It’s easy for women to become so focused on caring for their families that they never stop to think that God might be asking for more. After all, many of us were raised to believe that being a wife and mother was the greatest call one could have, or even the only call. So what more could God possibly want?
Hearing the Still, Small Voice
Between a husband that asks you to run an errand for him and a school-age child that you to drive to soccer practice and a three-year-old screaming for Mommy’s attention, it can be hard to hear God’s voice. He doesn’t yell or scream to get attention; He patiently waits for you to stop what you’re doing and listen and then He will have His say.
But what if you never stop to listen for His voice? What if you never ask God about His purpose for your life? Then it’s almost guaranteed that you will miss out on the greatest opportunities that could happen in your life—your purpose. There is no doubt, however, that God will accomplish what He has planned; it just might be through someone else. The loss will be yours because you missed out on the blessing and the power that comes with yielding to God’s will.
This is not something that happens overnight. Women are so often geared to always being busy that it is hard to shut that down and just be still with God. Instead, we think about all of the things we should be doing until we get frustrated and give up – before God has a chance to speak. You must take the time to listen for God’s voice.
Be Willing
But it’s not enough for you to ask the questions; you have to be willing to hear what He has to say, and to obey. Sometimes we can shut God down with our attitudes before He can even begin.
- “I don’t have time to volunteer. I’m too busy with my family.”
- “I couldn’t go on a mission trip. Who would take care of the kids until I got back?”
- “My kids need me at home after school. I can’t get involved in that ministry.”
- “That can’t possibly be God because women aren’t supposed to…”
We put up roadblocks, many times using our family as our excuse for not getting involved in ministry. Maybe it’s time we stop giving God excuses or ignoring Him and just say like the prophet Isaiah, “Whatever you want me to do, God, I’ll do it.” Then we can hear Him speak.
