Women have a place in God's plan. He loves all women as much as He loves all men, and He will use all to achieve His purposes.
Some religious groups, however, don't believe that. Some say God can use women, albeit in a "secondary" or "supporting" role only, like that of Martha who was busy attending to the needs of people while the Lord Jesus taught.
Some believe that women are valuable, but aren't given roles or responsibilities "that are meant for men." Such people believe that women must not be allowed to preach, should never be given a leadership or pastoral role in church, and are designed for the more "demure" roles like cooking and the ministry of helps.
Very sad and misleading beliefs, really. The God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, doesn't do that.
In this article we'll take a look at a few women of God who can show us, especially men, that God uses women to achieve His purposes.
1) Deborah
A prophetess and judge of Israel during her time, Deborah is probably one of the most powerful women of God, particularly in the Old Testament times. The accounts that tell us about her are found in Judges 4 and 5.
The wife of a man named Lapidoth, Deborah sat as Israel's judge. She also instructed people according to God's instructions.
One such person she instructed is a man named Barak. She knew that God wanted Barak to lead Israel's army and defeat Sisera, commander of the armies of the king of Canaan. Barak, however, wasn't as confident in God's plans as she was:
"Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!"" (see Judges 4:8)
Barak did go with Deborah, but the Lord gave them victory through the hand of another woman, Jael (see verses 21-22). His reluctance and doubtful obedience to God's command paved the way for a woman to be honored.
2) Mary of Magdala
The Lord Jesus had twelve key disciples, but He didn't show Himself to them first after He had resurrected. He had given that honor -- and the privilege of having to preach the resurrection first -- to a woman named Mary of Magdala.
Mary Magdalene, as we know her, was the first woman to see the risen Lord Jesus on resurrection day. John 20:11-18 even tells us how this happened: she mistook the Lord for a gardener, but the Lord revealed Himself to her. He then told her to tell the others about His resurrection.
"Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'"" (John 20:17)
3) Priscilla
Priscilla, also called Prisca (see 2 Timothy 4:19), is the wife of Aquila. This couple became Paul's friends and companions, working together as both tentmakers and servants of the Lord.
Unlike most marriages, Priscilla wasn't inferior to Aquila. In fact, how their names appear in the Bible - with her name before his - suggests the idea that she is the more prominent spouse. Author Richard Strauss, writing in an article published online, notes that of the six times they are mentioned in the Bible, Priscilla's name comes before Aquila's four times.
Priscilla, along with her husband, was also teacher to a man mighty in the Scriptures. They found this man, Apollos, preaching the things of God. However, "he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (see Acts 18:25-28)
Priscilla is also included in the list of people who, possibly, wrote the epistle to the Hebrews. The author's identity remains uncertain to date, but considering many factors, some make the assumption that she wrote it.
