Overcoming The Opposition

Since the beginning of time women have always had to contend for their place, position and rights. From freedom of speech, to their right to vote and equal pay, it has been a never-ending battle to move ahead. One would think coming into the service of the Lord would loose women from the bondage and captivities of man’s “ways” but ironically it only becomes worse.

How should we, the Body of Christ, deal with such opposing mindsets? While some change has taken place, we still see many nations where women are considered property, or a possession, rather than a human being. Is this the intention of a God whose Word says:

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Let’s find out!

OPPOSING MINDSETS

Galatians 3:26-28

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

It is certain there will be opposition to the call of the woman into ministry. You must be wise enough to know you are dealing with several different mindsets which were established after the fall of mankind.

1. THE BURDEN IS ON THE WOMAN

Many years ago, a minister and I were discussing the scriptural attitude toward the rising trend of women in the “holiness” church wearing jewelry. I maintained there was nothing in the Bible to condemn such a practice. I even pointed out the fact that even holiness pastors were beginning to wear more than just a watch and wedding band. I was amazed at his response.

“The burden is on the woman. She was the first to sin and she was the one who was deceived, not the man,” he shouted.

As I stated, this was many years ago, and I trust the Holy Ghost has, by now, led this preacher into a more perfect revelation of grace. However, this mindset is still very much alive in the Body of Christ, as it pertains to women taking on the responsibility of ministry. It is as though the outpouring of grace had no effect on the woman. It seems she is not a partaker of all the benefits of forgiveness and mercy.

Opposition - 1. The act or condition of opposing or of being in conflict. 2. An act or attitude of resistance or obstruction. Webster’s Dictionary

Mindset - The method and element by which we judge situations, circumstances and relationships. The position the fleshy mind takes as it responds to the circumstances of consciousness regarded as an aspect of reality. Mary Banks Expository

Mindset - A mental disposition or attitude that predetermines one’s responses to and interpretations of situations. Webster’s Dictionary

Be aware this mindset is a result of either ignorance, or the need to control or suppress the weaker vessel. However, a minister must not deal with any issue in ignorance or out of the need to exalt himself. Don’t forget it is the Lord who calls a person into His service. If you are a wise woman, then you will follow His lead into servitude.

This opposing mindset was allowed to attack your calling; to prove your love for God and man, just as every offense does. It is also designed to test your trust and obedience to the Father. He will deal with any and all opposition that is set up to hinder you in His service. Therefore, relax and allow Him to vindicate you.

Finally, this mindset is designed to reveal your true motive for ministry. If love is the motivating factor, then ministry can be performed without a man-made platform. The dispensing of your ministry should begin wherever the need arises. This could be in the home, on the job or just among friends and relatives. The Lord is mindful of all your labors of love. If you can prove faithful in heart and in deed in these areas of influence, then the Lord will move you to the pulpit or other areas of responsibility. Remember, godly character is the most important, as well as the most effective, persuasion.

2. NO WIFE OF MINE IS GOING TO BE A PREACHER

Many women want to know if they have to submit to this mindset. Is it righteous to resist this mindset and go on to fulfil your calling? Or, is it unrighteous to go against the will of the husband in this matter?

There are at least two factors which must be considered:

a. Was your marriage previous to your salvation?

b. Was your calling previous to your marriage?

The dispensing of your ministry should begin wherever the need arises.

Godly character is the most important as well as the most effective persuasion.

Romans 8:5

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

These factors must indeed be considered, since you may have made a conscious decision to marry a man who was not saved, thus forming an unequal yoke. There is no way he could understand what you feel regarding ministry. It is foreign to him. I also need to say here that an unequal yoke can be formed between two saints. Their knowledge of God and the things pertaining to God could be vastly different. In such a case the results could be the same as marrying an unsaved man. If this is the case and you were aware of it before the union, then you made your bed hard, now you have to lie in it.

