Donna is a 42-year-old full-time accountant who runs a graphic design business on the side. She has been married 15 years and has no children. But who is she really?
Linda is 53 years old, a divorced mother of four and grandmother of six. She works but would rather be retired. She's active in her church's women's ministry. But who is she, really?
And Sarah is a 24-year-old single mom with two young children. She words part-time as a nurse and has more stress than you can imagine. But apart from what she does, who is she really?
When I speak I often ask women to describe who they are without using any titles or descriptions of what they do, who they know or the responsibiltiies they have. It throws them for a loop. And they often end up asking themselves "Just who am I, anyway?"
God has created each of us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Therein lies our purpose.
So who we are is not wrapped up in what we do but to whom we belong. So often we feel we aren't complete unless we're married, we have kids, we're working or we're doing what we feel is significant. But significance is in the eye of the Beholder. And God beholds us in a way that is quite amazing.
In fact, He's given each of us a role to play in this life. And our role is more significant than we can imagine:
God has given you:
- the Role of A Woman Much Loved: Scripture says we are "loved with an everlasting love" and "drawn with lovingkindness" (Jeremiah 31:3). That means that you are not the supporting actress in the drama of life that rolls out before you. Nor are you an insignificant "extra." Rather, you are God's "leading lady" -- the One He has pursued from the foundations of time.
- the Role of A Woman of Strength and Character: It's the difficult roles in life that we don't want, but those are the ones God knows will develop in us strength and character. His Word says "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew (He knew you before your role was even created) he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son..." (Romans 8:28-29). What an amazing role in life, to be able to play a part that develops us into the image of Christ!
- the Role of A Woman of Passion and Purpose: God's plan for us, before we were ever born, was to glorify Him by seeking Him above any other, and showing the world we are His masterpiece by serving Him with the unique gifts He's given us. What an exciting part to play...the passionate woman who lives out her unique purpose for Her Maker.
Can you look at life differently through the Director's lens? You're in a magnificent drama, starring opposite the Living God! Your role is not insignificant. And even at times when you're tired of your role or want to be re-cast or just yell "cut"....the Director knows what He's doing with you. After all, your'e the one for whom He went to the grave and back to secure a part for (a place in Heaven) and that will be the greatest love story ever lived and told. You, my friend, have been given "the role of a lifetime." Go into it boldly. "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 2:14b).
