Empowering Women: Embracing God's Call and Purpose
Summary
Today, we honored all mothers—biological, spiritual, step, grandmothers, and every woman who has poured into others with a mother’s heart. The focus was on the question of why God seems to focus on men and the role of women in ministry. Drawing from my own journey, I shared how God called me to preach and prophesy, even when I had no female role models and little support from the culture or the church. My story is a testament to God’s faithfulness in guiding those who step out in obedience, even when the path is unclear.
Scripture reveals that God created both men and women in His image, and the Old Testament, though written in a male-dominated society, contains radical affirmations of women’s value and leadership. Women like Deborah, Jael, Hannah, Miriam, Esther, and Huldah were used by God in significant ways, often stepping out of the shadows to fulfill His purposes. Jesus Himself broke cultural norms by including women in His ministry, discipling them, and treating them with dignity and respect. He allowed women to learn, serve, and even become the first evangelists, as seen in His encounter with the Samaritan woman.
We also examined the challenging New Testament passages that have been used to silence women. By looking at the original language and historical context, it becomes clear that these were specific instructions for particular situations, not universal commands. Paul, in fact, commended and worked alongside many women leaders in the early church. The call for women to be “helpers” is not a call to subservience, but to partnership and strength, echoing the very word used for God as our helper.
The heart of the matter is that God has a purpose for every person—male and female. The church and the world need women who are passionate for Christ and willing to step into their God-given callings. Men are called to encourage and support the women in their lives, just as my husband did for me. No one should settle for less than God’s highest calling. Whatever your gender, God’s purpose for your life is unique and essential. The invitation is to lay aside anything that hinders and to step up in faith, trusting that God will complete the good work He began in you.
Key Takeaways
- God’s original design for humanity is partnership, not hierarchy. Both men and women are created in God’s image, and the word “helper” used for women in Genesis is the same word used for God Himself, signifying strength and partnership rather than subservience. This challenges us to see each other as equals in purpose and value, not as competitors or as one being lesser than the other. [18:53]
- Jesus radically elevated the status of women in a culture that devalued them. He included women in His ministry, discipled them, and entrusted them with significant roles, even making a Samaritan woman the first evangelist to her city. This example calls us to break cultural barriers and affirm the God-given dignity and calling of every person, regardless of gender. [11:56]
- Difficult passages about women’s silence in the church must be understood in their historical and linguistic context. Paul’s instructions addressed specific issues in particular churches, not universal prohibitions. In fact, Paul affirmed and partnered with many women leaders, showing that the New Testament vision is one of mutual service and shared leadership. [27:53]
- The journey to fulfilling God’s call often requires courage to step out without clear role models or cultural support. When God calls, He also equips and guides, even if the path is lonely or misunderstood. Our obedience can pave the way for others, especially those who have been marginalized or overlooked. [05:12]
- Every believer, male or female, has a unique and essential role in God’s kingdom. God’s purposes are not limited by our gender, past failures, or cultural expectations. The invitation is to lay aside anything that hinders—fear, pain, or personal plans—and to step up in faith, trusting that God will complete the good work He began in us. [37:48]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Introducing the Question: Why Does God Focus on Men?
[02:29] - My Personal Calling and Early Ministry Journey
[03:47] - Encountering God’s Call to Preach
[05:12] - Navigating Ministry Without Female Role Models
[06:17] - God’s View of Women in Scripture
[08:15] - Women Leaders in the Old Testament
[10:45] - Jesus’ Revolutionary Attitude Toward Women
[11:56] - Women Disciples and the Samaritan Woman
[15:14] - Paving the Way for Women in Ministry
[18:53] - Understanding “Helper” and Partnership in Genesis
[27:53] - Interpreting Difficult New Testament Passages
[31:02] - Context of Silence: Wives and Church Etiquette
[32:29] - Affirming Differences Without Hierarchy
[33:36] - God’s Purpose for Every Person
[37:48] - Laying Aside Hindrances and Embracing God’s Call
[40:26] - Prayer and Commissioning
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Genesis 1:27 – “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
- Genesis 2:18 – “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
- Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:27, in whose image were both men and women created?
