This meeting has been announced as a meeting for families, and I hope that the brethren will bear with me while I speak particularly, perhaps, to the sisters: because, I believe that they have so much to do with family life.
I would like to look first at Proverbs, chapter 14, and verse 26: "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge."
Well, I was just thinking, brethren, of this verse and of how it brings together two things so unnaturally brought together: "fear," and "confidence." We think of fear as being the very opposite of confidence, but it is very precious to see that when there is the fear of God, then, there can be a confidence in His goodness. Fear, because we have no wisdom or strength in ourselves; but confidence, because we know that the Lord has said: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2'd Corinthians 12:9). And so, the Lord will help us when we are thoroughly cast upon Him—when there is no confidence in self. The Scripture says that we are to have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:33For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)), but we can have that confidence in the Lord. Then, it ends with that beautiful expression: "His children shall have a place of refuge." Why do we need a refuge? Well, because there are storms; because there are difficulties; and so, "His children shall have a place of refuge."
The Difficult but God-Given Role of the
Man in the Home
Well, as I said, I would just like to look at a few Scriptures in connection with the place of the woman in the home—and I think it is very beautiful to see how very important she is. I believe that sometimes we might underestimate the importance of the sister's place in the home. I have often said: "God wanted something very special to be in the home." A man cannot fill the place of the woman in the home; but the woman can step out of her place, and she can fill the place of a man, to a large extent, in the business world. She doesn't lack in the ability to assume that place, but in doing so, she leaves a void in the place that only she can fill—a place that only she has the ability from God to fulfill, and to fulfill so well. And so, I believe that it is a very, very, important place that God has given her. One has often commented that, "If a man takes the place of leadership and headship, he has no more right to it than the woman—unless God has given him that place." But, if God has given that place to the man, then he has fitted him for it. He can give to the man—the husband—the grace to fulfill the place that God has assigned to him. And so, it is a very, very, difficult place when it is filled in the fear of the Lord. Any of us who are men, who have sought to fulfill that place in the fear of God, and to occupy the place of leadership, know very well that it casts us very much upon the Lord. And so, I say again: "It is a place assigned of God." It isn't a place that we would have chosen for ourselves, but it is the one that has been given to man.
The Wonderful Place That God Has Given
to Sisters in the Home
There is a very wonderful place that God has given to the sisters. Let us turn back to the 13th chapter of Judges. This is in connection with the birth of Samson; the 2nd verse:
"And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name: But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death. Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born. And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her. And the woman made haste, and ran, and spewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day. And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am. And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him? And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe."
This is a very remarkable story that is brought before us here, in the book of Judges. Things were at a very low ebb in Israel's history at this time, and we know how, sadly, they had departed from God. And now, God is going to raise up a strong man—Samson—He is going to raise up a separated man, whom He is going to use for the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. And we notice here, that the Lord, the Angel of the Lord, appears to Manoah's wife—not to him—and this shows the importance of the position she was to occupy with regard to this child. Being a little older, I have often noticed that no matter how godly the husband may be, if there is not the support of his wife behind him; if she is not ruling the house in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to God; why, very often, there is not the blessing that we would desire to see in the home. But, I have often seen that where there was even an unconverted husband, and where the mother has walked in godliness, how wonderfully the Lord came in, and how He blessed in that home—and this brings before us the importance of the woman's place in the home. We see here, that the message came to her, and that there was a special word to her as to her own personal walk—how she was to be careful, and that she herself was to be a pattern of godliness. All of us who are older and look back can think of the pattern that our mothers set before us. Our fathers were patterns, of course; but very often, the impression that the mother has set has been the most important one, and the one most noticeable to us. And here, the word that came to the woman was of her own personal conduct. Now, we see that her husband was concerned—and it was right that he should be—and we see that he was willing to assume a place of responsibility; for, he asked: "How shall we order the child? And how shall we do unto him?" He was concerned, as being the head in the home—in God's place of responsibility. But again, the message points to the mother and to how she should act; because, this child was to be brought up as a Nazarite—a separated one. Doesn't this, then, show us how very important the mother's place is in the home? We know too, how that Samson grew up. He wasn't a perfect son, and there were things that must have caused his parents sorrow. And yet, we see how that God graciously came in and blessed Samson and made him a deliverer for the people of God.
