The Virtuous Woman: Becoming the Ideal Woman- Session One Introduction

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

     From birth, we struggle to find our place in this world. Consciously or not, we search for identity, worth, and purpose. Somewhere along the way, our definition of the "ideal woman" begins to form, molded by the influences around us. We set out to reach the standards imposed by our definition. The effects will be felt for generations to come.

     Have you ever wished for a formula, a road map, or instructional booklet to guide you in the pursuit to become the ideal woman? Well, I have good news: There is one! God's Word is still timely for today. He has not left us in the world to figure everything out on our own. What an awesome thought that the very words we read on His pages are God-breathed and inspired for such a time as this. It is our manual for living. Everything we need, including a formula for identity, worth, and purpose, is provided in the pages of His Word. Without it, we would be lost.

      When it comes to a definition of the ideal woman, many opinions exist. I believe God is calling women to measure these definitions against a proved standard- His standard. May we be open to what He shows us in the weeks to come, as He shines the light of His Truth on what it takes for us to become the ideal woman in His eyes.

     Note: The woman in Proverbs 31 was a wife and mother, but the character we seek applies to all women, whether married or single, with or without children. If you are single, or not a mother, please don't be put off by the occasional reference to husband or children. The goal of this study is to encourage all women in the pursuit to become virtuous women. You will quickly find that this study emphasizes the ability of the Proverbs 31 woman to center her entire life around her relationship with God, not to define herself by her life situation.