Empowered In Community

In Genesis 2:18, we find one of the Bible’s earliest mentions of community. God said 'it is not good for man to be alone.' This proves up front that from the very beginning, we were created to live in community.

Although this scripture refers to God creating Eve for Adam, it also foreshadows the life God wants us to live with all believers. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to neglect meeting together. It's in the togetherness that we encourage each other.

Let's examine a few of examples of women in the Bible who did amazing things when they worked together:

1)    The daughters of Zelophehad: You can find these women in Numbers 27:1-11. Their dad, Zelophehad, passed away and the custom was that his property would pass onto his sons- of which he had none. The law at the time didn't allow for property to be passed onto daughters. However, these women had the strength and courage to fight for the land that rightfully belonged to them. They challenged the government of their day and won. The law was forever changed because of their bravery and their commitment to stand up for what they believed in.

2)    Queen Esther: When the Queenship opened up, Esther entered the running. After 12 months of beauty treatments, she was chosen to be Queen. We know she had unprecedented favor because Esther 2:17 says “the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.”

However, one of the King’s trusted advisors was so hateful that he ordered all of the Jews to be killed. Esther’s nationality as a Jew was a secret to him and the King, but she knew this would affect her and her family. Although she knew she had to speak to the King to convince him to change his mind, she was afraid. Instead of relying on her own strength, Esther 4:16 shows that she asked her community to fast with her. At the end of the three day fast, she approached the King and he changed his mind, allowing her and the Jews to live, but impaling his trusted advisor who was out to harm them.

Could she have accomplished this on her own? Maybe. But we DO know that she reached out to her community for strength to fight her toughest battles.

3)    Mary, the mother of Jesus: In Luke 1:26-38 we see that God gave her very specific instructions about her next mission. She would conceive and give birth to Jesus, albeit a virgin. What is the first thing that she does after receiving the biggest news of her life? She “hurried” to tell her community (The angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, was pregnant after previously being declared barren). When Elizabeth saw Mary, she was immediately filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke life into Mary and encouraged her. Mary then began to praise God and stayed with her cousin for 3 months before returning home. It's interesting that Luke is the only gospel that mentions Mary seeking community and also the only Gospel that shows the moment of strength and encouragement that she received while there (Luke 1:46-55)

The real question then is, how do I build a community around me? It's often easier than you think. Start by serving others. You can join your local church or an organization whose mission aligns with you, then allow the Holy Spirit to bring people into your life that will grow you.

Dear woman, be encouraged! Don't believe the lie being peddled that women can't thrive while working with others. You'll be empowered in community and get a lot more accomplished than you ever could on your own.