Before time began, God carefully designed and fashioned women. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Did you know that our sweet Savior cherishes you as a woman? Right from the beginning of time, God declares that men and women together mirror the image of God. One without the other is incomplete. Men alone are not up to the task, but in partnership with women, we can display God’s glory and character before a watching world.
As Gary Thomas so beautifully shares, “While the apostle Paul does ascribe a certain significance to the man’s being created first, if you look at the line of creation, females are the culmination! Everything keeps getting more sophisticated, more intricate, until finally a woman appears – and only then does God rest.”
Men and women together were recipients of God’s blessing and commissioned to “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. (Genesis 1:28)” We are not sideline cheerleaders but rather co-regents. We share the command. Of course we fulfill it in different manners, but we are fully responsible to be active in participating in God’s stewarding commission.
While Eve led the way in the temptation in the fall, she also has an active role in our redemption. It was through the seed of the women that the serpent would receive his certain and annihilating destruction. “As it was through the woman that the craft of the devil brought sin and death into the world, so it is also through the woman that the grace of God will give to the fallen human race the conqueror of sin, of death, and of the devil.”
Have you considered the numerous occasions where he chose to give women a special place during his life on this earth and lineage? Women have a special place in his heart. In the very genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1), we see the inclusion of Rahab, Ruth, Mary, and Bathsheba. He chose women of all different walks and backgrounds, the most unlikely of candidates, and yet, he graciously chose the meek and humble that His glory might be displayed to a greater extent. And He chose to be born of a woman. The beautiful miracle of the incarnation through a woman. He specifically honors one woman who pours expensive perfume on his feet (Mark 14:3-9), and declares that she knew and understood his purpose and who be remembered wherever the gospel was preached. Throughout his life on this earth, women walked by his side among his disciples.
And in the hour of his death, we see the presence of women mentioned at the foot of the cross (Mark 15:40-41). It could have been easily overlooked, but Mark stops and highlights their presence, emphasizing the care and devotion Jesus had for them. Jesus made sure his mother was cared for.
And most amazing, at His resurrection, we see Jesus presenting himself in His new body, risen from the dead, to the witness of women. “According to ancient Pharisaic law, a woman’s testimony was inadmissible in a tribunal as too untrustworthy. Only men could give witness. So when Jesus rose from the dead – the most important event that has ever occurred or ever will occur – who was present to give witness and testimony? Women!”(Gary Thomas)
You are a unique creature fashioned beautifully in His image. You uniquely display His glory in a way that our men cannot. You might not have the strength of a man that images God’s power and strength, no matter how you exercise those muscles. You are just not designed to have that physical physique and stamina to defend, protect, and provide. But you have the gentle, nurturing, sweetness of woman that displays His gracious loving-kindness, tenderness, and beauty. Woman is beautifully gifted to nurture, love, comfort, organize and support in ways that men just cannot fathom. Her words have power and influence. She can build her home or tear it down with her own hands.
1 Corinthians 7, “Don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.” (The Message)
You matter and are valued, dear sister, not because men like you, or you have the perfect body, or are gifted in the ways you desire, but because you are made in the image of God, are loved by God, and are regularly empowered by God to make a difference in this world.
Loved reading this after learning of my “new” place from the African worldview. Working as a missionary I have to understand where women stand in this community and sadly it is last in line. Knowing how God created me and how loved I am it is hard to learn and work in a community where women are last in everything yet do all the work. Just reading articles like this grounded in TRUTH are a great encouragement. I am my beloveds and He is mine!
Great article although I felt you should have stressed the role of Mary Mother of God way more
thanks!
Thanks for this – what an encouragement to me! These are convicting words: “Her words have power and influence. She can build her home or tear it down with her own hands.” As I wait for my hubby to walk in the door, tired from a long flight into the mountains (he’s training to be a pilot), after I have dealt with a potty-training toddler and teething baby all day long, my grouchy attitude has been replaced with a thankful heart… having been reminded that my mood sets the tone of our home. Thank-you! (And just in time – he’s due home any minute!)
Another woman wondering which Gary Thomas book you’re quoting. You’ve persuaded me to read it!
Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas was the book I was quoting from above. One of my favorites!
I love considering the women mentioned as being in Jesus’ genealogy. Tamar is also mentioned in Matthew 1 as well. (verse 3, spelled Thamar) How amazing to consider the lives of the women that Jesus used, and know that there is hope for us!
I think that it’s so interesting that it is often pointed out that Eve lead in the first sin. The thing that is wild about that is that Eve was deceived by the serpent, while Adam simply chose to sin when he wasn’t deceived. It’s so silly when Eve is made out to be the worse one (and therefore somehow all women are bad because of this). So silly.
Anyhow, I am really blessed by how Jesus befriended women and was really an advocate for them in so many ways in a culture where they were regarded as less than in almost every way. He totally affirmed that women are valuable and in no way less than men. Now THAT’S the Jesus I know.
I’m enjoying your blog since a friend shared the latest post on sexuality. Glad to have found you.
Also, what Gary Thomas book do your quotes come from? I would like to check them out. Thanks!
this is great!
Thank you for this post. I have been thinking about this topic for a couple weeks (ever since reading The Red Tent) and even discussed the issue with my husband last night! Thank you for letting God speak through you – what a blessing your words have been this morning!
Lindsey,
Thank you so much for this post and the focus on identity this month. For the past year I have been adjusting to pregnant then to life with my new baby boy. I’m thankful that my identity is in Christ before and after motherhood!
Amen!
I have a question about a previous post I think I read here… I tried searching the blog, but couldn’t seem to find the one I was looking for so I thought I would ask…a friend and I were talking about taking a close look at our holiday traditions and why we use certain symbols, etc. Awhile back I think you had a post or a guest post that broke down many of the Christmas symbols (stocking, ornaments, tree, etc) with an explanation of the symbols’ history & original meaning. I think I read it here…or at least got to the blog that wrote it from your blog. Just wondering if you might be able to point me in the right direction so I can share it with my friend?
I love your blog and visit here often. God uses you to bless, encourage and challenge me! Thank you for taking the time to share what He lays on your heart on this beautiful blog!
What a blessing this is!
This was beautiful, and read in perfect timing. I was pondering this very topic this morning, and rather perplexed. This gave me some wonderful insight that i needed. Thank you !
Hi Lindsay, I just stumbled upon your website and I love it! My husband and I, along with our 4 kids, are Christian workers in Spain, and after having a quick glance at your site not only do I find the design beautiful, but your posts encouraging. Good job! Take care and keep it up!
“While Eve led the way in the temptation in the fall, she also has an active role in our redemption. It was through the seed of the women that the serpent would receive his certain and annihilating destruction.”
What an insightful and encouraging post. I appreciated the word about being “co-regents.” I’m thankful that God created me, and that I can serve Him and live for Him, as a woman.
Oh, thank you Lindsey.
This morning I am under the influence of pregnancy hormones, I feel rotten.
I have been choosing to praise God and working hard to keep my mind on Him regardless of my feelings. Though I just want to whine!
This message really touched my heart and ministered where I needed it.
Carrying this Baby is an honor and a glorious part of being a woman.
I am going to read this over again and again.
In case you haven’t been told lately, God has gifted you to encourage women and you are doing it well. You are a mentor through the computer.
Thanks.
Great reminder and so true!
What a beautifully written letter to all of God’s women! I am going to definitely share this with all of my lady friends.