Don’t Think You’re a Woman of Influence? Think Again.

When you think of a woman of influence, who do you typically think of? Is it a celebrity? A famous author? A media personality?  Often when we hear the word influence, it can mean a variety of things….and usually, we don’t associate it as having to do with anything that resembles who we are. I know that some of you may be saying to yourselves “Come on, I’m not some corporate executive. I’m not wearing power suits from 9-5 and leading or impacting anyone.”

For some, our days are filled with homemaking and caring for children. We spend lots of time changing diapers, running errands, driving to appointments or caring for elderly parents.  The busyness of our lives has consumed us and we are left thinking that there is nothing significant about what God has called us to. This may have left us feeling invisible. Often we believe that being a woman of influence is not something that you are capable of.  It is just may be true for others. I’m just a wife. Or a mom.

But really is that true?

My friend, the level of influence that you have to impact others has little to do with the value that you assign to what you are doing. It has everything to do with WHOSE you are. You too, are a woman of influence.

As a Daughter of the King, YOU MATTER. Too often, we we don’t feel that we do. We are not in a high profile job. We don’t have motherhood mastered (who does?). Our opinions are insignificant. We feel like we can’t add value to the conversation and so we just resolve to pursuing what we do best – staying busy and not calling attention to ourselves.

But truthfully, when we subscribe to that way of thinking, we have allowed the world assess value to us and determine our worth. Our value and identity is not found in what we do. The measure of our worth is found in Whose we are.

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

I would like to share a story about a woman in the Bible who, when she first comes to mind, doesn’t seem to have had influence. In fact, it was just the opposite. I am talking about the woman with the issue of blood. Many are familiar with her story. This anonymous woman had been hemorrhaging for twelve years. Scripture sites that she was “diseased with an issue of blood twelve years” (Matt. 9:20).

During the time that she lived, this woman was rendered her legally unclean and had been set apart from the people. She was ostracized. The woman knew that she could not throw herself at the feet of Christ and state her complaint. There had to be another way.

Her modesty, humility, uncleanness and pressure of the crowd made close contact impossible. She slowly and methodically makes her way through the crowd. No one paid much attention to her. Perhaps, her shawl pulled down close to her face to avoid being recognized by anyone in the crowd.

She came up behind Him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Her actions spoke of her belief. ‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’ Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'”

Due to the greatness of the crowd, it took determination and desperation for this woman to press through the mass of people to just simply touch Jesus. He wanted the woman and the crowd to know that His garments had not caused her to be healed, but the strength of her faith.

Where men failed, Christ succeeded.  But it is the glory of Christ that He can heal those who come late to Him.

THE INVISIBLE MADE VISIBLE.

Jesus could have done and said anything He wanted to at this point, but HE CHOSE to turn the spotlight on a woman who wanted nothing more than to slip away into the crowd and make her way home. She didn’t want the attention or to make a public speech.  She just wanted to get out of there, go home, and get on with her life. (Isn’t that just like us?) This woman wanted to stay invisible.

But Jesus obviously has something else in mind. I would say she is a woman who lived with a bold, authentic faith. Although she journeyed out into the crowd so that she could see and touch Jesus, she was not concerned about the crowd. If she were, she would not have gone out because bona fide bleeding women knew they were “unclean” and should not be among people. She focused on the target of healing: Jesus.

This woman went from obscurity to being a woman of influence by the very One who determines our worth. The story of her healing and her faith in Jesus, the One who healed her, influenced many and still does today.

WHAT DID JESUS DO?

When you read the stories of the Bible, you can see that there were many stories that involve men. Men had positions of power and authority over their domain. When you look at the stories of the women, you will see that women were not revered as the same way that men were. And then comes Jesus. Isn’t it like Jesus to come in and show love and respect for women? Jesus was a bridge between men and women.

Jesus modeled love for women in a society that didn’t love or value them. The Bible shares story after story of this. Your story is one that is meant to change and impact lives also….and He will help you do it.

YOU ARE A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE.

It is my prayer during this series that as you read the stories of these women, that you see yourself. In each example, the women faced different circumstances. However, the common denominator is that God used each and everyone of them for His glory.

The trials, hardships and burdens they bore were extremely difficult but also provided evidence of God’s love. He heals,  restores and redeems. God allows us to be in different situations throughout our lives. Been through long nights with a colicky baby? Your experience and wisdom will help a new mom who is exhausted, discouraged and questioning her ability to be a good mother. Been through a fierce battle with a serious illness? Or gone through some very dark days after the loss of a loved one? By reminding others of God’s faithfulness during difficult times will not only encourage hearts but direct those who need Him back to Him.

We come closest to God at our lowest moments. It is easiest to hear God when you are stripped of pride and arrogance.  Albeit very painful to get to that point, but when you do, God’s there. And then you realize that He was there with you all along. Step out my friend. Share your story. Share your faith. Be the woman of influence that God has created you to be…..and don’t look back.

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Angel Penn

Hey friend! I'm Angel - a deeply devoted follower of Jesus Christ, mom to three young men, a homeschooler & the founder of Beautiful In His Time Ministries, Inc.

It is my heart's desire to see women walk in their true power and authority in Jesus Christ. I get the honor of walking that out in my writing, speaking and everyday life.

With a cold latte in hand and my latest read under my arm, I'm usually seen going over math facts, checking out a new STEM project and studying God's Word. In my spare time, you will catch me spending time with family and friends, at live music festivals and on the hunt for a new favorite dessert.

www.angelpenn.com

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