Food 4 Thought

THE POWER OF A WOMAN

Women are inherently powerful – even more so when we become Christians – because the power of the Holy Spirit works in us and through us. He empowers us to hone our character and utilise our talents, so we make an indelible impact on the lives of others, and emboldens us to share the transformational message of the Gospel.

The Bible features several Scriptures about women – often as part of a Bible story – to describe our qualities or to encourage us to be God-focused. The book of Proverbs has Scriptures about women in all their guises. There are verses about women as temptresses: ‘For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword’ (Proverbs 5:3-4 NLT). There’s mention of a woman’s power in the home: ‘A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands’ (Proverbs 14:1 NLT), and also how our physical attractiveness can be misused: ‘Beauty in a woman without good judgment is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout’ (Proverbs 11:22 GNT). Finally, there’s Proverbs 31, which extols the skills and character of the ‘virtuous woman’ in verse 30 (NIV): ‘Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.’

Let’s be honest. As women, we can put a great deal of effort into how we look and it can be worth it. Research indicates that people who look good experience greater social benefits than those who don’t. However, how we look is not where our true power as Christian women lies; it’s in our character and faith in God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) states: ‘Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.’

When I became a Christian, the older women in church weren’t too concerned about being fashionable. They were, however, concerned about the things of God – praying, fasting and doing good works. As a result, they were often the first people church members turned to whenever they needed prayerful or practical support when going through a difficult time. Now that’s power for you.

We live in a time when Christian women are making inroads into all spheres of society, which is great. However, as we grow in impact and power within our spheres of influence, let’s always be mindful that our true power comes from being women who pray, seek the Lord, and fulfil His calling for our lives.

IT’S BIBLICAL TO PRAY FOR HEALING

Nowadays, some believers are so ultra secretive when they are going through a major challenge – like a life-threatening illness – they are reluctant to inform their church family and ask for prayer.

I fully understand why an individual might want to maintain their privacy when dealing with a serious illness; however, surely this is the time when the prayers of fellow believers are needed more than ever?

James 5:14-15 (NIV) states: ‘Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.’

In 2026, don’t be fearful of asking for prayer support if walking through the valley of sickness. Doing so does not negate going to the doctors, having routine tests, eating healthily, exercising, following doctors’ orders, undergoing treatment where necessary, etc.; however, receiving prayer from others whilst ill and undergoing medical treatment will strengthen your spirit, calm your anxiety, and give you respite from the stress of your illness. God is still in the healing business. I believe it will also quicken your healing time and, in some instances, lead to a miraculous healing.

So, if you’re ill, don’t be afraid to ask for prayer. God and His saints will walk with you during your journey.

UNCOMFORTABLE COMEDIC TRUTH

A huge debate about the African American Church – the Black megachurch to be exact – is ensuing online, following a skit by internet comedic sensation Druski.

The skit, based in a church and which features a caricature of a Black pastor who is more concerned with optics, money and stunts in church, as opposed to preaching the Gospel and rightly dividing God’s Word of truth, has gone viral. At the time of writing, the skit has been viewed 56 million times on Instagram (45m on TikTok) and amassed 278,000 comments on Druski’s Instagram account.

It’s said comedy reflects life and, unfortunately, this skit holds up a mirror to some of the unbiblical preaching and actions that have taken place in the Black American megachurch. It’s evident that parts of the Black American church have some major problems that need to be remedied as soon as possible. Otherwise, some members of public will continue to see it as a joke.