We want our young women to be strong for the right reasons, to fight for the right things. Young girls should be encouraged then to learn the Scriptures and see the beauty of Christ as it shines forth in the word of God. Understanding the truth of the gospel and how it impacts their lives in wonderful and glorious ways is how they will stand firm when the world buffets them. 

Women who are faithful to God live wisely in this world and use their skills and gifts to the glory of God and the benefit of others. Here are seven ways to raise girls to become godly and strong women.

1. Teach girls to love Christ and the truth.

What is the use of being strong if it’s not for a good purpose? We want our young women to be strong for the right reasons, to fight for the right things. Young girls should be encouraged then to learn the Scriptures and see the beauty of Christ as it shines forth in the word of God. Understanding the truth of the gospel and how it impacts their lives in wonderful and glorious ways is how they will stand firm when the world buffets them. They must know deeply that their Savior loves them and cares for them and is the most important person in world. The word of God is the standard by which God’s children live and walk in this world; so, women must know what the truth is, and how that truth is beautiful and good. Young women must be encouraged to love the One who is the source of all truth, and in loving him they will be strong to live for him.

2. Encourage girls to use all their gifts.

God has made all girls in his own image. He has given them skills, gifts, and aptitudes. Explore with your daughters their gifts, and show them that God has given them these gifts so that they might use them to his glory and the good of others. No skill is unimportant. Whether your daughter has tendencies toward medicine, art, agriculture, music, engineering, computers, mechanics, acting, organization, or managing skills, encourage her to grow in her skills wisely and to use them to glorify God and serve others.

3. Teach girls to pray.

One of the most important things to teach young girls is that their strength comes from resting and relying in the strength of their heavenly Father. We cannot live life in our own strength but are to rely upon God. But how do you rely upon someone you don’t know or speak to? An essential part of relying on God is cultivating a relationship with him through reading his word and prayer. In reading God’s word, we hear his promises to us, and in prayer we express the reality of who God is and share with him our needs and confess our failings. In so doing, we recognize that he is with us and that only through his help can we be strong. The Psalms are a wonderful example of prayers for strength and comfort coming from King David who was a “man after God’s own heart.” In the Psalms we have a picture of David’s relationship with God, a relationship steeped in prayer. Through prayer we see David asking for strength, comfort, and protection; and all God’s people should follow David’s example, including young girls.

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