Fashioned to Face Challenges
Saying “YES” to my favorite person, place, or thing is easy, but saying yes to challenges, well, not so much! Most of us avoid difficult people, places, or things as much as possible. However, could we miss out on a great future by being parked in neutral? There is a story of a group of women who happened to be sisters who present a great example of what can happen when we say “YES” to what seems to be an impossible challenge.
Their YES changed history, and I believe in 2023, we need some history-makers to rise above our discomfort when things get complicated and face the challenges at hand. So, who are these women? We refer to them as the daughters of Zelophehad. You can find their story in the book of Numbers, chapter twenty-six.
When the Israelites were getting ready to enter the Promised Land, the Land was to be divided between twelve different groups of people, referred to as the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Their names were:
Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and Manasseh.
During that time in history, ONLY MEN were eligible to receive Land. For one family, the Tribe of Manasseh, this was life-altering. Their father died during the forty-year wilderness journey, leaving only five daughters, who were not eligible to inherit the Land according to the law. Without the possibility of inheriting Land, their lineage would end, and they would be destitute.
What a challenge! Give up or STEP UP! Five daughters, unwilling to see their lineage erased, stepped up where no women had gone before. Bravely and calmly, they went to the Tent of Meeting and pleaded their case before Moses, Eleazar, the priest, the leaders, and all the congregation. Here is what they said.
“Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among those who assembled together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but he died for his own sin [as did all those who rebelled at Kadesh], and he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be removed from his family because he had no son? Give to us a possession (Land) among our father’s brothers.” So, Moses brought their case before the Lord. Numbers 27:3-5 (AMP)
Moses came back with these words from the Lord.
“The request of the daughters of Zelophehad is justified. You shall certainly give them a possession as an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and you shall transfer their father’s inheritance to them.” Numbers 7:6-7 (AMP)
Their YES to face this CHALLENGE changed history!
What challenge is in front of you that God is waiting for your YES? Get out of neutral and get going!
Our theme for this year is FASHIONED: Created for Purpose. God has you and me here to take on new challenges at this moment in time. Let’s be history-makers!! Don’t worry. His plans are good!
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
PennDel Women has a beautiful year planned! Join us and be challenged to grow in your faith, serving, and reaching your community! We love serving women! Find out more at www.penndelwomen.org
Serving together,
Liz