The Example of Timothy's Mother
We see also, another case in connection with Timothy. And I was surprised when I read that it tells us that the grandmother was Lois, and that the mother was Eunice, and that Eunice was married to a Greek. And I thought: "What a sorrow this must have been to Lois when her daughter married a Gentile." Perhaps, she might have thought: "It's all over now, because she has married a Gentile: what blessing can I expect in the home?" Well, it seems that in the ways of God that the mother, Eunice, was very faithful, and she sought to bring up her children to please the Lord. I'm not at all justifying what she did in marrying one who was a Gentile—and we are not even told that he was a man of faith—but we see how the importance of the mother comes out. And may I say to parents here, that perhaps, you have seen one of your children make a mistake and marry someone that very much disappointed you: keep on praying...keep on praying. The Lord came in for that mother and this child. Timothy was born and he turned out to be a wonderful person in the New Testament: one who Paul wrote two epistles to, and one who walked in a great measure of godliness. How wonderful are the ways of God! How He delights to come in, brethren, in spite of our failure. But, we are told about this faith that dwelt first in Lois, and then in Eunice, and it was also in Timothy.
Hezekiah
Now, let's turn over to 2nd Chronicles, chapter 29, and the 1st verse:
"Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done."
We notice here, how the Spirit of God often mentions the name of the mother when a new King is introduced to us, and sometimes, it was in a sad context. With one of the Kings, we know that he married the daughter of Jezebel, and that it was a sad household, and that it was a definite time of turning away from God. But here, we find that in the case of Hezekiah, his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. And we also find that Zechariah was a priest; it is very lovely what it says about him. I think it is in the 25th chapter, if I remember correctly, and there is a little mention of this man.
In the 26th chapter, and the 5th verse, speaking of Uzziah:
"And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper."
I just call attention to this, to see that this was a godly father—and no doubt a godly mother—and we see the result was that this reign of Hezekiah was a very wonderful reign in the history of Judah. One of the most godly of all the kings; but God traces it back to this godly mother and the influence that she had upon this boy, and how he went on for the Lord, and how he followed the Lord.
The Wise Mother of Proverbs 31
And now, I would like to turn over to Proverbs chapter 31, and I would like to read there of what the Spirit of God has to say about the virtuous woman. Verse 10:
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellent them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
She Teaches and Warns Her Children
It is quite evident that Solomon had a mother who taught him some things. Just notice the lst verse of the 31st chapter: "The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him." Isn't this interesting? In the early part of this book, we see the father fulfilling his very important role in speaking to the children and seeking to warn them about many of the dangers in life. But we see here, that his mother also had quite a bit to say; and I was struck by the word: "The prophecy that his mother taught him." Why does it say, "The prophecy?" Well, I believe that she had foresight; she was looking on; she watched; she was thinking of what her boy was going to be later on in life. Not just nursing him and doing the necessary little things that a mother is called upon to do in the household; but she was looking on; she was preparing him for the future. She was very close to him, apparently. She gives him some warnings too, substantiating what her husband had said, because she too warns him about the danger of getting involved with women that might be a hindrance to him; the danger of wine; the danger of being an unfair person; and she tells him about those things too, because those things are so important. It says: "The fear of the LORD, is the beginning of wisdom." And let me quote that verse again: "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge" (Proverbs 14:2626In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)). Oh, how needful then, that we should always walk "in the fear of the LORD."
The Seven Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman
Well, just to say a little bit about this virtuous woman, I have noticed seven things about her that I thought were very lovely:
First of all, in verse 10, she had virtue: that is, she was pure;
She had personal courage;
In the 15th verse she was industrious;
In the 16th verse she had business ability;
In the 18th verse she had confidence;
In the 20th verse she had kindness;
And in the 21st verse, she had foresight.
