The other day, I was put down a little. I heard that there were guys in the church that couldn't worship under a woman worship leader. I thought, is it the same for every guy? And if it were, why was I even up there leading?
And then God reminded me, like he always does, that He is in control. I opened up the book, Lioness Arising (that I've been completely lagging on reading), and He used it as a tool to get His point across to me. You see, I was struggling with the idea that I was completely worthless as a worship leader. If half the congregation couldn't worship because of me, then why don't I have someone else step up instead of me?
Lisa Bevere made a wonderfully valid point when she said,
"Why is it that whenever a gender discussion comes up, it seems to mire down into an issue of women's submission to men? If I am a leader, it is because God made me one."
And if someone wants to worship God, nothing will stop them. Not annoying lights, or a too loud base. Not an upset stomach, or a terrible guitar player. Not a cramped room, and not a woman worship leader. Worship is a lifestyle, and has a personal meaning to you and a personal way of doing so.
"Our fire does not burn on the alter of worship. Our fire resides within as we are consumed and propelled by his Spirit," (Bevere).
In the end we all have the same mission. I will continue to lead worship for as long as the Lord calls me to do so. I will do it for God and for the one's who desire to lift up praise to our God. And you have a purpose too. There will be people who discourage you, but don't lose heart, because you are empowered. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
"Do you hear the a cry and the desperate need for you to rise up as a fearless seeker of truth?" (Bevere).
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" 1 Timothy 4:12.
I'll end this post with 1 Corinthians 11:10-12.
"Don't, by the way, read too much into the differences here between men and women. Neither man nor woman can go it alone or claim priority. Man was created first, as a beautiful shining reflection of God- that is true. But the head on a woman's body clearly outshines in beauty the head of her 'head,' her husband. The first woman came from man, true- but ever since then, every man comes from woman! And since virtually everything comes from God anyway, let's quit going through these 'who's first' routines."
Who are we to decide who God is and isn't capable of using. He can, and will, use anyone who is willing. So let us now work together for the furthering of his kingdom, and stop holding each other back.
