Read Romans 16:1

As women we often feel that what we do is the thing that brings us significance. Our intentions to strive to be the best are sometimes filled with an inner desire to please others or to be noticed for something that matters. Many women have found joy in ministry because they feel respected in an area where they serve. There are so many women who push for position and pull for authority, that it dulls the presence of their gift and makes it hard for people to receive the very ministry they are trying to deliver.

Phoebe was a woman who ministered not out of a need to be noticed, but a need to see the kingdom advance and God’s name be glorified. Proverbs 18:16 says in the Amplified translation, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” Until we are able to truly serve God out of the abundance of who He is and without our need for recognition, we can never truly give the ministry we provide what it deserves. Phoebe was a blessing to God, and as a result, He made room for her gift and brought her before great men.
For many years women were oppressed from using their gifts in ministry. As a woman you may have had a painful experience in that area, but no one can minister effectively if it is rooted in pain. God sees you as a gift, a talent, and a treasure, and He has great plans for you in His Kingdom. Allow His healing touch to soothe away any pain of oppression and plug in to His purpose for your life with a new freedom.
Walk it out & Pray
Devote your talents to the Kingdom; begin to search your heart for your true motivation for ministry. As you serve in your area of ministry, see Jesus as the recipient of all that you do. When you focus your attention on serving Him, the need to be given credit melts away in the joy of knowing you are pleasing Christ. Bless someone anonymously with a card or a note of encouragement.  A small token of love in secret is where God can give the biggest reward!

Posted under Devotion