Women of Faith

Published by Daughters of Zion – October 2011

By Sandra Lear

“Little pig, little pig, let me come in,” growled the big, bad wolf.  The little pig cried, “Not by the hair of my chiny, chin, chin!”  So the wolf huffed, and puffed, and blew the straw house down.  The little pig ran as fast as he could to his brother’s house of sticks.  Soon the wolf was at that door repeating his threats. He blew again and the house fell down. This time both pigs ran as fast as they could to their brother’s house of bricks.  Again the wolf came to their door, threatening and blowing, but he couldn’t harm the brick house or the three little pigs inside.
 
What are you using to build your house?  As women of faith, let’s build a “house of bricks” for our children through prayer. In our world today, as never before, we need to provide a safe haven for our children.  We can’t be with them every minute of every day, but we know the One who can!  We can’t protect their hearts and minds from the enemy of their souls, but we know the One who can!  Prayer – what a mighty weapon God provided for women of faith!  
 
God’s Word assures us that He hears and answers prayer.  James 5:16 says “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”  Our prayers DO make a difference!  What perils has God spared our children from because we prayed for them?  Be a woman of faith — every day before they leave for school, pray over your children.  Ask God to protect, guide, and keep them.  He kept all four of mine, and He will keep yours too, if you ask Him.  Even when leaving for Bible School one asked, “Aren’t you going to pray for me?”  Of course, I did!  School is in the past for them now, but I still pray for them every day and for my four grandchildren too! I trust God’s mighty hand to guide and keep them daily.
 
Yes, let’s pray for our children, but even more important, let’s teach THEM to pray – by instruction and by example.  Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in way he should go: when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Those coming behind us need to become women (and men) of faith too!  
 
I’ve read the three little pigs’ story to my children and grandchildren over the years, but forget that brick house!  I want real safety for my family, don’t you?  Proverbs 18:10 tells us to run to the strong tower, Jesus Christ, to be safe for all eternity!  Our families depend on us, let’s be women of faith!
 

Editors note:  Sandra Lear, Minnesota District Ladies President, attends the Mankato UPC pastored by son-in-law, Jeremy Cox.  She and her husband Lester are the Home Bible Study Coordinators, since his retirement as pastor. They have four children and four grandchildren.