Oceans in the Desert

by Kathi Pelton

On this day 99 years ago it was ratified throughout our nation that women had the right to vote. It became the “Law of the Land.” No longer could women be forced to sit by and watch men only exercise their rights.

I was recently asked to write a story for a book that is concerning the challenges of being a woman in ministry. Though the challenges can appear subtle and overlooked because of familiarity, they still exist and are often “not so subtle.” The stories I’ve heard from other women in ministry and even experiences that I’ve had would shock many at how far we still have to go to live in the truth that we were created equal. We have come a long ways but still have a long ways to go.

I am not a “women’s rights activist” but I am a believer in equal rights for race and gender— and the church should be leading the way in this.

As I sat down with the Lord today I felt His strong passion for seeing what He has placed in His daughters given the value and place that they are due. His Spirit is not less in women or His gifts somehow diminished; yet often we still see a “token women” thrown into a line up of a dozen male speakers (as if to prove that there is an honor for them being given). I sense that the Lord is about to deal with an age old prejudice that has existed in the world and in His family of God for far too long. I hear Him say, “Daughters Arise! Women Arise! No longer will you be held down or held back!”

God, in His mercy, is dealing with all areas of prejudices that have misinterpreted His scriptures and His creation. God has a dream of “oneness” and that oneness prefers and sees other of any race or gender as equal or better than themselves.

Let Him examine our hearts and wash away all remaining prejudices that have infected His people with wrong beliefs or actions. May His might women arise in this hour in both humility and authority to reveal Christ in them unashamedly and without being censored.

We are His workmanship— created to fully express Him without being held down.

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