2. What does the word “helper” (ezer) in Genesis 2:18 actually mean, and how is it also used to describe God? [[18:53]]
3. In Galatians 3:28, what does Paul say about distinctions between people in Christ?
4. What are some examples from the sermon of women in the Old Testament who stepped out in faith to fulfill God’s purposes? [[08:15]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the same word for “helper” used for women in Genesis is also used for God? How does this challenge traditional views of women’s roles? [[18:53]]
2. How did Jesus’ treatment of women break the cultural norms of his time, and what message does that send to the church today? [[11:56]]
3. The sermon mentioned that some New Testament passages about women’s silence were addressing specific situations, not universal commands. How does understanding the historical context change the way we read these passages? [[27:53]]
4. The speaker shared her personal journey of being called by God without female role models or much support. What does this reveal about God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience? [[05:12]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that God’s original design is partnership, not hierarchy. In what ways do you see partnership (rather than hierarchy) between men and women in your own life, family, or church? Where could you do better? [[18:53]]
2. Jesus included women in his ministry and entrusted them with important roles. Are there ways you might be unintentionally excluding or undervaluing the gifts of women (or men) in your circles? What could you do differently? [[11:56]]
3. The speaker talked about stepping out in faith even when the path is unclear or lonely. Is there an area where you sense God calling you, but you feel hesitant because of lack of support or role models? What’s one step you could take this week? [[05:12]]
4. Some church traditions or cultural expectations can hold people back from their calling. Are there any “hindrances” (fear, pain, past failures, or personal plans) you need to lay aside to pursue God’s purpose for you? [[37:48]]
5. The sermon called men to encourage and support the women in their lives. If you’re a man, how can you specifically encourage a woman in your life to pursue her God-given calling? If you’re a woman, how can you encourage another woman (or yourself) to step into God’s purpose? [[33:36]]
6. The speaker’s husband refused ministry opportunities where his wife would not be welcomed as a preacher. What does it look like to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized or overlooked in your context? [[15:14]]
7. Philippians 1:6 was quoted: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” What is one area where you need to trust God to finish what He started in you, even if you feel unqualified or discouraged? [[37:48]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Created in God’s Image: Equal Value and Purpose
From the very beginning, God created both men and women in His image, bestowing equal value, dignity, and purpose upon each. This foundational truth stands in stark contrast to the cultural norms of ancient societies, which often viewed women as inferior. Yet, God’s design was never about subservience or hierarchy, but about partnership and shared calling. Recognizing this truth can free us from cultural baggage and empower us to see ourselves—and others—as God sees us: beloved, purposeful, and capable of reflecting His character in the world. [06:17]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed cultural messages to shape your view of yourself or others, rather than God’s declaration that all are made in His image? How can you intentionally affirm the God-given value of someone in your life today?
Day 2: God’s Calling and Empowerment of Women
Throughout Scripture, God calls and empowers women to fulfill significant roles in His redemptive plan—leaders, prophets, warriors, and messengers—demonstrating that His purposes are not limited by gender. From Deborah’s leadership to Esther’s courage, from Miriam’s prophetic voice to Huldah’s wisdom, God repeatedly uses women to bring about deliverance, guidance, and spiritual renewal. These stories remind us that God’s call is for all His people, and that He equips those He calls, regardless of societal expectations or limitations. [08:15]
Psalm 68:11 (ESV)
The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host.
Reflection: Is there a step of faith or leadership God is prompting you to take, but you’ve hesitated because of your gender or background? What would it look like to trust God’s empowerment and say “yes” to His call today?
Day 3: Jesus’ Radical Inclusion and Elevation of Women
Jesus consistently broke cultural barriers to honor, teach, and include women as disciples and partners in ministry. He welcomed women into His circle, allowed them to learn at His feet, healed them, and entrusted them with proclaiming the good news. In a society that marginalized women, Jesus’ actions were revolutionary, affirming their worth and gifting. His example calls us to challenge prejudice and to create space for every person to grow, serve, and lead in the Kingdom of God. [11:56]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Who in your life or community might feel excluded or overlooked? How can you follow Jesus’ example and intentionally include, encourage, or empower them this week?
Day 4: Understanding Submission and Partnership in God’s Design
Biblical teaching on roles within marriage and the church has often been misunderstood or misapplied, but God’s intent is mutual submission, partnership, and respect—not hierarchy or inferiority. The call for wives to submit to husbands is set within the broader command for all believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. True biblical partnership reflects Christ’s love, humility, and sacrificial service, inviting both men and women to honor and support one another in their God-given callings. [18:53]
Ephesians 5:21-24 (ESV)
…submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Reflection: How can you practice mutual submission and partnership in your closest relationships today, seeking to honor and uplift the other person’s God-given gifts and calling?
