We need each other, girls! Titus 2:3–5 shows us the value in listening to the wisdom of the generation of women ahead of us and carrying the banner of truth for the generation behind us. Because we want you to be inspired by the testimonies of women in every stage of life, we’ve interviewed a few of our favorites for a new series we’re calling “Walk with the Wise.” In today’s post, Beecher interviews Season, a Jesus-loving girl in her twenties. I met my friend Season nearly a decade ago. She's a go-getter, accomplished, and a hard worker. Most importantly, her relationship with Jesus is displayed in a beautiful way through her interactions with others. I hope this interview will inspire you to use your gifts to further the gospel and serve those around you.
What's your advice for developing the gifts and talents God has given each of us?
Find creative ways to use them, and use them to serve others!
How important is it to set goals for yourself? What are some goals you've set personally and achieved?
As Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). We are His image bearers (Gen. 1:27). If we reflect God to the world and culture today, should we not be aiming for excellence? Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord” (ISV). Wholeheartedly is defined as “completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic. Marked by complete earnest commitment.” Setting goals is crucial as we aim for excellence and seek to have a complete and earnest commitment to what we are doing. I began writing my first novel when I was seventeen. I knew then that I wanted, someday, to publish something. As I got older, I began to set goals of what I needed to accomplish in order for that to happen. In the summer of 2012, I published my first historic fiction novel, That We Might Have Hope, and the sequel will be coming out very soon!
How do you define success?
I think this is different for all of us. There isn’t a box we can jump into in order to be God’s successful woman. However, there are some qualities we see in Scripture that define a woman who is to be praised:
- A gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4).
- A servant’s heart (Phil. 2:3–5).
- A forgiving spirit (Matt. 6:14–15).
- A joyful countenance (Prov. 15:13).
Throughout Scripture, we see stories of successful women—Abigail, Esther, and Ruth, to mention a few. But my favorite is the description found in Proverbs 31. Her husband has given her the domain of the home, and wow, she is always busy! She is cooking and making things and planting crops and overseeing others. Her tasks are many, but her husband is praised in the gates because his household is well ordered. That is a high calling for all of us, single or married. Are we using our time and talents to better not only ourselves but also those with whom we come in contact? Are we using our gifts to bless others?
What qualities and practices would you say are essential to nurture during your teen years to keep you focused on meaningful work into your twenties and beyond?
First, contentment. Learn, as Paul said, to be content wherever you are (Phil. 4:11). Not in a way that causes you to settle for second best, but in a way that allows you to use your gifts, with joy, right where you are. Read God’s Word every day. It is so important that our minds and hearts are bathed in the Word of God. You will look back and see how important it was that you were seeking Him every step of the way.
Has there been a specific verse or passage of Scripture that has encouraged you to stay busy with what God has called you to do?
I know it is used repeatedly, but I truly admire the woman described in Proverbs 31. She is the example to us in Scripture of a woman who is to be praised. She has developed a proficiency in so many areas. She is constantly busy doing something to better her household. My life verse is Psalm 91:1–2, which says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Abiding under the shadow of the Almighty—that is where we will find our fulfillment and the full measure of joy that comes from being exactly where God wants us to be!
How do you handle disappointments or differences in God's timing when life doesn't go as you had expected?
God sees the big picture—He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He is working all things together for His good to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). God’s best is worth the wait. Specifically related to waiting for marriage, I remember that marriage is not the fulfillment—fulfillment must be found in Christ. If God does bless you with a husband someday, your marriage will be better if you know that your happiness is not contingent on man but on God, for He is perfect! Invest in your talents and gifts, use your time fully, and let the Lord handle the rest.
What's one piece of advice you would give to your teenage self?
Enjoy it! Do not be in a rush to grow up. Life can seem complex in your twenties, but as a teenager, lean on the wisdom of your parents and those for whom you have respect, and trust that you do not know everything, that you are learning and have a long way to go, and that every step of the way can be enjoyable. It can feel like the world is just too big—too complicated. But there’s no rush. Stop and pray, seek the Lord, and do the next right thing.
It’s Your Turn
Hi, readers, Beecher here. To wrap this up, here are a couple of questions for you guys to think about:
- What stood out to you in the interview? Your sharing might spark some great additional conversation in the comments section!
- How is the Lord prompting you to grow closer to Him in your teen years?
- What practical steps are you taking to grow in your relationship with Him?