Isn't it lovely to see these characteristics? Well, you know, it's very important that women should develop these characteristics that God has given to them. And I think it is so lovely to see all this activity in the sphere of the home; because, even though she did deliver girdles to the merchant, and even though she did consider a field and buy it, we can see that all of this activity was within the sphere of the home and under the recognition of her husband. She carried on in such a way that she did not set herself forward; and after she had done all of these things, then it says: "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." I have often said: "Behind great men there is usually some great woman." And so, you find this very clearly brought out in this chapter. And, if I may speak to young sisters and young mothers: how very important your role is. God seems to emphasize it so much in His Word; and I believe that when you take it to heart you can see what a blessing you can be in the home.
An Atmosphere of Love and Trust
It also says there: "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her." I believe that a happy marriage is founded upon mutual trust. Of course, there must be love there; but there also needs to be that feeling of confidence. If there is anything that I cannot tell my wife and share with her, then there isn't that feeling of trust and confidence. Perhaps, I am afraid to tell her something: well then, that is because I can't trust her. Isn't it nice to see that here? "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her." He can come to her, and he can find support. Because, when God made a helpmeet for Adam, it says: "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:1818And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18)). Adam needed someone to help him and support him: "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her."
She Was an Industrious Woman
Then, it tells us here, that she was industrious: "She riseth also while it is yet night." Many mothers know all about this—better than we men do. I think that in their responsibilities in the home; why, it is the mother who is so often the one who is deprived of sleep. Well, let's not think that this is an unimportant place. You know, the Lord takes notice of all these things. I have often been struck with how much there is in the Bible about "night seasons," and about "my reins instruct me in the night seasons" (Psalm 16:77I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. (Psalm 16:7)). David said, "Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak" (Psalm 77:44Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. (Psalm 77:4)). There are often times when we learn things in the "night seasons." So, we see this too about the character of this wonderful mother.
Her Business Ability
Then, I say, she had business ability. She didn't just leave everything in the hands of her husband, but she was able to carry on when it was necessary. She transacts some kinds of business; and seeing that "her husband doth safely trust in her," he could leave these things with her, and he could say: "You can look after this dear."
Perception and Confidence
And then, it tells here, in the 18th verse: "She perceiveth that her merchandise is good." That is, there needs to be a certain measure of confidence; and husbands that are wise will inspire their wives with that measure of confidence. How often we know that they find a great deal of pleasure when we recognize something well done; something that they have done that was better than we could have done ourselves. And so, we have the privilege of inspiring them with that kind of confidence.
She Considers the Needs of Those
Outside the Home
And then, I think it is lovely, in the 20th verse: "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." She wasn't too busy in the household to forget the needs of those who were outside of her home. In Proverbs, it talks about the "rivers of waters" running out from a happy home and how they run out into "the streets" (Proverbs 5:1616Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. (Proverbs 5:16)). And you know, when there ,is a happy home, there is always that time for outreach. There is a time when we can consider the needs of others—and the mother has a special share in this. Often, a mother can do far more in showing that little bit of kindness to others. We find in the Scriptures that there are women that helped in the gospel, and I have no doubt that it was much more fitting that they should go around to the doors and invite people to the gospel meeting by little acts of kindness, perhaps saying: "I'll mind your children for you tonight so that you can get out." All those little things the Lord takes notice of.
Brethren, I think we underestimate the place—and the wonderful place—that God has given to the woman.
In the world today the idea is for women to step into the man's place. As a man, I often say: "Why is our place so wonderful?" I don't know why women should think that the man's place is so wonderful: I think God gave to the woman a very wonderful place.
She Thinks and Plans for the Future
Then, she has foresight: she thinks about the future. And you know, that this is another thing that women have that men don't have. They have an intuition about the future that we men don't have, and I'm sure that all of us who are married have had our wives say to us: "Now watch, something is going to happen." And then, they point out something that we didn't notice. But they noticed it, and they saw something coming. God has given them something that a man doesn't have. In all of these beautiful characteristics you don't read anything about her husband until you come to the 23rd verse. He's sort of, as it were, hidden in the background for a little while behind this woman.
She Doesn't Take the Public Place
And then, it says: "Her husband is known in the gates." Why is he known in the gates? Well, he has such a wonderful wife that everybody recognizes him; he has a help; he has what God has provided for him so that he might be what he is because of the wife that God has provided. But, she doesn't take his place; she is quite content to have him involved in the public aspect of things.
