Influential Women - Part 3

A SINGLE WOMAN
The devil often lies to women by preying on our deepest fears – of inadequacy and inferiority. Sometimes we accept his lies as truths, looking to our weaknesses and circumstances as proof that we are unworthy to be chosen by God. Some women see their age, their singleness or their geographical location as disqualifiers for God’s plans.
Yet, these ‘defaults’ can actually be just what God requires for your specific, glorious destiny. Though not much is known about Phoebe, one thing is sure – she was a single woman who was very influential and helpful in the local church. Paul speaks highly of her as a “sister in Christ” (Romans 16:1-2) and commended Phoebe as a servant (diakonos) or deacon of the church at Cenchrea. Whether you are married or single, the Lord values you and has a role of influence for you.

A MOTHERLY WOMAN
Lois and Eunice are two family members credited with high praise from the Apostle Paul for amongst other things, their Godly examples, their legacy of faith and their superb upbringing of Timothy, a commendable young man of God. Lois and Eunice are perfect models of motherhood (and grandmotherhood!) – showing how important mothers are in shaping the lives of their children and indeed the generations. Often stay-at-home moms see their domestic duties as insignificant. They feel that Science projects and dirty socks pale in comparison to preaching the Word or working in the business world.
But God does not see their duties as superfluous. He values moms and grandmoms. As Lois’ and Eunice’s lives show – the investment you make in your family (no matter how irrelevant it may seem) can have eternal consequences in the Kingdom. Timothy’s life and the lives of all whom he impacted are credited to the faith of his mom and grandmom.

POSITIVE INFLUENCES
It must be noted that influence can be both negative and positive. Not only does the Bible document the righteous women of faith and their legacy, it also records the devastating consequences of destructive women like Jezebel and Delilah, who ruined people and enslaved nations. By succumbing to their flesh and following the path of destruction, these women yielded to the devil and will forever be considered women of deathly influence.
You as a woman of God have a choice – to influence others for good, to lead them astray or to abscond responsibility and do nothing. Choose wisely! Women are such a powerful gift to mankind, and we can learn much about God’s nature and His plan for women through the lives of various influential matriarchs in the Bible. From the Old Testament through to the New, God has provided us with examples of Godly women who, though from different backgrounds all had one thing in common - a love for God.