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Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to slice a tomato with a dull blade. Therefore, we sharpen it. When iron sharpens iron, sparks fly. It is a natural byproduct of the necessary sharpening process.
While living in Venezuela, there was a certain whistle-like tune the sharpener used as he walked the streets, advertising his services. Spiritually speaking, there is no special whistle to recognize those who are gifted in this area, but thankfully, God does not expect us to know how to sharpen ourselves on our own. He has provided others to help us.
Sharpening, like growing, is an ongoing process. It is not a one-and-done. It is like sanctification or transformation that God continually facilitates through His Son until we meet Him in heaven.
In God’s roles as Teacher and Lord, He walks with us and guides us, comforting and correcting, training us in righteousness. He provides us with the example of His Son in whose steps we can follow (1 Pet. 2:21) and the support of His church that serves alongside us.
As we continue to walk in the light as He is the Light (1 John 1:5), we recognize areas in which we need to be transformed more and more into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). Those areas may be obvious to us or may be more elusive to identify. They often appear as a dulled spiritual blade as we enter a spiritual battle. You are not fighting this struggle alone. We can strengthen one another as iron sharpening iron.
Since Iron Rose Sister Ministries was established, the Common Threads have served as the three elements of the logo in personal and practical application. They can be found as a part of each chapter of the interactive Bible study books. They are designed to be shared and prayed over in a small group context—from three to eight women.
The images below are the updated version of the Common Threads from our new three-language logo.
The Common Threads are unique to each woman and her current place in life. Yet they are often intertwined. For example, when we want to grow or bloom in an area, we must first remove the thorn—whatever hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (Heb. 12:1). Of course, if the thorn is a sin, it must go! However, at times, we have thorns like the one that Paul begged the Lord to take from him. Yet God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV).
Our area of emphasis for growth or the thorn of hindrance may be the same area in which we want to dig deeper (in Bible study or in understanding) or need someone to hold us accountable. You will notice that the image of iron sharpening iron is two nails in the form of a cross. A part of our humble service to one another is to lovingly sharpen one another and deepen together our relationships with God and each other, all while cheering one another on as we are transformed into the image of Christ.
Whether inspired by a Bible verse from this post, a recent sermon, or something else God has been revealing to you, invite at least one Christian sister, an Iron Rose Sister, to share in the Common Threads with you. You will both be richly blessed in your fulfillment of the Proverb 27:17.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Personally, I ask you to join me in prayer that I will bloom in my acceptance of God’s grace in my weakness. It is an easy trap for me to want to do it all on my own. That pride or personal strength can be a thorn that God has called me to set aside so that He is glorified in all He does. I have Iron Rose Sisters who sharpen me by reminding me of my physical limitations, while acknowledging my desire to serve in more ways than I am able. I am digging deeper into my understanding of God’s abundant provision and His delight in using all of us to accomplish His will and grow His Kingdom.
What are your Common Threads this week?
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Written by Crisamarie Rivas, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador
The Bible, as a source of wisdom and spiritual guidance, reveals profound messages about creation and the purpose of humanity. Within this wonderful narrative, women are presented as beings created with a specific purpose, full of value and meaning. Through carefully selected Bible verses, let’s explore the role and importance of women in the divine plan, and how these truths can inspire us in our daily lives.
The Creation of the Woman: A purpose designed by God.
"It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen 2:18 NIV).
God created the woman as a help suitable for the man. The word "suitable" means adequate, appropriate, or complementary. This reveals that women are not mere companions, but play an essential role in the life and purpose of men. They were designed to be partners who bring unique skills, perspectives, and gifts.
Motherhood: A Purpose of upbringing and formation.
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (Prov. 31:26).
The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 exemplifies the purpose of nurturing and training through wisdom. Women can influence and guide future generations with love, patience, and advice. As mothers, grandmothers, and mentors, their impact on the formation of character and values is incalculable.
Service and Ministry: A purpose of impact.
"... and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means" (Luke 8:2-3).
Women in Jesus' ministry were passionate followers and valued collaborators. These women were not only beneficiaries of His love and healing but also gratefully served Him. This highlights the purpose of women in service and ministry, demonstrating that their gifts and resources can be used mightily for the advancement of God's Kingdom.
From personal experience, I can say that I was created with a purpose since my birth because God has used me to leave a seed in the hearts of the people I have met. That is why I invite you who are reading this to wisely put into practice the purpose that God created in you.
In addition, we can find important examples of women who had a great purpose in the Bible: Esther saved her people from being killed, Mary gave birth to our Lord Jesus Christ, and Ruth left her home and customs out of love for her mother-in-law. Thanks to their offspring, David and Jesus were born. Thanks to them, we can understand that we were born for a special purpose and that God places us where we should be to fulfill His purpose in our lives.
I am sure that the Lord used me in my past and will continue to do so in my present and future, but for this, I must let Him use me according to His will.
As we reflect on these biblical truths about the purpose of women, it is important to remember that each woman is unique and has a personal role in God's plan. Regardless of traditional or cultural roles, women are called to embrace their divine purpose with courage and confidence.
Every loving interaction, every wise advice, and every act of service has an eternal impact on the world around us. Women are not simply companions, but leaders, educators, and bearers of light in the darkness.
In conclusion, the Bible reveals to us that women were created for an intrinsic and worthwhile purpose. As partners, mothers, leaders, and servants, women can positively influence the world and glorify God through their lives. May we embrace with gratitude and joy the purpose that God has given us, seeking to fulfill it with love and determination in every area of our lives.