Thursday, August 09, 2007

The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission

I was reading a sermon by John Piper entitled "The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission", and loved these words he spoke...

"A Christian woman does not put her hope in her husband, or in getting a husband. She does not put her hope in her looks. She puts her hope in the promises of God...She looks away from the troubles and miseries and obstacles of life that seem to make the future bleak, and she focuses her attention on the sovereign power and love of God who rules in heaven and does on earth whatever he pleases. She knows her Bible, and she knows her theology of the sovereignty of God, and she knows his promise that he will be with her and help her strengthen her no matter what. This is the deep, unshakable root of Christian womanhood.
She does not fear the future; she laughs at the future. The presence of hope in the invincible sovereignty of God drives out fear. Or to say it more carefully and realistically, the daughters of Sarah fight the anxiety that rises in their hearts. They wage war on fear, and they defeat it with hope in the promises of God.
Mature Christian women know that following Christ will mean suffering. But they believe the promises like 1 Peter 3:14, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled," and 1 Peter 4:19, "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
That is what Christian women do: They entrust their souls to a faithful Creator. They hope in God. And they triumph over fear."

OH!! That I would be that woman!

2 comments:

Connie said...

You ARE that woman. I know you aren't supposed to be obsessed with your looks, but maybe you could stop making yourself look like a Simpson! haha You are so beautiful inside and out - as yourself. I love you. Mom

Joanna Kay said...

Em, I heard that sermon a little while ago and it was a-to-the-mazing for my heart.
Wow!
Don't you just love Piper. It was such a good sermon for me, I think I'll listen to it again. :) Thanks for reminding me what true beauty is.