The only Way to find your voice is to Use it!
Jen Mueller
The Hebrew term used to describe a “woman of valor,” which means more than “virtue,” and includes strength, capability, power, and influence, is the Chayil woman. Apostle John Eckhardt writes, “Jesus came to set women free from the traditions of culture and bring them into their rightful place of power and strength. Chayil women are rising in the church and in society today.”[1] These Proverb 31 women are powerful and fearless communicators.
They are leaders graced by God with innovative ideas for igniting vision and promoting passion. They inspire and motivate others through the articulation of a shared vision as they forge a pathway for achievement. These women leaders can inspire others to work for a common goal, which is to establish kingdom living in churches and communities. Some are called motivators, storytellers, preachers, and teachers with a gift for sharing the word. They can communicate the word of God while building moral integrity. Making the impossible possible. God is using many influential and charismatic women in leadership to deliver messages in different arenas and for different audiences. Cindy Jacobs affirms that, “God is raising up a new generation of women leaders with the anointing of Esther or Deborah.”[2]
To this day, God continues to raise up great women of faith to champion His cause and spread the gospel. Catherine Booth believed God called her through the Scriptures to preach. “Booth’s preaching ministry lasted thirty years, founding the Christian Mission in 1865, which evolved into the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army opened work in many countries.”[3] Even though the traditions of men sought to silence women, it did not prevent Booth from excelling in power and anointing because God gave Booth a vision and the wisdom to save souls, which in later years ignited the passion in Aimee Semple McPherson. Few women in leadership have risen to the notoriety of McPherson. “McPherson’s sermons connected one’s imagination and emotions of people through stories and experiences. She was one of the first female preachers on the radio during her time. Even though other women may have been successful at pioneering ministry before McPherson, none of them rose to McPherson’s fame.”[4] Other ministry preachers and teachers are Kathryn Kuhlman, with a miracle healing ministry, Marilyn Hickey, Joyce Meyers, and Juanita Bynum. These five-fold ministry gift leaders are fearless. Imagine if they kept their mouths closed. They believed they were called by God to use their gifts and the anointing to win the lost, therefore, breaking traditions of men, which have kept many women from reaching their full potential and achieving their highest calling. Could churches that believe in the doctrine in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 be missing the point? The interpretation of this Scripture is well-documented within theological conversation as it pertains to a specific historical context and a specific audience. It is possible that Paul was responding to the disruptions caused by informal chatter within the church, particularly by women who were vocalizing questions and contributing to a disordered worship environment. It is improbable for Paul to endeavor to silence the entirety of the female population. Paul promoted many women leaders during his missionary journeys. So, let nothing deter you from your destiny, let God reveal His plans for you, plans to prosper. Break free from timidity, fear, and distraction. Pray for the articulation of speech so you can open your mouth as boldly as you ought, Ephesians 6:19-20. Ask the Lord for godly wisdom so your voice can be heard! Women arise.
Bibliography
Benjamin K. Forrest, Kevin L. King, and William Curtis. A Legacy of Preaching: Two Volume Set: Apostles to the Present Day: The Life, Theology and Method of History’s Great Preachers . Nashville: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2018.
Eckhardt, John. Chayil: Release the Power of a Virtuous Woman. Lake Mary: Charisma House Book, 2019.
Jacobs, Cindy. A Fierce Generation Taking Its Place in the World: Women Rise Up! Bloomington, MN: Chosen Books, 2019.
[1] John Eckhardt, Chayil: Release the Power of a Virtuous Woman (Lake Mary, FLA: Charisma House Book Group, 2019), 91-92. Kindle Edition.
[2] Cindy Jacobs, A Fierce Generation Taking Its Place in the World: Women, Rise Up (Bloomington, MN: Chosen Books, 2019), 159.
[3] Benjamin K. Forrest, Kevin L. King and William Curtis, A Legacy of Preaching: Two-Volume Set- Apostles to the Present Day: The Life, Theology and Method of History’s Great Preachers(Nashville, TN: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2018), 754-67.
[4] Ibid., 1127-34
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