First of all, if you are guilty of establishing an unequally yoked marriage then you need to first acknowledge this to yourself and your Father, God. You must seek His forgiveness and His mercy.

On the other hand, if you were saved, and called to serve after the union, whether your spouse is saved or not, the following is applicable to you.

If a husband does not understand his wife's spiritual drive for ministry, why is it that she cannot persuade him to allow her the freedom to minister? We are surely able to persuade our husbands in other matters.

Consider this, maybe your mindset is one of superiority. If in your mind you see yourself as greater than your husband, simply because you are saved and he is not, or because you are called to ministry and he may not be, it is impossible for you to come forth with the love that is needed to win him. You will not display enough compassion to be patient. You will not step back and allow God to work with him through your display of love and kindness toward him. Against such, God has said, there is no weapon.

Consider whether or not you are a religious paranoid. In other words you may have been anticipating the opposition, to the extent you built a wall of defense against any and everything which seemed to be an opposing view. In this, you have refused to become vulnerable to the work of God in the situation. Thus rendering yourself inoperable in the ministry of reconciliation that is needed in your home. Remember, your husband and your children are your first congregation.

1 Corinthians 7:13

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

Rest in the knowledge that the same God who called you is aware of your situation. He is mindful. It was His Word which put you in submission to the will of your husband. Therefore, it is His responsibility to visit the man, if He wants to use the man’s wife. He showed this respect to Joseph when he wanted to use Mary.

Your problem may be you are frustrated because the Lord has not cleared the way, or in the time frame you thought He would.

3. SAVED HUSBAND HINDERS SAVED WIFE

Let’s look at a case where there is a husband and wife serving the Lord, yet the wife is obviously more spiritually matured than the husband. Will there come a time when the Lord will destroy the marriage, if the husband refuses to grow in God and in turn seek to prevent the wife from progressing in ministry? In this case what is the wife’s responsibility?

This is a very easy question to answer. Note this scenario portrays the wife as having been spiritually matured. I might remind you that with spiritual maturity comes wisdom.

a. Once again her training ground is her home.

b. She should be very mindful the greatest power of ministry is when there is unity in the faith [two can do so much more than one]. Therefore, she must consider it is more profitable to the kingdom of God for them to be one in the spirit, than defeated in the marriage which was designed to bring about that oneness.

c. She must set her posture never to flaunt her spirituality in a vein of superiority. If she is indeed spiritual, then she would realize it is the enemy who has persuaded her husband to war against the move of God in her life, as well as in his own. Now, her face must be set like a flint; to undergird, cover, and deliver her husband from the snare of the enemy. Love and patience will do this. To be over anxious will destroy her opportunity to minister to him. Remember she has a helper: the Holy Ghost will work with her in this matter, if she decides to become a righteous propitiation for her husband. Divorce should not be a consideration on her part. No man, nor any environment can stop growth in God because it is a personal relationship.

We must use godly wisdom when dealing in the lives of people.

Galatians 6:1

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be temp

As it relates to being used by God, be faithful in righteousness and God can use you anywhere, anytime and anyway he chooses. There is nothing anyone can do to stop Him.

4. SINGLE, ABLE TO SERVE, BUT WANTS TO BE MARRIED

The Lord has no problem with you being married. However, He instructs us through the apostle Paul to count up the cost. Marriage, Paul says, is a distraction from serving the Lord. He goes on to explain it is a distraction, because a single woman can serve the Lord with all her might, while a married woman must tend to the things pertaining to her husband first and then to the things pertaining to God. By no means is there any dishonor in marriage. He simply wants you to count up the cost of such a venture.

1 Corinthians 7:34

...The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

There is no opposition you cannot overcome, if indeed the Lord has chosen you to serve him. Get that in your spirit. You don’t have to fight anyone. Stay in the character of Christ, and men will see your good works and begin to thank the Father for you.

Beloved, don’t be defeated in this. You can win. Trust the Father. He knows how to deliver the righteous. Be encouraged.

God bless you,

Dr. Mary Banks