Though surrounded by oppression, abuse, and brokenness, these women have chosen to follow Jesus and are walking in freedom, making a life-changing impact in the lives of those around them through the chain-breaking power of the Gospel in their own stories.
“Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 5:5 NIV).
Women serve a profound purpose in the Kingdom of God. Women of faith are set apart in value and design, uniquely qualified for the distinct calling in which they can and will bring many souls to salvation. Jesus is using women across the globe—regardless of their circumstances—for the glory of His Kingdom through their own testimonies and tenderhearted compassion.
If I have seen anything through my years of serving alongside my husband in the mission fields of Africa and Latin America, I have seen newfound redemption in the lives of women worldwide because of Jesus. Though surrounded by oppression, abuse, and brokenness, these women have chosen to follow Jesus and are walking in freedom, making a life-changing impact in the lives of those around them through the chain-breaking power of the Gospel in their own stories.
“And provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).
Women have special God-gifted passions, intuitions, traits, and skillsets that are different than those gifted to men. With these unique characteristics, they are given divine opportunities for the purposes of evangelism and discipleship.
The Calling
God has called women to ministry.
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20 NIV).
When I think about God’s purpose for women in the Kingdom, I am often reminded of the women who served Jesus; this verse in Proverbs is a stunning prophetic parallel with these women of the New Testament. Jesus was a man with no earthly status, riches, or luxuries. Yet, these faithful women supported His ministry, followed Him to the foot of the cross, and even after His death, were honoring Him in devout, grief-filled mourning. I can only imagine how utterly moved they were to see Him again when He rose from the grave—to witness the tears of joy these women wept when they saw their resurrected savior and friend.
That matching affection and heart of devotion that God had given these women ring true for us today. We are naturally drawn to the least of these. We are equipped to serve the poor, help the abused, and lead the lost with nurturing compassion and gentle affection. We are made ready by the Holy Spirit for these divine appointments with overflowing hearts for these people that could only be granted to us by Jesus. We eagerly anticipate the days of fulfilling joy when these wounded people come to know the freedom and redemption in Jesus—that which is reflective of the resurrection. I can only imagine the rejoicing we will experience in Heaven one day when we get to dance and sing with these brothers and sisters—those with whom we are currently sharing the abundant love of Christ. How poetic God is to show us these parallels of the simple Gospel within that of our own lives and ministry!
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).
Finally, we are equipped to make disciples and multiply within the Kingdom of God through sharing the Gospel in truth and love.
The Design
God has designed women for ministry.
“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NIV).
Consider the moment (or the season) when Jesus transformed your life. I’m certain He faithfully met you precisely where you were, as He tends to do. I now know the Lord has always been near to me—whether I realized it at the moment or not—both in seasons of rejoicing and in those of utter brokenness and despair. He has always been right there, keeping me anchored and speaking the truth to my heart. This is real love.
How can we do the same thing for others?
This is where Jesus calls us as women—into the depths of others’ hearts—preparing us to walk into the places of darkness with Jesus as our guiding light and holy voice so that we might speak life into others. Again, we are created differently than men of the Kingdom—and how joyful I am for this reality!
Jesus has given us the divine ability to recognize the holy beauty and talents within others to affirm and encourage them in the Spirit. What an immense privilege and honor we have in getting to partner in this with and for Christ! How beautiful is our Savior!
“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Psalm 37:11 NIV).
The Uniqueness
God can uniquely use women in ministry.
Because of our unique design, we are called and anointed to speak to and lead specific people groups that men are not. We are led by God to comfort the brokenhearted, honor the meek, uplift the unseen, and extend hands of mercy to women who have been wounded by men and to orphans who have been abandoned by fathers. I can only imagine how joy-filled the Lord’s heart becomes when someone who has a mistrust for men—such as a victim of human trafficking, an abandoned child, or an abused woman—comes to Jesus because of a woman fulfilling her role in the Kingdom.
Let us be humbled in obedience at the feet of the Father; let us answer our call to be sensitive in the Spirit to all so that we might bring the least of these to the feet of Jesus! This is the Good News.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).
Related Resource: The Famous at Home Podcast
The Famous at Home podcast with Josh and Christi Straub helps you stay emotionally engaged and connected to your biggest fans - the people in your homes. In this episode, we talk about the meaning of the word "household" and how it applies to your family. Click the play button below to listen!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Oliver Rossi
Mischelle Manis is the Director of Women’s Ministry for Reaching Souls International, which exists to reach the maximum number of people for Christ in the least amount of time in the most efficient way. Manis has led teaching teams around the world to train thousands of pastors’ wives and women church leaders in evangelism and discipleship.