We find in Judges, chapter 4, that even with the woman whom God used in days of great weakness in Israel—when there wasn't any man that was in communion with the mind of God to know that they ought to go out against Sisera—that God gives the message to Deborah. But, Deborah didn't say: "Now listen Barak, if you don't go, I'll go; I'm quite capable of leading the army." No! She stirred up Barak; she recognized the place that God had assigned to him. But, the song is hers, and God gives a great deal of recognition about what she had done—but she didn't take the place of leadership. Then, we find in the case of Huldah, the prophetess, that things were at a pretty low ebb in Israel's history again. Huldah, the prophetess who "dwelt in ...the college" (2nd Kings 22:14), was much closer to the Lord than others were at that time. And when they sent to ask her about what should be done about that book that they had found in the house of God, why she is the one who tells them about why God had dealt with Israel in the way that He had, and that that book was very important. But she didn't say: "I'll stand up and read it to the people—it's been neglected for a long time." No! But rather, she stirred up Josiah to fulfill his place; and he did fulfill that God given place; and there isn't any one of the kings that seems to stand out so brightly as Josiah. And that was a big moment in his life, shall I say, when through the prophetess, Huldah, he was stirred up as to his responsibility.
In Her Tongue Is the Law of Kindness
Well, here it returns again to the woman and to what she was doing; she makes "fine linen and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchants." And then, it tells us here, in the 26th verse, that "she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." She wasn't one who was out asserting herself; and isn't it very beautiful to see? I think that there is nothing sweeter than to hear a sister open her mouth, and you can say that "in her tongue is the law of kindness." May I say, dear sisters, develop that in the household, and develop it in the Assembly. You have a place to fulfill in the home and in the assembly that only you can fulfill in the proper way.
Her Children and Husband Recognize Her
Now, it turns again, and speaks about her children: "Her children arise up, and call her blessed." Yes, they recognize this mother whom God has provided for them, and her husband isn't forgetful either. It says: "Her husband also, and he praiseth her." I think that we husbands fall short—I know that I do—of giving that little word of praise and recognition when it should be given. But here, we find that her husband is not neglectful of this responsibility. If he is going to take a place of leadership, he knows that the person who isn't in that place of headship is the one who has helped him in his time of need.
Her Inward Beauty
And then, he closes here by saying: "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." How much time is spent on trying to do something to attract attention to ourselves—by our appearance—but it says here: 'favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain." But oh, how lovely to see—and may I say to you boys who are not married—look on the inside, not just on the outside. The inside is what really counts. I don't mean that this woman won't have good taste. It tells us here, in the 22'1 verse, that "her clothing is silk and purple." She knows how to dress nicely, but she is more occupied with what is inward. And I believe that these things are very, very, important when they are brought before us here. And so I say, this doesn't only apply before marriage; this applies afterwards too; this applies in the household. For it says: "A woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Well, I believe brethren, that when the time comes that our lives are manifested at the judgment seat of Christ, there will be many surprises. Perhaps, some who occupied a more public place will not receive so great a reward. One has often said: "The more our service puts us in the public eye, the more danger there is of doing it for the applause of men." But, I think that a sister requires a lot more spiritual energy to fulfill the place given to her, as it were, than the man does, because she is often unnoticed—but, the results are in the children. I have often asked the question: "Who can tell me the name of the parents of Moses, and Aaron, and Miriam?" I find very, very, few people who know their names. And yet, everybody knows about Moses, and Aaron, and Miriam. Why? Well, because those two people were sort of hidden; but were their work and labour of love in the background hidden? No! Three wonderful children—two men and one sister—came out of this home as the result of a work that we see was entirely hidden. There is not a word about what the parents did; just that they were of the tribe of Levi (Exodus 2:11And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. (Exodus 2:1)). And then, we see the result of a quiet work going on in the home—three wonderful children. Don't think it is lost time to be in the home! I've heard some say: "Oh, that's dull; it's monotonous." Oh! But it is so important; it's so very necessary.
A Mutual Guiding of the Home
And now, let's turn over to 1st Timothy, chapter 5, and verse 14:
"I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."
