God is aware that the work of creation would be incomplete without the woman, hence he created woman in such a tenderly and affectionate way so as to be loving and supportive of the man. Much is expected of the woman. She has some wonderful privileges and roles to play in the life of man, her children, the church and the nation at large. These are very high expectations, she must meet up to these challenges and expectations, else she will be failing God, the church, her home and generations yet unborn.
A. Numerous Challenges and Privileges of Womanhood:
She is expected to be a hard worker, a good wife, loving mother, good home-maker and church minister. Added to these is the fact that she must maintain a close and intimate relationship with the Lord. We shall now proceed look at each one more closely.
1. Secular Work:
- She must maintain a job / trade Prov. 31:13-32.
- She must succeed in her trade / job.
- She is to be industrious, hard working.
- She must be able to support the family through her job.
2. A Wife:
- Must be a loving wife to the husband.
- Nothing must stand between her and her husband.
- A dutiful and devoted wife.
- Satisfying the sexual need of her man.
- Remains loyal, humble and supportive.
- A true partner and help-mate.
- A true helper and caring wife.
- Take care of your physical outlook.
3. A Godly Mother-Prov. 22:6
- An exemplary mother.
- Training and instructing.
- Caring and careful.
- Spend time to play and pray with them.
- Build them up in the Lord.
4. Home Maker-Prov. 31:21
- Neat and tidy home
- Clean and radiant odour.
- Hospitable and cheerful.
- No damage to property and home appliances.
- Keep the home running and lively.
5. Church Minister:
- Develop and discover God’s gift in your life.
- Use them for his glory and edification of saints.
- Be an effective worker/minister in the church.
- Be a true and inspiring women leader.
- Be an example of dedication and submission.
6. Relationship with the Lord:
- Maintain a regular devotional life.
- Prayer and Bible study.
- Fellowship with other saints.
- Don’t be cold and lukewarm.
It is not possible for any Christian woman to cope with all these heavy responsibilities privileges without the grace and help of the Lord. They must all be adequately attended to. None must be neglected to the detriment of another.
Recoommended Reading
The Place And Power Of The Local Church
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Daniel
10 Guidelines That will Keep You In Minsrtry
B. How to Cope with all these Challenges:
- Asking for grace and enablement.
- Seeking God for wisdom and strength.
- Developing a strong and durable character.
- Setting your priority right.
- Dividing up your tasks.
- Don’t be lazy and indolent.
- Make proper use of time and opportunities.
- Eliminate worry and anxiety from your life.
- Live one day at a time.
- Making contingency plan.
- Be in control of your time and tasks
- Maintain a cheerful and joyful disposition.
- Learn and be creative on how to cope.
- Be disciplined and selfless.
- Asking and receiving help and support.
Taking these practical steps will lead to great effectiveness in discharging your God ordained responsibilities. You will be able to adequately meet up to these challengers and your life will become a challenge to others. No matter the height you might attain in secular or spiritual vocation, if you fail in any of these area, you have failed God. Women such as Mrs. Susannah Wesley, Cathrine Booth and Deborah were examples of those who were able to meet up to these challenges admirably.