A Fruitful Branch on the Vine

It is said of the Proverbs 31 woman that she girded herself with strength (spiritual, mental, and physical fitness) for her God given tasks (Proverbs 31:17 Amp.)  The word "girdeth" in this particular verse means to be bound with arms for war, a binding up the loose portions of her clothing into a belt or sash to prepare to go.  The word strength speaks of power, might, a boldness.  As we go through this study, we see she was not a weak lady in any stretch of the imagination.  In every area of her life (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) she was well equipped with the strength she needed.  Being such a person, she became a fruitful branch on the vine so that her God would be glorified.  That is the purpose for which God created us and His transforming work within us can and will accomplish those purposes.  Isaiah 43:7 (NKJV) says, "Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created FOR MY GLORY; I have formed him, yes I have made him."  That word "glorified" means to decorate...the fruits that grow on the branches of a tree as decorations.  Therefore, God is looking for healthy, beautiful decorative fruit on His vine.  This very well relates to what Jesus spoke concerning the vine and the branches (John 15:2-8).  He is not decorated/glorified when there is no fruit or immature/unhealthy fruit hanging off of us.

So where does the strength come from that she girds herself with?  First and foremost it comes from God as Isaiah 41:10 tells us.  The word strengthen in this verse means a mental strength of courage or determination.  The Holy Spirit gives us strength for whatever we have been called to do (Ephesians 3:16), and our encouragement to one another gives strength as well.  The example of this is what Jesus states to Peter in Luke 22:32.  It is our words, actions, and prayers for one another that help gird us with the needed strength.

Strength also comes from what we "collect."  We see in God's Word 3 sources for this.
     1.  Wisdom:  Ecclesiastes 7:19
     2.  Waiting on the Lord:  Isaiah 40:31
     3.  Grace - God's enabling power available to His children:  2 Corinthians 12:9
It takes each of these to be poured into us as God's vessels which in turn prepares us for the tasks God has for His Proverbs 31 women.

As God does the transforming work in our lives, as His great works are manifested as part of His branch, we are to give back sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise.  "Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.  Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing."  (Psalm 107:21-22 NKJV)  The word sacrifice in this verse means to ripen, to give off the fragrance of the fruit as it ripens.  Just as natural fruit has a fragrance, we too should give off a fragrance.  One aspect of that is our sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise.  As God's works in us come to fruition, our thanksgiving and declaration contains a fragrance which in turn returns to the Father as a pleasing aroma.  May we each one be filled with the fruits of righteousness to the glory and praise of our God.