Women's Devotional: For Women, by WomenExemplo

Make a Difference

Can one woman really make a difference in a community? What about in an entire nation? You might think the answer is no. But think again. When you read the story of Jehosheba in 2 Chronicles, you’ll realize that the answer is a wholehearted yes.

When Jehosheba realized that Athaliah was determined to destroy the royal line of Judah, she bravely hid her nephew Joash in the temple until he was old enough to succeed to the throne. When Joash was seven years old, he ascended to the throne and later repaired the temple and tore down the altars to Baal. More important, he preserved the Messianic line. Jehosheba made a difference in the life of another person; but she also made decisions that affected the outcome of a nation, and ultimately, it made a difference for all of humanity. Because of Jehosheba’s courage at this time in history, “our Lord descended from Judah” (Hebrews 7:14).

In the eleventh century, a woman of noble birth impacted a nation. Princess Margaret was exiled with her family when the Danes overran England. Educated in Hungary, she returned to England during the reign of her great-uncle, Edward the Confessor. As one of the last remaining members of the Saxon royal family, she fled north to the Royal Scots Court during the Norman Conquest. Beautiful, intelligent, and devout, Margaret won the heart of the Scottish king, Malcolm Canmore, and married him in 1069. She is credited with instigating the reform of the Church of Scotland, which had reached a low point in its history. In her private life, Margaret avidly prayed and gave lavishly to the poor. Her position allowed her to free many Anglo-Saxon prisoners.

You may not see yourself as a woman of influence. You may feel shy about sharing your faith with your kids, friends, family, or co-workers. But there are many ways you can make a difference. You can refuse to give in to peer pressure or refuse to give up on a prodigal. You can speak out in the voting booth or on the editorial page. When you stand up for God’s standards, you might be surprised—like a small pebble thrown into a large body of water, your words, actions, and prayers can ripple outward if you muster up the courage to take a stand.

Reflection

• What women in your community are having a great impact?
• Over whom do you have the most influence?
• As you reflect on Jehosheba and Queen Margaret, determine how you can inspire those around you for the kingdom of God.