“So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” – Judges 5:31
Throughout history we see that God has used both men and women to make a difference in this life. Men and women willing to be used by God to stand up, speak up, and show up, in the lives of many. Sometimes our preconceived ideas have prohibited us from seeing or understanding how God can use someone that to us, might not ‘look’ qualified enough to do what God has called them to do. At times, we have tried to give God our own personal vision of what we think every person should be.
I have heard many stories of men who have done great things throughout history and how they have changed the world, but I know that God uses women to make a difference as well. God does not only expect men to stand up for what is right, speak up for the less fortunate, and show the world the love of Jesus. God also wants women to affect the world in a positive way, to be part of important decision makings, have influence in the next generation, have a vision, not only for herself but for the church as well, to lead others to Him, and to share the good news – Jesus loves you!
As I read my Bible and throughout many important instances in life, I see how God has used women to stand up for what is right, speak up when needed, show love and compassion where there was none, and inspire the next generation to do the same.
Queen Esther was chosen by God to speak up, and stand up for her people. She helped avoid a massacre and was crucial in putting away the man that despised the people of God and changed history. She was called to defend the Jews even if it meant the end of her life. She had courage, strength, confidence, faith, and was willing to do God’s will (Esther).
Deborah was chosen by God to be a judge, a leader, a prophetess, a warrior, for the people of Israel. She was not 2nd choice after a man said no to God, she was 1st choice, and willing to do what God called her to do. She was strong, courageous, fearless, gutsy, and willing to do God’s will (Judges 2).
Huldah, a prophet of God, was exceptional among all the prophets in her day, and was a contemporary of Jeremiah. She counseled King Josiah and was inspired by God to authorize the discovered Book of Law (Torah) which today is part of Jewish and Christian scripture. The high priests and royal officials would go to her for advice. She was smart, spiritual, outspoken, and strong, and willing to do God’s will (2 Kings 22 & 2 Chronicles 34).
Mary, was very young, but that did not stop God from choosing her to be the mother of Jesus. She was not afraid to be used by God for a purpose bigger than her cultural conception of what women should be. She knew she would be gossiped about, looked at with hate, rejected, and maybe even stoned for being pregnant before marriage. Her desire to do God’s will was greater than the need to conform to those around her. She might have had many fears, but her courage and strength were greater. She was willing to do God’s will (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Junia is the first woman apostle mentioned in the Bible. She was highly regarded and complimented by the apostle Paul. He thought she was outstanding. Even though throughout history, people have tried to change her name to a masculine name, many theologians today accept that Junia in fact was a female apostle. She was used by God to preach the gospel even if it landed her in jail, and was willing to do His will (Romans 16:7).
Rosa Parks stood up for what was right and spoke up. She was tired of giving in to discrimination. She knew we are all created equally. On December 1, 1955, by refusing to give up her seat on a bus, she showed she had guts, determination, courage, and strength. Because of her action, later we see Martin Luther King Jr., lead the civil rights movement. On that day, Rosa Parks spoke up, she was willing to do God’s will.
Mother Teresa, saw a need, felt compassion, and was called to make a difference in India. She lived among the poor while helping them. At times she would have no money and would have to beg for food, but her desire to help was greater than her personal need. She inspired the world to show love and give selflessly. She was kind, loving, and compassionate, and willing to do God’s will.
There are many, many more women that have made a huge difference in this life, and many, many more that will continue to do so.
I know of many beautiful, talented, and gifted women that have accepted God’s call on their life, and I praise God for them everyday!
God will continue using women, who are willing, to be used by Him to do extraordinary things in His name. Some people will not like it, agree with it, or be comfortable with the fact that God also asks women to lead, but this will not stop Him from calling, gifting, and equipping women to fulfill the vision and purpose He has for their life.
God uses a willing heart, someone who wants to make a difference, change this life for the better, and tell the world about His love.
Ladies, listen to your heart, hear what God is calling you to do, and don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and do what God has called you to do. Don’t be afraid to step out of the ‘mold’ of what some people think you should be. Believe you have been called for such a time as this!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for not conforming to human ideas and preconceptions. Thank You for seeing value and purpose in everyone. Thank You for giving anyone who is willing, the ability, strength, and courage to do Your will above all things. Help me to always listen to Your voice and never be afraid to do what is right, to do what You have called me to do. Help me to stand up, speak up, and show up for such a time as this. Amen.
Women are beautiful!
Women are strong & courageous!
Women are compassionate!
Women are spiritual!
Women are gifted & talented!
Women are leaders!
Women make a difference!
