I am totally blessed to be married to someone who is completely supportive of women being able to do anything that God is calling them to within the Kingdom.
A few weeks ago, a group of women came together to wait on God about this topic. One of the things the Lord showed us is that there are Baraks out there–men who will stand with us in this venture. If this is a movement of women only, it will degenerate into a feminist movement. But if the Baraks will join us (think of the story of Deborah and Barak working together to defeat the enemy in Judges 4 and 5), it will become a Kingdom movement.
I am married to a Barak! Here he is:
2 replies on “Tony (my husband) is a Barak!”
An example of this from my own life happened 15 years ago. I was invited to minister for a week at a seminary in Brazil with a team of men. During my speaking and ministry time, many men present at the conference communicated their disapproval of a woman speaking and ministering to them, by turning way, having side conversations, and with their body language.
In spite of their rudeness and indifference to me, God showed His approval, and manifested in powerful ways. Many people were healed, body and soul, freed from bondage, filled with the Spirit for empowered ministry, and it was an obvious work of God to all present.
At the end of this week of ministry, one of the men originally very opposed to me stood before me crying with this proclamation;”I never knew that God would use a woman, and even a woman who wears jewelery and makeup to minister so powerfully in the Holy Spirit! Please forgive me for my treatment of you! I am going home to release my wife and daughters to whatever God wants them to do! Thank you!”
God will support those He calls into His service and will endorse them with His Presence – regardless of their gender!
Remember the wisdom of Gamaliel in Acts 4: “4But a Pharisee named (B)Gamaliel, a (C)teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in (D)the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.
35And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.
36″For some time ago Theudas rose up, (E)claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
37″After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of (F)the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.
38″So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action (G)is of men, it will be overthrown;
39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found (H)fighting against God.”
Katie,
Sadly the story of how you were treated in Brazil is fairly typical of what happens to many women. Many women just give up the struggle at this point. We are praying that a movement will arise of both men and women who will release women to their full potential within the kingdom.
Where are the men who are seeking to train and release women as apostles, prophets, church planters etc.? Where are the women who will step out of their comfort zones and risk all for the sake of the King?