"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." Romans 15:4 (NLT)

When I was in my 20s, I wanted a mentor in the worst way. As an insecure wife and inexperienced mom, every day came with new struggles. Each challenge confirmed my ongoing mental monologue: I have no idea what I'm doing.

I needed someone a little older, wiser and confident to help me navigate some of these never-ending challenges. Someone I could call and ask, "How do you do this?" or "Have you ever experienced that?" without being judged.

Through the years God was faithful to bring wiser women who graciously agreed to mentor me. They shared valuable truths on how to manage a career, be a dedicated wife, the must-haves of mothering and most importantly ... how to experience an authentic, personal relationship with the Lord.

They were living, breathing gifts from God sent to a gal who desperately needed real-life answers.

Over the last decade, I've paid it back by mentoring younger women in my own circle of influence. Some were searching for Mr. Happily-Ever-After. A few were transitioning from newlywed bliss to marriage-plus-career reality. And others needed sound advice on how to raise their kids without going crazy. Hmm ... been there, done that.

In both seasons - being mentored and being a mentor - I've learned much from these women. They are smart, hard working, gracious and tenderhearted. And, they still need godly advice just like me.

If mentoring is valuable, why are so many women missing out on this wonderful experience?

What would happen if we embraced each season of life looking to mentor others with the same excitement and tenacity we'd expect from a women who agreed to mentor us?

Mentoring is not only for the young. It's for each season of every woman's life. Maybe you've been looking for a godly woman to come alongside you. Here are three things you can do while you wait:

1. Pray for your soon-to-be mentor. Even though you don't know her yet, God does. She may be older and wiser, but that doesn't mean she's exempt from life's challenges.

2. Be willing to mentor someone else. You've got gifts and talents. So why not use them by blessing a woman who's also longing for a mentoring relationship.

3. Dig into Scripture and let women of the Bible mentor you. Their lives were fascinating and their challenges real!

Here are a few to study: Sarah, Rachel, Priscilla, Mary Magdalene, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, Anna, Susanna and Mary the mother of Jesus.

These women were smart, loyal and undeniably bold. They generously gave their time, talents and resources. Some even stepped into life-threatening situations, because of their faith and dedication to God.

I'm grateful these women and their mentoring moments were captured and encapsulated throughout the pages of Scripture for us.

Friend, regardless of your age or stage in life, mentoring is always available to you!

Lord, thank You for sharing these women of faith in Scripture, so I can be mentored through their stories. Help me reach out and be willing to mentor others. No matter what season of life I'm in, You will always be my ultimate Mentor. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith." (NLT)

Titus 2:3-5, "Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God." (NLT)

RELATED RESOURCES:

Do you long to understand God's Word, but aren't sure where to start? Check out the First 5 Mobile App and get started today! It's like having your own personal Bible mentor at the touch of a button.

Take your daily app teachings even deeper with The Book of Genesis Experience Guide. The Experience Guide is beautifully designed to complement each day's teaching and grow your faith, as you reflect and respond on what you're learning. Purchase yours today and receive a free, downloadable Experience Guide to use until yours arrives!

Connect with Leah DiPascal today as she shares thoughts about the First 5 Mobile App and how it's completely changed her life.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

Leah mentioned studying these great women of faith: Sarah, Rachel, Priscilla, Mary Magdalene, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, Anna, Susanna and Mary the mother of Jesus.

Select one woman from the above list and read her story in Scripture. Write down everything you learn about her actions, words, faith and connection with God.

© 2015 by Leah DiPascal. All rights reserved.