Woman of God: 3 Ways to Remember Your Identity When Things Feel Hard
What does it mean to be a woman of God?
In many places within today’s culture, women are pushed to the back burner and considered less than, incapable, and unimportant. But that is not what God intended for our lives or the impact we can make in the Kingdom of Heaven. In fact, Jesus’ life reflected quite the opposite.
Jesus and His Relationship with Women
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see beautiful glimpses of how He cared for and poured into women.
He invited women to follow him and learn from him, along with the rest of the disciples (Luke 8:1-3). He first revealed His identity as God to the woman at the well (John 4). Jesus taught religious leaders about true worship through a woman’s sacrifice (Luke 7:36-50). And on the third day, when the tomb was empty, He shared the good news of His resurrection with Mary Magdalene and commanded her to go and tell the others (John 20).
Jesus reflected the heart of God toward women. God created us in His image and empowers us with His giftings and revelations to bring His presence to the darkest places of the world.
So why do we have such a hard time stepping into the roles and responsibilities God has called us to, and how can we be intentional to be all God has called us to be?
3 Ways to Be Strengthened As a Woman of God
When I married my husband, John, he was a traveling evangelist. We traveled to many, many churches, and it was incredible to watch him pick up the mantle God handpicked him for. However, at the same time, I struggled with knowing just what my purpose was as a pastor’s wife.
One of my biggest insecurities was understanding the expectations of being a new wife and a First Lady. As we traveled to churches and connected with pastors and their wives, I was constantly internally checking boxes.
Do I have the right look?
Am I saying the right thing?
Are my ministries doing the right things?
Y’all, the comparison trap is deep and dark!
You see, I did not sing in front of a congregation. (I could physically sing but was no good at it.) I did not play piano. There were hardly any speaking engagements on my calendar. I was headed to a hard place of insecurity and questioning my worth.
As I processed these things, God revealed His truth on a heart level. Together, let’s look at three ways God helped me to realign with the truth of who I am in Christ and how God views me as a woman.
Read God’s Word
As women leading families and ministries and following the call of God on our lives, it is essential that we remain in scripture. God’s word is the very essence of His heart and truth.
In Matthew 4:4, TPT Jesus says, “Bread alone will not satisfy, but true life is found in every word that constantly goes forth from God’s mouth.”
Friend, we cannot continue in this life as women of God without reading our Bibles. When we spend time studying God’s word, we reinforce our knowledge of who He is, who we are in Christ, and the guidelines for living holy lives while on this side of heaven.
Stay encouraged and read your Bible.
Surround Yourself With Godly Women
When I struggled with discouragement as I learned to be a First Lady, God provided me with women who were a source of godly strength. One of those friends offered tough love when I chose to listen to the lies of the enemy, and when I was ready to give up, she pushed me to stay on the path with my eyes on Jesus and do the hard things! Another friend was gifted with encouragement. When I found myself comparing myself with other pastors’ wives, she gently reminded me who I was and all the unique gifts I brought to the table.
Proverbs 27:17, NKJV reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Dear one, be sure to surround yourself with godly women. Having women of virtue pour into your life will not only remind you of God’s truth but also remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness when life is hard.
Schedule a Time of Rest
Often, when responsibilities and circumstances seem difficult, it can cause a person to resort to doing instead of being. This can ultimately lead to burnout.
Isaiah 26:3, NKJV says, “You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Our identity and strength are only found in the Lord. Regardless of what the world says, our supervisor claims or our family speaks over us, when Daughters of Christ remain rested in the Lord, nothing is impossible!
Over time, I evolved into my role as First Lady. God began to reveal my specific purpose in this particular place and time. He matured me and grew my ministry, and as I continue on my journey as a woman in this world, God continues to reveal how I can live like Jesus.
I want to encourage you to stay obedient to God as you continue on this journey. Continue abiding in him in faith and deed, and He will make all your paths straight and calm your roaring seas.
Keep Christ first, and you will thrive as a woman of faith.