The Book of Genesis starts like this: God is hovering over a bunch of water in the dark. Weird, right?
I imagine that He was thinking about a lot - dreaming and considering what the Earth would be like if there was light, land with vegetation and animals, a you and a me. A Beyoncè Giselle Knowles-Carter, a Chick-fil-a sauce recipe, the blueprint for the final boss iPhone that will ultimately end us all. The plans for our multi-generational world were crafted in the imagination of God.
Much like the rest of our humanity, God created our imaginations in His image. Pretty sweet. Like imagine wanting to be so close to somebody that you create space for yourself to be in their head. But God doesn't use this space in an evil way like I would (convincing Jalen Hurts to leave his gf for me everyday or dropping hints to Elon Musk about wiring me $100k.) I believe that God created imagination as a personal meeting space for our deepest questions and desires to unite with a loving Father. I mean, how do you think we got GIFs? A spit shake and two silver dollars? NO. Lisa Gelobter used her imagination to engage with the creativity of our Maker to birth something new, good and beneficial to the world. Talk about the greatest collab of all time.
READ: Proverbs 31:10-31.
"She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard." To me, this verse encompasses why the Proverbs 31 woman is MOTHER. Key words: considers, buys, fruit, plants.
I love her sm because we don't see her considering fear's opinion. She ain't playing ping-pong with "what ifs." Miss Mama is standing on business - bodyguard of her own imagination. I imagine her arms crossed, confident in her God-given talents and dreams. He's leading her life. She's faithful to take the risk. She buys the field.
Jealously isn't distracting her with what other women have. She's in her own lane producing fruit. Matter of fact, seems like she's taking money (fruit) from something she's done in the past (or is currently doing) to fund this new thing (planting a vineyard.) Doubt doesn't bind her capabilities. She's focused on her purpose. She plants a vineyard.
Greed can't make a home in her heart. From her earnings, she gives generously to the poor (Prov. 31:20). She makes the world a better place. Ugh, I love her!!!
What stood out to you?
CHALLENGE: When our imaginations are filled with the presence of God, it empowers us to bring light, beauty and lasting change into world. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - we all need more it. Lend your imagination to God and release your gifts and talents in ways that produce this spiritual fruit. Our purpose as women (and men) is know God and enjoy Him forever. Use your beautiful imagination to make a plan to do the thing already. Then actually do it. <3
PRAY: God, thank you for imagining me. Despite what I believe about myself, you see the value in me. I want to know Your love in a way that will empower every move I make and increase my confidence. Lead me. Amen.