Day 5: Embracing God’s Purpose and Stepping Up in Faith
God has a unique purpose for every person—man or woman—and He calls each of us to step up, surrender our fears, and pursue His highest calling for our lives. No past failure, fear, or cultural limitation can cancel God’s plans. He promises to complete the good work He began in you, if you will make yourself available and trust Him. Today is an invitation to lay aside anything that hinders you and to embrace God’s purpose with courage and faith, knowing He will be with you every step of the way. [37:48]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Reflection: What is one thing—fear, past failure, or personal plan—you need to lay aside today in order to fully pursue God’s purpose for your life? Will you take a concrete step of surrender and trust Him with your calling?
Quotes
So God created women in his image, just like he did men in his image. But the Old Testament was written in a male dominated society. And most ancient cultures, most all ancient cultures believe that women were inferior to men. But that doesn't mean that was God's plan or his heart for women. That just was what the culture was at that time. [00:06:45] (34 seconds)
Throughout the Old Testament, there's a sprinkling of stories about brilliant and brave women who stepped out of the shadows to do something significant. Like God used Deborah, who was a mother and a wife. She was also a judge, which meant she was a civic leader and a prophet, meaning she was a religious leader, and she was a warrior. Amazing woman. [00:08:22] (29 seconds)
God used Miriam in chapter 6 of Micah. It refers to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam as being sent before the people. And then, of course, God used Esther to save the entire human race, making sure that we would have John the Baptist, Mary, and, of course, Jesus. Powerful woman had used courage. [00:09:35] (28 seconds)
So with this attitude and mindset being the background of the church it's easy to understand how we have had some problems with some scriptures isn't it when you understand where they're coming from so where there are two scriptures about women keeping silence in the church and we're going to look at both of them and understand what they're talking about. [00:24:12] (21 seconds)
Paul actually commends and he encourages female ministers under him and even acknowledges the female uh apostle junia in acts 18 24 through 26 uh paul writes about um aquila and her husband no priscilla and her husband aquila get it right there uh how they gave biblical teaching and correction to apollos who was a great evangelist at the time and then in second timothy 1 5 paul commends eunice and lois for teaching scriptures to young timothy and phoebe was a deacon in the church at centuria and in romans 16 12 paul wrote greet tryphea and tryphosa those women who work hard for the lord greet my dear friend persis another woman who has worked very hard in the lord so why would he now restrict women when he's been encouraging him and praising him and and saying you know greet them. [00:25:24] (79 seconds)
Please hear me now. I am not denying the unique differences between men and women. I am not. And I'm not. I'm definitely not saying that men, excuse me, that women are better than men or that women are better than. I'm not saying that any of us are better than each other. Okay. Especially that women are better than men. Because, you know, I've got the best man. in the world sitting here on the front row he's my man and I would not be standing on this platform today if it wasn't for his support so I'm not saying that women are better than men and I'm not embracing the feminist secular movement at all I'm just trying to shed some light on some Bible verses that have kept women for silent for so long when there's a multitude of verses that really promote God's purposes in their lives. [00:33:02] (79 seconds)
There are millions of people billions who have never heard the good news of Jesus and Jesus wants to use you to reach them I believe the church needs women who have a passion for Christ a yearning for his presence who love presence who love the lost and whose lives are just set aflame through prayer I believe that God needs you this church needs you every one of you. [00:34:37] (38 seconds)
God has called and he's been equipping you to do a work that can change the world. No, no, no, no, no. I'm not. I'm not blowing this big. I'm not making it bigger than it is. I'm telling you, ladies, that God has called and equipped you to do a work for God. [00:35:43] (22 seconds)
Don't ever forget that God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Every person in this room, every person listening online, God has a purpose for your life. Every one of you, he has a purpose. I don't want you just to remember it. I want you to believe it. I want you to believe it down in the very center of your being, down to the very core of who you are. My God has a plan for my life. [00:36:29] (32 seconds)
You may already know what God wants you to do, but because of fear or failures or overabundance of things to do, you've kind of pushed it to the background. You've set it aside. But I want you to know this morning, this afternoon, that God doesn't change his mind. Jesus hasn't changed his mind. What he called you to do, he still wants you to do. He wants you to step up. Step up. [00:37:16] (30 seconds)
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