Ladies In The Bible

“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Growing up, I had the immense blessing of attending Christian schools for most of my K-12 (minus about 2 years). As part of our curriculum (K-8), we had a Religion class. I remember the middle school years we studied different religions, the way they were similar or different from our denomination, or world religions that have different gods, little g. Do you know what I don’t remember? Women. I don’t remember learning about women, other than Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

If you know me well, or have read most of my ’thoughts’ in the past, you may have already picked up that I am a Lutheran. I grew up in a Missouri-Synod Lutheran church. I did convert to Orthodox Christian for a decade and change, that’s a beautiful denomination but I felt called back to ‘my roots’ a little over nine years ago. My husband and I now are members of a North American Lutheran Church - it is very similar to Missouri Synod. I love our church, our church family, and we have an incredible pastor. But I digress…

I have felt called to write for God, to share His Word, to share how His Word speaks to me, for many years. This “Niki’s Thoughts” journey started with an email back in 2006. Over the years I have waxed and waned on my obedience to God’s calling. I have often felt intimidated to have such a strong pull to share His Word through my writing. I wonder now if I had started to study the women of the Bible sooner if I would have felt more empowered? 

The more I study the Bible, the more I see how many women were an integral part of God’s plan. Three listed here in these short verses, two of which Paul places in charge of a congregation!! Women are not as insignificant in God’s plan as I mistakenly believed for much too long. There are some mentioned briefly, and there are two special ladies who have entire books dedicated to their story. There are five ladies referenced in the lineage of Jesus, four by name. Jesus spent time in the home of Mary and Martha. And in Acts and Romans we see that there were multiple women who were important in the spreading of the Gospel. 

So ladies, if you felt that your purpose is only to be obedient to God’s laws, and to support the men in your life as they share the Gospel, perhaps it is time to reflect on this? I am by no means saying there is anything wrong with that if it is what is fully on your heart as God’s path and plan for your life! However, if like me you feel called to more, perhaps spend some time studying the faithful women of the Bible, and in prayer asking for guidance and discernment. Be patient, God will show you if you seek Him and His will.

Fellas, I’m sure you have strong women in your lives! Pray for them, pray with them, and encourage them to follow God’s calling. Support them in whatever way God places on your hearts to do. 

I really love the ways that God’s Word shows us that His love, His will, and His callings are truly for all people. Not any one type (male, or female, Israelite, or Gentile, etc) but absolutely everyone. It’s so overwhelming, in the best possible way. I pray that God guides you this week, and throughout your life, on His path for you. I pray that we all listen to His calling and obey His will. I promise He knows the outcome and has good plans for you!