Women everywhere are allowing themselves to be intimidated.
We are intimidated by other women's size, age and income. We minimize ourselves as we consider other women's marriages, parenting skills or clean homes. The power and careers of other women overshadow our accomplishments, and we are terrified that our lives will never mean anything.
Perhaps the reason we have allowed ourselves to be bullied by the wonder and accomplishments of other women is simply because we don't know what it means to be a truly good woman. I have been pondering that very thought lately: "Lord, what does it mean to be a good woman?"
His sweet answers, given to me through Scripture, might encourage you to be the woman God has called you to be.
First of all, a good woman prays. She knows hell shakes and doors of destiny are opened when a woman of faith and power chooses to pray. Esther's prayers saved an entire nation for the purposes of God. Her prayers ushered in a season of rejoicing and gladness.
Your prayers will do the same. Your prayers may save a generation of children in your family; they will bring home the prodigals, and they will usher joy and gladness into your sphere of influence. Don't allow the enemy to tell you that God has not heard your prayers or that your prayers are not making a difference. Hell is intimidated by a woman who chooses to pray rather than panic!
Second, a good woman is diligent and humble. Ruth, the young widow, was honored to serve her mother-in-law and even to work in the fields as a common laborer to provide for her family. Ruth didn't allow pride or entitlement to deny her of the blessing she found in the field of diligence. As you ponder your worth and value as a woman, just keep doing the next right thing like Ruth did. Encourage a child, be kind to a family member, serve at the church or boost someone's morale through a cheerful email. Be diligent to humbly yet wholeheartedly work where God has placed you. You, like Ruth, will see the abundance and provision of the Lord as you give your time to service.
I also know that a good woman worships the Lord. Hannah broke out in worship when she gave her son, Samuel, to the Lord. Elizabeth worshipped the Lord when Mary walked into her home, and the two pregnant women and their sons, who were still in utero, joined in a worship service together.
A good woman chooses to worship the Lord no matter what her circumstances are and no matter the difficulties she faces. A good woman knows that worship accesses the presence of the Lord, where there is always fullness of joy!
It's time for the women of God to ignore the deceit of intimidation and walk in God's goodness and grace. When you resolve to pray, be diligent and humble and then worship the Lord, you will find an incomparable place of destiny in your life.
It is what good women do. 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical, biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol has written 11 books, including Significant, StormProof and Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming.
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