I came across this description of a woman. Do you know anyone like her?

She is a woman with integrity. Her husband has full confidence in her ability to provide materially and in every way, and he never misses out on anything. She has a business where she manufactures the highest quality clothing and linen. She is so successful that, through this she is able to finance the household, and her family have everything the best, including the finest clothes and food. She also provides for the poor and needy, not only with money but with her time. She works hard in the business, as well as managing the household, so she has people come in to help with the housework.

She doesn't put all her eggs in one basket. She has other ventures in property development, and with the profits she has bought a vineyard. She never has to worry about money, even when tough times come along. She has strength of character and dignity and she can laugh at the future, she is so secure.

Her husband has a powerful position in government. She also is in a position to give advice and instruction to others, and she shares of her wisdom and experience.

Her husband and her children are always telling her how they are so proud of her. She is a bit of a celebrity where they live, because of all that she has achieved. But she knows that it is her relationship with God that enables her to do it.

Does this sound like a super woman of the nineties?

Well, actually, this woman was descibed many thousands of years ago in the bible. She is said to be a"wife of noble character, worth far more than rubies."I have paraphrased it (the original is in Proverbs 31).

This speaks to me of the opportunities available, the many and varied roles that we as women can perform, and our freedom in God to fulfill our potential and achieve. It is encouraging to know that this was how God always saw women, even before "liberation".

But, you say, I have enough trouble trying to run a family and/or work full-time, and this superwoman thing of the nineties just puts pressure on me that I can't handle!!

The key is that the "wife of noble character" feared God, which means that she had him in His rightful place as the driver in her vehicle. We need to look to God for our direction and purpose, because He has a plan for us. Whatever roles this plan involves, He will equip us to fulfill them. Why? Because He loves us and wants only the best for us.

(If you don't know God in a personal way, just tell Him you want to get to know Him. You can know Him through His Son, Jesus.)