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Fearless Women in a World of Opportunities

15 Challenges for Christian Women

Some years ago, when I was pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, the women of our church asked if I would be the speaker at a half-day gathering. They wanted me to lay out a vision of womanhood and give them a challenge from the Scriptures. So I did that. It’s found in What’s the Difference? Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible (pages 71–82). I did not know that story of Aisha at the time, but if I had known it, I would have read it to them. I would have said, “In all 15 of the challenges that follow, this is the spirit I am praying for you.”

Here is a summary of those challenges that are as relevant today as when I first gave them:

1. That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.

2. That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that fearless peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.

3. That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.

4. That you be women of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching. That meditation on biblical truth be the source of your hope and faith. And that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.

5. That you be women of prayer, so that the Word of God would open to you, that the power of faith and holiness would descend upon you, and that your spiritual influence would increase at home, and at church, and in the world.

6. That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these glorious realities.

7. That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific role, that you not waste your time on period dramas, or food shows, or glamor magazines, or aimless hobbies, any more than men should waste theirs away on excessive sports or aimless dawdling in the garage. That you redeem the time for Christ and his kingdom, since there is no one else with your particular contribution in all the world.

8. That, if you are single, you exploit your singleness to the full in devotion to Christ, and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.

9. That, if you are married, you creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of your husband as deeply as obedience to Christ requires, but no more than it allows. That you encourage him in his God-appointed role as head. That you influence him spiritually, primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.