As I listened to the words John MacArthur carelessly spoke, my face began to get hot, comebacks and arguments flooded my mind and my anger burned. I so badly wanted to be offended, I wanted his words to give me permission to lash out and embrace the pain he knew his words would inflict but I know better than that, I know his words only have as much power as I let them have. I also know that God trumps man’s thoughts, opinions and views.
Women of God, we are half of God’s army, we are called, set apart, mandated and commissioned to change the world for Jesus. Do not be moved by his words, do not be discouraged or offended. His words cannot silence us, but offense can and the enemy would love nothing more than for you to be offended.
We can choose offense, or we can choose to silence it. We can choose to become the obstacle that keeps the beautiful message of Jesus from being shared with the world, or we can be the army who removes the obstacle of offense and bravely, boldly, and confidently stands up for Jesus and steps into our purpose and calling.
Each one of us is equipped and purposed to change the world for Jesus, and each one of us is a crucial part of the church.
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Romans 12:6-13 NLT
God did not save the honor of sharing the message of Jesus for the men of our world; he gave the honor to ALL of us. If we offend man by preaching, teaching and sharing the message of Jesus with our lost and broken world it is better than offending God by not sharing the message. The enemy would love nothing more than to see the church destroy itself from the inside out. He would love for women to be offended and silenced. He would love for you to think that your purpose can only be lived out within the walls of the church building or behind the scenes, off the stage and without a mic. He would love to see you limited by fear (yours or others), rules and tradition.
There are no limits with God. There are no walls, no traditions. There is only obedience and submission, calling and purpose, and the mandate to not just serve in the church, but to also leave the walls of the church and GO into all the world and preach, share, and spread the good news of Jesus.
“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’” (Mark 16:15 NLT)
In Nichole’s book, The Silenced Army, she is honest and transparent in telling her story of abuse, heartache, pain and her struggle to overcome them. She is honest about how the enemy used these experiences to silence her and to build a wall between her and God. The enemy looked on and was pleased by her silence because he knew if she ever found her healing in Christ then she would find her voice and if she found her voice, she could change the world for Jesus. She found her voice and now it is your turn. Order your copy at nicholechavez.com.
