Women on fire
How many of you have ever felt overlooked? How many have questioned whether God could really use you powerfully? Sisters, I want you to hear this truth today: from the very birth of the church, women were never an afterthought in God's plan of Spirit empowerment. You were central to it.
In Acts 1:14, we read, 'They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.' This verse sets the stage for what would become the most transformative moment in church history—Pentecost. And notice who was there, waiting expectantly? Women. Right alongside the men. Equal in expectation. Equal in preparation. And as we'll see, equal in empowerment.
Let's set the historical context. In first-century Jewish culture, women were often relegated to the background. Religious instruction was primarily for men. Synagogue participation was limited for women. Yet here, in this pivotal moment before the birth of the church, Luke makes a point to specifically mention that women were present.
This wasn't casual inclusion. This was revolutionary. The text tells us there were about 120 believers gathered in that upper room (Acts 1:15). Biblical scholars believe a significant number of these were women. Not just Mary the mother of Jesus, but likely Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others who had followed Jesus throughout His ministry.
Sisters, your voice matters to God. Your testimony matters. Your teaching matters. Your leadership matters. The prophecy wasn't 'your daughters will sit quietly and support from the sidelines.' It was 'your daughters will prophesy'—will speak with divine authority, will lead, will teach, will transform lives through Spirit-empowered ministry.
Transformed by Fire.
One of the most profound effects of the Holy Spirit's empowerment is identity transformation. Many women today struggle with insecurities about their worth, their voice, and their place in God's kingdom. These insecurities aren't new—they're the same lies that have been whispered since Eden.
But at Pentecost, something miraculous happened to those women in the upper room. The fire of God's Spirit didn't just fall upon them—it fell within them. It didn't just change what they could do; it changed who they understood themselves to be.
Imagine Mary Magdalene, once possessed by seven demons, now filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in languages she never learned, boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Imagine Joanna, once defined by her connection to Herod's household, now defined by her connection to the King of Kings. These women experienced a profound identity shift from 'not enough' to 'empowered daughter.'
The Holy Spirit confronts our insecurities with divine truth. When we feel inadequate, the Spirit reminds us, 'My power is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we feel silenced, the Spirit empowers us to speak with boldness (Acts 4:31). When we question our purpose, the Spirit gifts us for service and ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Women at Pentecost weren't just given spiritual experiences; they were given a new identity—Spirit-empowered daughters of God with a divine commission to advance the kingdom. The same is true for you today.
Your identity isn't determined by cultural expectations, past failures, or personal insecurities. Your identity is established by the indwelling presence of the same Spirit that filled that upper room. You are not just a woman who happens to believe in Jesus—you are a daughter of God, filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, appointed and anointed for kingdom purpose.
(Continued next month: Women on Fire)