In today’s society, women are targeted for doing what they feel is their responsibility to God. The calling they each feel on their life is sometimes ridiculed. Look around. This is a man’s world in which we live. But when it comes to a woman working for the Heavenly cause, the cross we bear for doing it is twice the weight of a man’s.

There are many religions today that do not allow women to participate in the ministry of God. I have found it a hard road to travel to stand for what I believe as a woman. As many of you I felt a calling on my life and knew that the word tells us there is no repentance for a calling. Even though it can be difficult to find the place you can perform the ministry God wants you to do, you can’t give up.

In this year of 2010 you will come up against brick walls on every side. As you drudge forward striving to do God’s will the world sets down a strong foot against you. You would think that the men of today have overlooked the scriptures in the Bible that speak of great women that took part in the ministry. Jesus even had women disciples.

Everyone knows the story of the day Jesus was resurrected from the tomb. Who did he choose to tell first? Women. Then who was chosen to go spread the news? Again women. All through the scriptures you can find times when God’s work would not have been fulfilled if a woman had not been involved. One of my favorite incidents is the story of the walls of Jericho. They had a spy on the inside to keep them safe and help out. Who you ask? A woman.

Without her help the great walls would not been able to fall. Of course God could have made them fall without anyone’s help but He chose a woman to play a great part in the story. I am so glad God decided to use women in His work just as much as men. You don’t have to be afraid to take a stand for what you know God has called upon you to do.

Yes you will be persecuted for his name’s sake. Yes you will be mocked. And yes you will be told that God doesn’t use women like He does men. But in your heart you can be sure that God called you. I am with you and all the thousands of other women in the world that have a great cross to bear just to be recognized as a minister of his word.

In Luke 14:27 we are told this:

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. “

This verse tells us everything. Every one of us that wants to be a disciple has to bear the cross. And I can tell you, be prepared to bear a great cross. I know it will be hard to bear. At times you may feel like what’s the use. You will be talked about since you are a woman. You will be ridiculed, laughed at and made to feel unworthy.

You need to realize that God thinks you are worthy to bear His cross. He wants every worker He can get in Satan’s world to carry on His work. Take it from me I understand how you feel. You will face obstacles that seem too large to get over. But if you keep going forward on the rocky road you travel you will see results from your work.

Women can be a great inspiration to anyone that feels inadequate to find the spiritual help they need. Every time you come face to face with adversity stand tall and bear your cross with faith. I know it is not fair that women seem to have a heavier cross to bear to do our part in ministry. But I do know that God admires a disciple that doesn’t back down in the face of discrimination.

You may say the word discrimination might be harsh but it fits. Women are just as worthy in God’s eyes as men. We should be proud when we are doing His work and someone feels the need to down us. The most important thing to remember is never give up. We as women of God can stand together and stand strong.

Tell yourself that no matter how hard your journey may become, you will bear your cross and be proud to do it. In spite of the hardship society puts upon you because you are a woman remember God’s respect for you puts you on the front row. I know any cross I bear for the ministry will always be just my size.

Sharon Thompson
		About the author:
		Sharon D. Thompson is known to be a passionate writer. Local newspapers have featured her creativity in articles about her charity work writing  original dramas  that were performed in various cities. She is a happily married homemaker, mother and grandmother. She credits her inspiration for writing to her hobbies which include, boating, relaxing at the piano and standing in beauty of a mountain she has just climbed. Sharon spreads smiles to the less fortunate by visiting those with no family at hospitals and rest homes. Her accomplishments include two books she has in publication. Her writing speaks to others.