Influential Women - Part 2

A COMPETENT WOMAN
Tabitha was not a mighty woman as far as we know, yet God chose to do a miracle in her life and raise her from the dead – causing the people of Joppa to marvel, rejoice in God and believe in His Name.
Through her acts of service like helping the poor, doing good and mending garments, Tabitha blessed the early Apostles and Christian community (Acts 9:36). It is interesting to note that when she died, Peter came and raised her from the dead, yet Stephen, an Apostle and powerful preacher who was martyred during a sermon, was not. God knows His reasons for doing certain things, but one thing is for sure – if we are willing to yield our time and talents to building God’s Kingdom and blessing our communities (as Tabitha did) our lives will leave an impact long after we pass away.

A PIONEERING WOMAN
Priscilla and her husband Aquila are often commended by Paul for being Godly leaders, missionaries, pioneers and competent business people. Through their tent-making business, they supported the work of Paul and helped fund the spread of the Gospel in Rome, Corinth and Ephesus. Priscilla was a talented businesswoman who was open to the Spirit of God and to change.
She was a pioneer who was prepared to move cities, sacrifice homes and comfort zones all in passionate pursuit of the Lord Jesus. As a woman who risked her life for others, we can learn much from her fearless example. (Acts 18,19)

A BUSINESS WOMAN
Lydia had everything money could buy. Her business inherited from her husband was flourishing and she was a respected citizen of the wealthy trading community of Thyatira in Philippi. Dressed in luxurious linens and draped in purple (the colour of royalty), Lydia had everything she desired – and yet she was thirsty for more. Her thirst was for the water of life that Jesus spoke about years earlier and upon hearing the Good News (preached by Paul) she immediately committed her life to the Lord.
Many people are entrapped by their possessions, and even Christians fall prey to the love of money, but not Lydia. She was a woman of noble sacrifice who was so touched by the love of God and the urgency of His Great Commission, that she dedicated her home, finances and worldly wealth to the church in Philippi. Lydia is a shining example of a career woman who “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33). Career women should do the same – follow the Lord, support your husbands, serve the community and build the Church. (Acts 16:14-15)

TO BE CONTINUED