By Ora Cook
In her daily devotional for women, Joyce Meyer explains the battles she encountered because of her call into ministry. Joyce entered what was considered (and still is in many respects) a man\’s world.
Joyce\’s battle was with those closest to her. Instead of being happy and supportive, her family and friends were her biggest opposition. They tried to convince Joyce that she misunderstood the calling. She was advised to do something more acceptable for a female, like teaching Sunday School. When they could not dissuade her, she was abandoned by most of them.
Like Joyce, many of you are called to do something your family and friends feel is not acceptable. But don’t let their opinions and criticisms become a deterrence.
Whenever anyone goes against the grain it is normal to expect resistance. Being betrayed and deserted by those you believed to be your support system is painful. Yet, you cannot allow the hurt and betrayal to be a reason for not fulfilling your purpose.
Which battles have you encountered? Are you under attack because of your gender, nationality, educational or financial status?
God knew the confrontations you would encounter when He placed His calling upon your life. Thus, He equipped you with everything you need, including the ability to stand alone. People may walk out on you, but God never will. Besides, He will send people into your life who will support and encourage you along the journey.
Joyce Meyer is only one of the many women who successfully broke barriers. I am certain that each of them had to face and fight their own unique battles. These are a few of the women.
Lisa Williams and Oprah established their own successful companies. Ursula Burns became the first African American female CEO of a fortune 500 company. Dr. Mae Jemison was the first African American female astronaut. Indra Nooyi is an American Indian who is the CEO of PepsiCo.
These women knew their potential and did not allow the naysayers to deter them. You have the same capability, perseverance, grit, and resolve. Many of you just have to put them into action. It may not be easy and you may have to fight, but hey that\’s okay.
Joyce has preached for over 30 years and she plans to continue preaching until God calls her home. She held onto her belief in God, in herself, and in His promises. She refused to allow anyone to persuade her otherwise. All of us are equipped with that same tenacity.
God is no respecter of person. He equipped Joyce and these women to succeed. He will do the same for you.
What have you allowed people to stop you from doing? What are you going to do about it? Will you continue to allow them to keep you from your purpose? Or will you develop the determination and resolve and live your life? It\’s never too late.
Start today–prepare for a battle and begin breaking those barriers.