has called you to in this time. Those who are being obedient to the call of God in their life, are the ones who can legitimately shrug their shoulders and continue to trust God for every need present and future. 👏 He’s got you covered. ❤️

Trusting in God is the key, but not in a flippant ignorant way. 😵‍💫 The truth is, all of us will be forced to trust God in plenty of ways, regardless of any preparation we’ve done for the days ahead. Even if you know what it’s like to live by faith, this is going to be an extremely difficult time… 😰

I’m not saying this to cause a panic, but to say, look at what scripture says, look at this proverbs 31 woman! Am I off my rocker, or does God expect us to be diligent stewards?

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’Mat 25:23

I’m saying this as someone who has been busting my tail but also knows my limits and has hit them more than once 😰. I feel I’m doing all I can and often still come up short. I have a nearly 2 and nearly 4 year old who demand most of my time. It’s incredibly difficult to get things done. **An aside, I am thankful for them and I do pause to remember things like “they’re only little once,” so please don’t—I’m just being honest that there’s a real tension here between ideas and reality.**My husband and I have a “to do” list that could take him 3 months working full time. Yet, it is because of our circumstances and priorities that we are forced to trust God daily. And as we do our best to put Him first, He blesses our efforts and properly position us. The truth is, there is no way that we can get done most of the things we want to get done on our own strength. And that may be because we are too ambitious, or it may be that as we follow God in being stewards He forces us to be dependent on Him.

I realize that you could be reading this and get to the end and think “but I don’t live in the country, I can’t raise livestock or chickens or have a big garden or…” My dear friend, I have good news for you–God knows! He knows what you’re able to do right where you are, and THAT is what He expects from you. You may not be able to have a big garden, but can you have a small one? Be part of a city garden? Can foods when you find good deals on seasonal crops? What are you able to do with what you’ve been given? Or maybe you’re one of the support people that helps the Prov 31 lady keep going 🤷‍♀️🙌 I bet she lets you in on all of those goods she’s been able to produce 😉 Doing what you can, THAT is what is required.

I believe that God expects all of us (man or woman) to be somewhat like the REAL Proverbs 31 woman. He didn’t give us His Spirit and His Word to be ignorant of times and seasons. He hasn’t asked us to be good stewards so we can sit back selfishly and float along as long as possible during hard times. The truth is, in the end, the only thing that matters–the only One who saves–is Jesus Christ. None of us make it out of here alive and we can take nothing physical with us. However, there are things that we can do to position ourselves as ambassadors of the Gospel that may be instrumental in bringing people with us. In my opinion, ways to win souls and love others, THAT is something worth investing in. THAT is something that we can take with us into eternity. 🙌🙌🙌

In closing, you may think I’m crazy or work too hard or am “fear driven” or whatever. That’s fine. 🤷‍♀️ I can honestly say that I believe we’ve been following the Lord as we prepare for the times and seasons ahead and my hope is to get as many others to do the same as possible cuz I can’t support all of you slackers! 😅😅😅 I could go on with testimonies of how God has led us to different things, or the difference it’s already made as we prepared for inflation (we’ve literally saved thousands of dollars already), but it doesn’t matter. You’re either going to heed a word of caution and encouragement to DO SOMETHING, or you won’t. 🤷‍♀️ I don’t honestly think my little writings will change that 🙃

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you’re already working as unto the Lord, keep it up! If this is news to you, pray about it, see if God would have you change how you’re investing your time and money. You might be surprised.

And in case you’re a little rusty, I’ve included Matthew 24 below:

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

⁹ “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. ¹⁰ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. ¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

¹⁵ “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’^[a] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— ¹⁶ then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ¹⁷ Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. ¹⁸ Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. ¹⁹ How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! ²⁰ Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. ²¹ For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

²² “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. ²³ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time.

²⁶ “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. ²⁷ For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ²⁸ Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

²⁹ “Immediately after the distress of those days

“‘the sun will be darkened,
    and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
    and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

³⁰ “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth^[c] will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.^{[d] 31} And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

³² “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. ³³ Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it^[e] is near, right at the door. ³⁴ Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The Day and Hour Unknown

³⁶ “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,^[f] but only the Father. ³⁷ As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸ For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; ³⁹ and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ⁴⁰ Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

⁴² “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. ⁴³ But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

⁴⁵ “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? ⁴⁶ It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. ⁴⁷ Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. ⁴⁸ But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ ⁴⁹ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. ⁵⁰ The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. ⁵¹ He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.