Imitation in the Waiting: 3 Steps to Finding Godly Sisterhood
Have you ever prayed for something, only to be left disappointed and weary in the waiting?
During seasons of persevering prayer, your flowers can become wilted while longing for God to answer. Maybe your faith has dried out, or perhaps the daily spiritual practices of praying, believing, and reading your Bible have left you wondering if any of this good work is making a difference.
You aren’t alone. I, too, have been there.
So how do we remain steadfast in our flourishing when the waiting has left us so burnt out?
Imitate Those In the Faith
Paul, the author of Hebrews, is no stranger to persevering until God's promises are fulfilled. Our brother in the faith leaves us a nugget of advice for how we should continue moving forward while clinging steadfastly to what God has for us.
“And we desire that each of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
-Hebrews 6:11-12, NKJV
In verse 12, we are warned not to become sluggish or relaxed about the purposes of God’s kingdom. But, when we find ourselves in these spaces, we are called to imitate those of the faith.
Paul’s intention in writing the Book of Hebrews was to encourage the Jewish people who had left their faith for Christianity. His concern is that in the lull or hardship, they will neglect the Christian faith and return to their old ways.
And the same can be said of us today, can’t it?
We all go through seasons where God’s response to our deepest heart cries can feel delayed. This is why we need one another to encourage us and spur us on in our walks with Christ.
Who Should I Imitate?
The world is filled with so much diversity, beliefs, and opinions. So who should we imitate?
I encourage you to begin with God’s word. From cover to cover, it is filled with men and women of faith who have gone before us and lived lives of lessons learned and revelations realized.
Are you struggling with obedience? Look to Abraham, the forefather of surrendering to God’s voice.
Are you wondering how to strengthen the act of spiritual practices in your life? Study the life of Daniel and how he remained faithful to God in a world that was all for themselves.
Are you longing to sit at the feet of Jesus even while your to-do list keeps growing? Learn from Mary of Bethany, whom Jesus praised for choosing the right thing.
Imitation can be a good thing! Paul encourages God’s people to imitate one another as we are in Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Who comes to mind when you think about who you should imitate?
Even the First Lady Imitates!
There have been many times in my life as the First Lady when I felt I was losing my edge and perspective. (Focusing on the problem in front of you will do that, right?) But the one thing that realigns my heart, mind, and soul is the provision of the people God has placed in my life for me to imitate.
One of my best friends, Pastor Susie Owens, has been that person for me. She has taught me how to deepen my prayer life, and her prayers even help me to pray when I don’t have the words. Sometimes, when life feels really heavy, I ask her to intercede for me and I sit, watch, and listen as she comes before the throne room of God. Then, when I can stand on my own two feet, I imitate her prayers over my life.
Steer Clear: Who Should I Not Imitate?
God has placed many people within and around our lives. Every day, we pass people in the hallway, work together in groups, and push our shopping carts past one another in the produce section at the grocery store. So, how do you know who to imitate and who not to?
Be mindful of those you invite into your spiritual circle. Remember, the company you keep will determine how steady your walk is. As a spiritual mother to many, I am adamant about reminding those I mentor to be mindful of too many silly women in their lives.
If you want to strengthen your marriage, avoid surrounding yourself with women in their fifth marriage.
If you are longing to grow deeper in your faith, limit the amount of time you spend with women who worship worldly things (like men, clothes, and money).
Surround yourself with a sisterhood of women who will speak truth in love, remind you of God’s faithfulness, and point you to Jesus in all things.
So, you may be asking, how do I find godly women in my life to imitate?
3 Steps to Finding Godly Women to Imitate
1. Ask God
The first step you should take when considering a spiritual sisterhood is to pray. God knows you intimately, and He sees you right where you are. When we invite Him into our friendship spaces, He will provide the women we need at just the right moment.
Pray this simple prayer: Father, thank you for knowing what I need and for the women you have and will continue to provide in my life. I ask that you send me a friend who is strong in their faith, loves you wholeheartedly, and is a natural encourager. Continue to prepare my heart so that I, too, can be that friend to someone else. Amen.
2. Look In Your Circle
Often, the kind of spiritual friend we are looking for is already in our sphere! Is there a friend you can think of who is faithful, wholesome, and loves God before everything else? If God brings her to mind, make time this week to ask her to be an accountability partner.
3. Connect With Women at Church
If you still can’t think of a sister who can walk with you in your faith journey, consider joining a women’s group or class at church. There, you will find like-minded women on their own Christian walks who may be praying to come alongside you!
In His goodness, God strategically places people around you so that you can imitate them when you begin to feel sluggish in life. When you are in the valley, these friendships will strengthen and encourage you, remind you of God’s character, and hold your arms up with God’s truth when you are too weary to remember the scriptures. It is in these sacred relationships that our sluggish postures are restored, and our faith is renewed.
Sister, don’t grow weary while doing good, for in due season, you will see the harvest. Believe in God’s character, trust the ones He has brought to your life, and imitate the One who loves you.
We are on this journey together.
Are you looking for support and mentorship in this season? I invite you to join the waitlist for Arise Mentorship.