Go! And Be Used by God — Honouring Women in God’s Mission
Throughout history, God has called and empowered both men and women to serve His kingdom, proclaim His truth, and lead His people. Yet, some claim that women should not preach, teach, or hold leadership positions in the church. This misunderstanding arises from a misinterpretation of certain biblical texts while ignoring the broader testimony of Scripture.
Let’s be clear: The Bible is filled with examples of God using women as leaders, prophets, teachers, and even apostles. From the Old Testament to the New, we see that God does not restrict His calling by gender—He calls the willing, the faithful, and the obedient.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20—“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”—was not given exclusively to men. It was given to all followers of Jesus, men and women alike.
Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28 declare this truth:
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
In Christ, the dividing lines that separate people based on ethnicity, status, or gender are removed. The Spirit of God empowers all who believe in Jesus, and that includes women. If God calls a woman to preach, who are we to say she should remain silent?
Critics often cite 1 Timothy 2:12, where Paul says, “I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.” But this verse must be understood in its historical and cultural context. Paul was addressing a specific issue in the Ephesian church, where false teaching was spreading (see 1 Timothy 1:3-4). In contrast, Paul affirmed women in ministry throughout his letters—he commended Phoebe, a deacon (Romans 16:1), praised Priscilla, who taught alongside her husband (Acts 18:26), and referred to Junia as an apostle (Romans 16:7).
It is clear that God raises up women for His purpose. Deborah led Israel as a judge and prophetess (Judges 4:4-5). Esther was chosen to save God’s people (Esther 4:14). Mary was the first to proclaim the risen Christ (John 20:17-18). Lydia led a house church (Acts 16:14-15, 40). Priscilla taught theology to a man (Acts 18:26). And the Holy Spirit fell on both men and women at Pentecost, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel that “your sons and daughters will prophesy” (Acts 2:17).
To deny women the right to lead, teach, and preach is to ignore the testimony of Scripture. The God who called Deborah, Mary, and Lydia is the same God who calls women today to proclaim His truth. God does not call based on gender—He calls based on His purpose.
As we explore the lives of significant women in the Bible, let us open our hearts to the truth: God equips and empowers those He calls. And when He calls a woman to lead, she must go and lead in the power of His Spirit.
As we examine Scripture, we will discover the incredible ways God has used women throughout history to accomplish His will.
Go! And Be Used by God: Lessons from Women of the Bible
Throughout history, God has chosen and used both men and women to accomplish His divine purposes. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see countless examples of women who, through faith and obedience, played a significant role in God’s plan. Their stories remind us that God calls each of us—regardless of our background, status, or circumstances—to be instruments for His glory. Today, we will explore the lives of several remarkable women in Scripture, seeing how God used them and what lessons we can learn from their faith.
1. Deborah: A Leader and Deliverer
Judges 4:4-5 (NLT) – “Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment.”
Deborah stands out as a unique leader in Israel’s history—a prophetess, a judge, and a military strategist. In a time when Israel was oppressed, she courageously led the people, showing that God equips those He calls.
Context and Exegesis:
• The Hebrew word for “judge” (??????, shaphat) means to govern or rule. Deborah not only settled disputes but also provided spiritual guidance.
• God spoke through her, demonstrating that He empowers both men and women for leadership when they submit to His authority.
Application:
Like Deborah, we must listen to God’s voice and act with courage. When God calls us, He provides the strength and wisdom needed to fulfill our purpose.
Quote: “Faith is not knowing what the future holds but knowing who holds the future.” – Corrie ten Boom
2. Esther: A Woman of Courage and Influence
Esther 4:14 (NLT) – “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Esther’s story is one of divine appointment. Though initially hesitant, she embraced her calling to save her people from destruction.
Context and Exegesis:
• The Persian king’s decree seemed irreversible, but Esther trusted God’s plan.
• The phrase “for such a time as this” highlights God’s sovereignty in placing us in specific situations to fulfill His purposes.
Application:
We must be willing to step out in faith, even in the face of fear. God places us where we are for a reason, and when we trust Him, He works through us for His glory.
Quote: “Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
3. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A Woman of Surrender
Luke 1:38 (NLT) – “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.”
Mary’s faith and submission to God’s will made her an instrument for the most significant event in human history—the birth of Jesus Christ.
Context and Exegesis:
• The Greek word for “servant” (d?????, doulos) signifies complete submission to a master’s will. Mary fully entrusted herself to God’s plan.
• Despite potential societal shame, she obeyed, showing that God values a heart of surrender.
Application:
When God calls us, our response should be one of obedience and trust. He uses those who are willing to yield to His purpose.
Quote: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” – John Piper
4. Lydia: A Businesswoman with an Open Heart
Acts 16:14-15 (NLT) – “One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests.”
Lydia was a successful businesswoman who became the first recorded European convert to Christianity. Her open heart and hospitality played a vital role in the spread of the gospel.
Context and Exegesis:
• The Greek word for “opened” (d?a?????, dianoigo) implies divine enlightenment—God Himself prepared Lydia’s heart to receive the truth.
• She was a dealer in purple cloth, a sign of wealth, yet she used her resources for God’s kingdom.
Application:
We must be open to God’s calling and willing to use our resources for His work. When we surrender what we have, God multiplies it for His glory.
Quote: “God doesn’t just want your heart; He wants your hands and feet too.” – Christine Caine
5. Priscilla: A Teacher of the Word
Acts 18:26 (NLT) – “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.”
Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, was instrumental in teaching Apollos, a passionate but incomplete preacher of the gospel.
Context and Exegesis:
• The Greek word for “explained” (??t???µ?, ektithemi) means to expose fully or declare completely. Priscilla played a key role in deepening Apollos’ understanding of the gospel.
• She was active in ministry, showing that teaching and discipleship are for all believers, not just men.
Application:
God calls us to grow in knowledge and share His truth with others. We must be willing to mentor and guide those who seek understanding.
Quote: “Discipleship isn’t about how much you know but about how much you love.” – Francis Chan
6. The Samaritan Woman: A Witness to Her Community
John 4:39 (NLT) – “Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, ‘He told me everything I ever did!’”
This woman, despite her past, became one of the first evangelists, leading many in her town to Christ.
Context and Exegesis:
• Jesus broke cultural barriers by speaking to her, showing that the gospel is for everyone.
• Her transformation illustrates how God redeems and repurposes our past for His glory.
Application:
We are called to share our testimony. No matter our past, God can use our story to bring others to Him.
Quote: “Your story is the key that can unlock someone else’s prison.” – Christine Caine
Conclusion:
God has used women throughout history to advance His kingdom. Whether through leadership, courage, surrender, hospitality, teaching, or evangelism, these women remind us that God’s call is for all people. Will you say “yes” to God’s call today?
Call to Action:
• Trust that God has a purpose for your life.
• Step out in faith, knowing He equips those He calls.
• Use your gifts, testimony, and resources for His glory.
