This past Sunday, Christians all over the world celebrated the empty tomb. We proclaimed with exuberance, “HE IS RISEN IN DEED!” While I have no doubt that we as clergywomen believe, preach, teach and testify that Christ is risen in deed, I wonder how many of us truly walk in the power of the Resurrection.
During Holy week, I heard Dr. Tony Evans say, “Most of us are being crucified between two thieves – the past and the future!” For some, the hurts, the wounds, the scars of the past continue to shackle their feet such that they find it difficult to trust or to venture out beyond a proverbial self inflicted box – perpetually robbed of freedom, peace and fulfillment. For some female clergy, oppression, closed doors, seemingly concrete ceilings and discrimination in the past and maybe even the present has limited their ability to hope for the future – perpetually robbed of the joy associated with holy anticipation and responsible preparation.
For some, they are so fearful about what lay ahead, what options will they have if they quit their job and go to seminary, how will people receive their gifts, how will accepting the call impact their ability to find a mate, how long do they have to remain in an undesirable pastorate, we can each put in our own issues – you get the picture!
While all of the above are very, very real concerns for many female clergy, last Sunday challenges us to remember some important truths…
- When Jesus got up from the grave, He got up with ALL POWER IN HIS HANDS! Through Him, we are more than conquerors. No matter what comes against us, God makes EVERYTHING work together for our good – the bitter and the sweet (Romans 8:28-39)
- We must stop trying to wrestle against spiritual oppression with human weaponry. We have mighty weapons that are able to pull down strongholds in the spirit. We must learn to bring our thoughts in line with God’s Word through faith and obedience to Christ
(2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
- We must dress up in the whole armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- We must remember that no weapon formed against us will prosper when we walk in obedience to the Lord (Isaiah 54:17)
- Concerning “closed doors,” we must remember that our gifts will make room for us (Proverbs 18:16) No human can block what God has prepared for you!
- Jesus said don’t worry about tomorrow – we have enough troubles today! (Matthew 6:24-34)
- You can’t press forward if you are constantly looking back to the past (Philippians 3:12-14)
- Remember Paul’s admonition to govern your thoughts, follow godly examples and walk in the ways of righteousness and the God of peace will be with you, giving you peace that goes beyond understanding (Philippians 4: 4-19)
- Finally, remember God’s road map for true success (Joshua 1:8-9; Psalm 1)
Sisters, elect today to walk in the power of the Resurrected Lord. He has given us what we need to prevail – walk in victory!
Would you like to share a word of testimony to help sisters to walk in the power of the resurrected Lord? Are you struggling to understand or to claim that power over your life circumstances? Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
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