Can you imagine a world where women realized how strategic and impactful their role is in God’s kingdom?
God has created us with influence from the beginning of creation we see it played out with Adam and Eve. I have heard many say that the Devil went to Eve first because she was easily fooled or more vulnerable. But I think it was because he was very aware of the impact and influence a woman has on others.
Since the beginning of time the enemy who is also known as the Deceiver; has been trying to sidetrack, silence, confuse, and crush the impact women have in God’s kingdom.
Not anymore! We will no longer stand quiet listening to the deceiver’s lies or his threats.
Not only have we been entrusted with the Gospel but we have been equipped.
He has placed you exactly where you’re at, for this time, on purpose, to declare His word and live it out for His glory.
Let’s take a look at the word “ministry” before we unfold the 4 fears women wrestle with. The word ministry in greek is “diakoneo” which means to serve. That’s it! Pretty simple! It doesn’t mean ordained or theologian it simply means to serve.
Serving God and others for His glory. But in the Christian circle, we’ve taken that word “ministry” and have used it as a label for those with the role or career of a pastor, women’s ministry director, children ministry, missionary, Sunday school teacher…
It’s seen as a vocation for a select few instead of an overflow of who we are.
I do believe that there are vocations like pastors and teachers but ministry is not reserved for only the select few it’s for all of God’s children.
Maybe if we viewed the word “ministry” as an overflow of who we are as God’s children then we would live differently.
The Four Fears Women Face Impacting Others for His Kingdom
- I have nothing to offer. We often confuse ministry with thinking it involves being on stage or sharing on a big platform, having a seminary degree or evangelizing many.Ministry happens in our everyday ordinary life.
It can happen when I’m washing the dishes, changing diapers or guiding and teaching my children. It can happen when I interact with my neighbors or write that email. How about when I get on social media? It can happen when I forgive that family member or reach out to that person that has wronged me.
We see 1 Thessalonians as Paul writes to the church what he’s calling them to in verses 7-12. Look over those verses for just a minute. You’ll notice his charge “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling” doesn’t require a degree or a specific role. He uses words like caring, loving, teaching, exhorting and encouraging one another. - I am not qualified. You’re so right you’re not. It is what Jesus Christ did on the cross that qualifies you and me. I have seen over and over again in my life that God will equip you for what He has called you to. We are reminded of this in verse 5:24, he says, “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
Even if you are physically or academically qualified we still need God to fulfill the good work He began in us. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do.” Friends whether you feel qualified or not please don’t ever forget that it is God’s work on the cross that qualifies us to do His work. - If it’s challenging, God must not want me there. This is another lie we tend to believe but imagine if Paul believed it we would not have most of the New Testament or his missionary journeys. In Matthew 16:24 we are told, “Take up your cross and follow me.” We are constantly warned in scripture that we will suffer. The book of Thessalonians amongst others were written while Paul is imprisoned. Scripture constantly reminds us that we will suffer as believers.
Everything that is of value to us in life has cost us. The beautiful thing is that in the midst of the suffering we are not left alone. He is with us. - My past is too messy. This is a lie straight from hell. We are not defined by our mistakes or sins. He redeems our past for His glory. Do you know what Paul did before he wrote this loving and caring letter using words like “We were like nursing mothers, fathers…”? Paul killed Christians.
Murder may not be in your past but we all can relate to sin that so easily entangles us. We live out the gospel not because we are perfect but because His perfection already covered our sin and shame. He tells us in verse 13 “it is His word at work in us.”
Stop Holding the Baton
Because my children ran track I can’t help but use the baton as an example. Can you imagine if in a race when you get the baton you just stand there and look at it? Or you stick it in your back pocket and go along doing your own thing? Perhaps you take it and decide you’re going to hang it around your neck as if it were the prize.
Runners have been trained to know that when you get the baton you run with it. and pass it on. You don’t keep it for yourself, you run with it and you keep passing it on until the race is finished.
In the same way, we have been entrusted with the Gospel. We constantly have God’s word reminding us and training us to do the same–pass the baton.
We not only have been entrusted with God’s word but we’ve been equipped to declare it and live it out for His glory–right now, right here where God has placed us.
Isn’t that amazing? He’s entrusted us with the gospel.
God has placed you exactly where you’re at,
for this time,
On purpose,
To declare His word and live it out for His glory.
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