The reason I read this, is that perhaps some will be surprised to notice that in the J.N.D. translation, Mr. Darby translates it, "rule the house"—not just "guide the house." Now, this doesn't mean that she takes the place of her husband; but rather, it means that there are two who are sharing that place together. Our brother Willis pointed out, one time, that when Cain was born he was named by his mother—and as far as Scripture records—by his mother only. We know that Eve showed herself to have a little tendency to take a place of leadership that didn't belong to her, and we know the sad results of her taking that place. But afterwards, when Seth was born, we find both the father and the mother together, and both are involved in naming Seth. And then it says: "Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD" (Genesis 4:2626And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord. (Genesis 4:26)). So you know, there is a mutual rule in the home; and it is lovely to see how father and mother can talk over, together, of those things that are necessary to maintain order in the home. It is so important to work together. And so, it isn't just one person ruling and the other person just trailing along; it's two people together; both sharing and occupying that place that God intended within the home. Well, how beautiful it is to see God's order as revealed in His Word.
A Promise of God for the Household
I would just like to turn to one more passage before I close, and that's in Acts, chapter 16, and verse 30:
"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the Word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house."
The reason I'm turning to this is because there may be some parents here—and I'm one of them—and why, we feel how that we've made many mistakes and we have failed in fulfilling the place that God assigned to us as parents. But I've always taken great comfort from these verses that I have just read. Brethren, these words were spoken to a father, and I suppose, probably, that there was a mother in the home; because, they were brought into his house and meat was set before them. These words were spoken before these parents acted in any way toward the training of their children—before they had even started—and it tells us here that God made a promise: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." The reason I'm calling attention to this is because we do make mistakes—we fail. But in such things, it's good for us to cast ourselves upon the Lord.
When There Is Failure—Count on the
Sovereignty of God
Some people have said to me: "How is it that I've seen parents that don't seem to have the desire that they should, and yet, I have seen their children turn out so well? And I've seen others who have tried so hard, and their children haven't turned out so well? How is it?" Well, I have just thought of it like this, brethren: sometimes we can get pretty confident in ourselves. And I hope that there isn't anyone here because of what I have said today who is going to say: "Well, I think I'm going to do a good job, and then my children will turn out right," Because, you know, when we have that kind of pride in our hearts, then the Lord may just let us see that it is all a work of His grace; that He is the One—and the only One—who can work in the hearts of our children. And sometimes, when our children were small, the Lord brought us to the point where we had to say: "Lord, we have failed and we don't know what to do; but we cast ourselves upon Thee." And so, I like to feel that the blessing of the family is due to the sovereign grace of God. We ought to seek to fulfill our responsibility; and it is a wonderful privilege to have direction for this in the Word of God. There is a joy in fulfilling those directions; but the blessing of the household depends upon the sovereign grace of God. Every one of us, perhaps, can say: "Well, I know that I haven't just filled the place that I should have." But here's this lovely promise: cast yourself upon God's grace; count upon Him. You will be surprised at how He comes in, and perhaps, as I say, in that household where the parents knew that they had failed; knew that they hadn't done as they should have in bringing up their children; they got down on their knees and owned their failure to the Lord; they owned their shortcomings; they cast themselves upon the Lord's grace; and He did "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:2020Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20)). Our God is a God of all grace. He gives us direction. He shows us how we should act. How good to know that He does come in; in spite of our failures; in spite of our mistakes. Let's not give up; let's count upon Him.
A Closing Word of Encouragement
Sometimes, we may not live to see the blessing that comes in. When Elimelech took his family down into Moab, why, his two sons died in Moab and he never lived to see the blessing that came in when God wrought in the heart of Ruth; introduced her into the royal line; and then made her such a blessing in the royal line of Israel. We may not always live to see the results, but let's cast ourselves upon the grace of God. Well, I say again, and may I encourage the dear sisters: I speak very humbly; I am a brother; and I feel sort of humble about talking to the sisters in this way. But I do trust that each one of you will realize that you don't have to step out into the business world and try to make your mark in the world. God has given you a unique and a wonderful place—one which only you can fulfill—and which only you can fulfill well, to His glory, and for your blessing. And so, you may be surprised in another day, as you seek to go on for Him, what it will be to hear His, "well done" (Matthew 25:2121His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21)).