The 5 Step Survival Guide for Working Women: Step 5 - The Action Step

"...the storm subsided, and all was calm." – Luke 8:2

So far, with our 5 Step Survival Guide, you have:

*Identified a persistent stressor.

*Identified the root cause of the stress.

*Sought guidance from Scripture regarding what God says about the core issue.

*Prayed for discernment and clarity on God's will and asked God if there is an attitude He wants to reveal something about or a change He wants you to make.

*Identified potential barriers to taking action.

Some changes may be easy to make, while some may be harder. A change is easier to make if you believe you are doing the right thing, no matter how much you are out of your normal comfort zone. Things often seem difficult because a behaviour or situation has been a way of life for a long time that it may feel easier to continue to worry, or talk about it, rather than take an action step to resolve the issue.

However, God did not intend for you to be stressed, exhausted, irritated and frustrated. He wants you to turn to Him and walk with Him step by step.

Consider Susan's story:

Susan, overwhelmed by consistently arriving home late from work and thus disappointing her family, used the 5 Whys technique to uncover that her habit of people-pleasing was the root cause. A search of the scriptures revealed to Susan her priority should be pleasing God, not others. Taking action meant learning to say "no" when necessary to prioritize her family. She resolved to tactfully decline additional requests for her help, ensuring her commitments aligned with her priorities.  She decided that if she was asked for help, and if it was not necessary, she would say something as follows: "I wish I could help you, but I have a deadline I need to meet so unfortunately I am not able to help". If she had suggestions on where the person might be able to find resources, she would certainly offer that information. Using the 5 Step Survival Guide, Susan was ready to take the next step to resolve a long-standing stressful issue. 

Your Action Step:

You are now ready to take your next step! Record your Action Step somewhere where you can easily refer back to it. Consider the following:

1.  Is there anything about your Action Step that is not in keeping with God's word?

2.  Would you benefit from the advice of trusted Christian friends and/or professionals?

3. Did you take into consideration other priorities in your life?

Be at peace regarding what you feel God wants you to do next or change. Remember He is with you and wants to bless you in this area.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Taking This to God in Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Word and faithfulness. Thank You for the love, consistency, guidance and wisdom found in Your Word for everything we are dealing with in our lives. Thank You for being with us as we take steps to do what You would have us do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

May God richly bless you this week!

Bonny, Christian Women at Work

The Power of Words - Part 2

I recently shared about the Power of Words (link here) and why they matter. I have seen over and over again, and personally experienced, how the right word use can change the atmosphere in a room, start a disagreement, restore relationships or heal hurts. 

Last time we looked at words, we looked through the whole Bible. This time, let’s take a look at Proverbs, one of the Wisdom books in the Word, to see what God has to say there about words and how they can impact us in every area of our lives, including our workplaces..

10 Verses In Proverbs To Reminds Us About The Power of Our Words:

As I took a closer look at the verses I discovered there, I saw three verses which spoke about

Life, Health & Blessing:

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. (Proverbs 25:15)

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24)

There were seven verses which included a warning over careless words, or contrasted between a warning and a blessing.

Warnings & Contrasts:

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18)

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21)

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)

And there is one more verse in Proverbs which is on the top of my list as a Christian woman in the workplace, out of which all our word choices should flow:

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26)

Taking This to God in Prayer:

God, thank You for Your Word, and the warnings and blessings it contains for those who follow You and seek to live in the ways which honor both You and others. Help me to listen for Your voice, and to put Your words into practice in my life. May the words I speak be kind, true, wise, blessing, encouragement or direction as You prompt me accordingly. In each situation where I look to Your guidance. In Jesus’ Name and with Holy Spirit power I pray, Amen.

May we become more aware of our word choices as we aim to become more like You in our workplaces, as Your daughters.

Karla, Christian Women at Work

The Five-Step Survival Guide for Working Women: Step 4 - Embrace Prayer

"...the storm subsided, and all was calm." - Luke 8:24

Let's take time to reflect on the journey you've undertaken so far to deal with persistent stress.

• First, you identified the core issue, narrowing it into a concise word (or perhaps two words).

• Next, you searched the scriptures, seeking verses that included your word(s). Along the way, you likely experienced moments of divine revelation, sensing God's guidance in your readings.

• You may have noticed recurring themes or words, uncovering deeper meanings and connections.Certain verses might have stood out or were repeated. Through this search of scripture, what God unveiled to you became uniquely personal—a tailored message for your circumstances and your heart.

Now is the time for prayerful reflection. 

• Consider what God has unveiled to you, seeking His wisdom to understand His Will.

• Take your time.

• Approach God with openness, allowing Him to clear your heart and mind of outside influences and fears, filling you instead with His divine thoughts.

Over these next two weeks, take the following steps:

1. Reread the verses that stirred your soul. Ask God for guidance on your next course of action and for insight into His plan for you for dealing with this stress. Document your prayerful reflections.

2. Ask God for protection against an onslaught of Satan's attacks. Satan wants to sow anxiety and turmoil and prevent calmness in the storm. Arm yourself with the full armor of God, as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18.

3. Ask God to reveal to you if there are any attitudes—such as fear, pride, or worry—that may affect your ability to deal with your stress. Identify and acknowledge an attitude you sense God is prompting you to address.

4. Ask God for clarity regarding the next step in your journey. This may involve eliminating stressors, making a change, having a conversation, seeking counsel, or simply resting in His presence. Recognize that this next step will be as unique as the issue you face.

5. Document one practical step you believe God is guiding you to undertake.
   

Taking this to God in Prayer:

Thank You, God, for helping me deal with the stress I am navigating. I commit to seeking Your guidance in every circumstance, and to lining up my actions and words with Your will. Grant me the wisdom to know Your path and will for me and the courage to follow it faithfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Praying that God richly blesses you as you seek His guidance.

Bonny, Christian Women at Work