THE WOMAN GOD USES

What will you be remembered for? This we shall look into by the grace of God. Who is the woman God uses? What are the characteristics and qualities? What made them different from other? God is still in the business of using women in our society today, you could choose to be one one them, remember Dora Akuyili, Mother Theresa. So how can you become a woman God will be pleased to use as an instrument of honour? 

WHO ARE THE WOMEN GOD USES?

God does not take the majority of His workers from the high class ranks of the wise, mighty or honorable. But God has chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise (1 Cor. 1:27). Although He has a standard, He knows what He wants in a life to get his work done. God uses things which are foolish (non-intellectual things with no educational advantages), weak (weary, feeble, powerless physically and spiritually), things which are baseless (of the four women in Christ genealogy, one is an harlot – Tamar; another an outcast, a Gentile – Ruth; another an adulteress –  Uriah's wife, and the fourth a harlot named Rahab [Matt. 1:3, 5-6] - living proof that God can and will use anyone, regardless of their past actions, nationality, class or occupation).

Right from the beginning in the book of Genesis, God made man; male and female (Gen 1: 27-28). This was a demonstration that God will use both men and women to fulfill His purposes on earth. Even though man is the head, the woman is also a vessel of honour in God’s hands. Throughout the Old Testament God has used women in His service. Women like Deborah (Judge 4-5), Jael (Judges 4:21; 5:24-27), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20; 2 Chron. 34:22-28), Ruth, Esther, Hannah (1 Sam. 1:2-2:21), Mariam (Ex. 2:1-10), Abigail (1 Sam. 25:23-24, 1Sam. 27:3; 30:5; 2 Sam. 2:2), Tabitha also known as Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43),Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-56); Philip’s daughters (Acts 21:9, Acts 2:17), to mention but a few. These women were remembered for their humility, love, compassion and what they did especially to the Prophets and their neighbors.

THE CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITIES OF WOMEN GOD USES:

Women God uses have the following characteristics:

a.      Knows and Fears God: The first and foremost thing is that she knows Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Savior. Proverbs 22:4 says if you humble and fears God, wealth, honour and long life shall be yours. A woman who fears God is wise and always receives God’s favour and blessings.

b.      Humility: As a woman you must be humble to receive the blessings and reward of God.

c.       Prayerful: She is very prayerful. Esther asked her people to fast and pray along with her. (Esther 4:16; Acts 6:4)

d.      Obedient to the Word of God: She studies the word of God to know His mind and pleases Him with her lifestyle (2 Tim. 2:20-26). Through diligent study she knows the mind of God and does everything to please Him. She carefully listens to the word of God and fully obey the instructions of God as written in the scripture (Ex. 15:26).

e.      Faithfulness: A woman God uses must be faithful to her husband, to the body of Christ (i.e. the Church) and to the Lord Almighty (Matt. 27:55-56)

f.        Holy Ghost filled: She receives her power and strength from the Holy Spirit who leads her to doing what is right and just. (See Acts 1:8). You must have a relationship with God in order to be used by Him.

g.      Available: All characters mentioned above made themselves available for God to use. The voice of the Lord is still calling saying “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8). The Virgin Mary said “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38). She accepted the will of God without complaining, excuses or force. Thou scared of the unknown she surrendered all to her Maker and at the end she was not only blessed for her actions but whole of humanity is redeemed. 

As we reflect upon your life today, know that you are not just a wife or mother who should given up on herself. God has not started with you yet. God want to use us in successive battles until He has won all the battles. Let all your painful experiences give birth to something new. God desires to have a relationship with us. He want to see us reach our full potential. Women who know their God will be strong and do exploit. How can this be? Let see Tabitha.

TABITHA - AN EXAMPLE FOR A CHRISTIAN WOMAN IN TIMES LIKE THIS. (Acts 9:36-43)

As Christian women today, where do we draw our examples and inspirations from? Surely it must be from the Bible. See for instance Tabitha also known as Dorcas whose actions spoke louder than her words. We never knew if she was single, married, widow, rich or poor, all that was said about her was that she was a disciple of Christ who lived in Joppa, she was full of good works and charitable deeds for the poor for whom she had active compassion and tender mercy for (verse 36).

Tabitha made a mark that cannot be erased. She ministered to widows by sewing garments for them; she was not selfish and harsh but was willing to give her time and effort to help others, her life affected them positively  (vs. 37, 39). She could choose to be wicked but did otherwise. Today, many are very wicked and evil, they care so much about themselves alone. “Me, myself and I” syndrome has not left, Mr. Flesh is still the one controlling and not the will of the Lord.

It takes a very emotionally, physically and spiritually strong woman to consistently and personally see to the needs of others. This made the whole community felt a great loss when she became sick and died (v. 39). However God miraculously restored her to life (v. 41).

Likewise, as we celebrate the blessings that mothers bring, as a woman, sister, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend what will you be remembered for?

As Christian women today, no matter our vocation or profession, God expects us to learn from Tabitha’s good works and change our society for the best. Be the Tabitha and Esther of our time. No matter the size of the giant mountain before you, tell yourself, I will overcome, do not be discouraged, be humbled, focused and determined to take the extra mile and never allow the circumstances around you debar you from making yourself available to serve God. Be prayerful for your struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God,so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:12-13). Be the virtuous woman, the delight of the Lord, a peculiar treasure, her price is far above gold and rubies (Prov. 31), a holy nation, a royal priesthood, she shall be praised because she fears the Lord. Be available sister. 

Food for thought: The more humble and focused we are on God, the more He exalts and uses us. The more arrogant and focused we are on ourselves, God will humble and reject us.

May we never be a cast away from the presence of God in Jesus name. Amen

Let us Pray!
If you have not given your life to Christ and you are still living in your old sin, this is another opportunity to repent and be a family of God, a woman or person who will be used by Him. 

Please pray this prayer sincerely to Jesus Christ from your heart and He will help you: 
Lord, I know I am a sinner, I have done so many terrible things that have hurt you and my neighbours. Lord, I now know and believe you died for those things. And I believe that you rose again.

So I ask you to please come into my life. Forgive me all my sins. I turn from my old life; Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to live for you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Congratulations!

God bless you. Study the Bible to know the Will of God for you and live to please Him from now on. 

Welcome to the family of Christ, this is the big first step for your new life.

"Safe, alive and remain rapturous"

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