Last week we talked about the importance of raising our children in the Lord. I thought this week we should recognize the mothers and the very hard work they do. Godly women have always played a major role in the success and service of God's people, and they play a major role in the success of their children as well. Women of old inspired God's people and exemplified faith, helping generations to walk more closely with God. God has always used the power of godly women to help his people walk in faithfulness.

Godly women have the power to inspire courage in the fearful. The timid Israelites were cowering before their enemies and afraid to navigate their own roads until Deborah, a woman of faith, arose as "a mother in Israel." She gave the men of her day the courage to trust in God and stand against their enemies. Like godly women today, she gave her people the courage to launch out in faith. She was the "wind beneath their wings" in doing God's will.

Godly women have the power to promote good judgment. When David's heart was filled with murder and vengeance, Abigail, the wife of Nabal, came to him with humility, kindness, and the voice of reason. She apologized for the bad behavior of her husband, offered help, and gave sound advice which helped David avoid mistakes he would have regretted for the rest of his life. Many godly women who understand God's word help bring sound judgment and good reason to the hot-headed and impulsive people around them. This is God's power in action!

Godly women provide powerful spiritual leadership in the church. Priscilla and Aquila were a great Christian couple. Priscilla was instrumental in helping to teach the great preacher Apollos the way of God more accurately. She was a great helper of Paul, and hosted the meetings of the church in her house. Through her actions and her teaching she was a wonderful example to God's people.

Godly women have the power to mentor others for Christian living. Many great women befriend younger women, spend time with them, and show them the attitudes, actions, and beliefs that comprise a godly life. Through loving, mentoring relationships, they train other women to be good wives, mothers, and Christian servants.

Godly women have great power to pass on the faith. Mothers and grandmothers exert a profound influence on their children and grandchildren as they interact with them every day. They teach them about God and tell them what is right and wrong. They involve children in doing good and children watch them handle life as Christians, meditate on the word, and trust in prayer. As Lois and Eunice passed a sincere faith on to Timothy, so godly women continue to do today.

Godly women have the power of Christian love. The kindness and encouragement of good women is a powerful force in the lives of many people. Paul spoke of his friend Rufus, and "his mother and mine." The mother of Rufus was like a mother to Paul. This godly woman's love and kindness was a great inspiration to Paul in his labors. There are many mothers among God's people who are a blessing to everyone around them. God works mightily through them to encourage his people.

God is working through Christian women. Theirs is the power to give courage, the power to in- spire good judgment, the power to lead others spiritually, the power to mentor others, the power to pass on the faith to future generations, and the inspiring power of Christian love.

Eric