Our careers are more than just a way to earn a living; they are a chance to embody the love and grace of Jesus to those we encounter each day.
Many women in the workplace feel the tension of managing life on the job and life at home.
We work out of a desire to use the gifts and abilities God has given us to serve others and sometimes it’s just plain necessary. The strain of trying to balance it all causes feelings of guilt to surface and frustration with the disorganized chaos.
We struggle to reconcile our career pursuits, our identity among our peers and the push of the culture around us to achieve and succeed. For the woman who loves and follows Christ, these questions are so important to answer! By the grace of God, He provides us guidance and answers in his Word.
In, She Works His Way: A Practical Guide for Doing What Matters Most in a Get-Things-Done World by Michelle Myers and Somer Phoebus help us, as Christian women, learn how our roles and responsibilities sit under the authority of God, teaching us a biblical worldview of our work.
She Works His Way | Book Review
Content
My Take
Content
Purpose of the Book
This book is written for the woman who finds herself - in the secular workplace or in ministry - struggling to reconcile the modern day mantras about who women 'should' be with the truth of God's Word.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 His Story - Our Story
CHAPTER 2 His Way - My Way
CHAPTER 3 Lose Myself - Find Myself
CHAPTER 4 Know God - Be Known
CHAPTER 5 Obedience - Success
CHAPTER 6 You - Me
CHAPTER 7 Relationships - Achievements
CHAPTER 8 Love - Skill
CHAPTER 9 Listen - Be Heard
CHAPTER 10 Serve - Lead
CHAPTER 11 Give - Earn
CHAPTER 12 Approved - Approval
Summary
The chapters dive into topics about ambition, identity, success, relationships, listening and leading, showing us how scripture teaches us the way of the cross in all these areas of our working lives. For Christian women, our work is not just work; it’s a way to live out our faith by being the hands and feet of Jesus in our daily lives. Our careers provide a daily opportunity to the mouthpiece of Jesus, sharing his love and grace to everyone we meet.
I particularly love the powerful prayer at the end of every chapter, they've been ones I return to during the early hours of my day as they reorient my mindset from one of selfish striving to selfless service.
My Take
Culture says. God says.
Our beliefs about who we are, about our work, about God are influenced by what we hear and read around us. As much as we don’t want to admit it, the culture around us has a significant impact on what we take in as truth.
The authors really help us with this. Some of the chapters begin with contrasting statements, telling us what culture says, then what God says. For example, “culture says:To be known is to be powerful. God says: Know Me and experience My power.”
This comparison stands out, shedding light on a belief we may hold to, but haven’t deeply considered how it connects with the truth of the Word. By helping us break down these statements, our worldview becomes clearer and we’re invited to know God and His Word better, so that we can truly live and love well.
Dependance vs Self-Sufficiency
"The world is trying so hard to convince you that you can do it all, be it all and have it all. An apart of you really wants to believe it" but, "dependence on God is the foundation for following him. That's why we must constantly remind ourselves that as believers, self-sufficiency is a deficiency."
Generally, we’ve come to believe that dependency isn’t a good thing, that it’s a sign of weakness - and we don’t like to feel weak. Instead, we rely on our own strength and abilities to forge through our life and work.
Yet, the apostle Paul makes this so clear when recounting the words of the Lord to him saying, “my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). When we are weak, we are strong, not because of ourselves, but because of Him.
I need reminders of this truth daily because it brings great comfort and joy to know whatever my day holds, He’s got this and He’s faithful to bring it all to completion.
My Recommendation
If you're struggling with the tension as a Christian working woman and you’re looking to understand what the Scriptures teach about our work and how to apply it practically to your life, this great resource.
You can also get access to a study guide that goes along with the book, which would work fantastic in a small group setting. To follow along the She Works His Way network, visit their website or follow the podcast.
She Works His Way is also a discipleship community, where they host classes on business training and personal development that aligns with God's Word and is: dependent on God, dedicated to family, committed to the gospel and effective in our work.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 224
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures About Working God's Way
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Mt 5:14-16)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Pr 3:5)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Col 3:23)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15)
*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.