I’m pretty sure all of us would say, “Yes, of course I want to be a woman of impact today.” Why? Because impact means we’re helping others.  It means going forward, making a difference, initiating change in a hurting world.

But friends, did you know it’s more than that?

It’s one thing to say we want that.  But do you truly want it enough to ask God for it?  Want to know how you can be a woman of impact TODAY?  Read on…

Wait, so what is a woman of impact?

Being a woman of impact means you’re an ORDINARY woman who is allowing God to use who you are–your talents, gifts, strengths, experiences, trials, struggles, hurts–and utilizing it in EXTRAORDINARY ways.  God is using it all to the maximum, for His glory. I like to say He’s “maximizing you”.

A woman of impact is maximized by God in how He has made her.  She’s led by God to do what only He can do through her imperfect, God-created self.  She loves, gives, and serves within her talents, gifts, environment, and abilities.  God uses her life supernaturally to blow apart the box others put Him into!  And all she can do in that moment is step back and in awe say, “It’s not me.  It’s all God.”

I want to be that woman of impact! Where do I start?

Being open to change is where being a woman of impact starts.  It takes submission to Him.  It takes a willingness to change.  Feeling uncomfortable yet?  I hear ya!  I felt uncomfortable, too, before I prayed about it.  Consider these things God changes in women to make them women of impact:

• Preconceived ideas about people or groups
• Strongholds & addictions that keep us “minimized”
• Our stubborn hold on non-biblical, religious traditions (think of the Pharisees)
• A resistance to the Holy Spirit calling us to change
• Bitterness or unforgiveness towards others
• A job/employment that’s not utilizing your God-given gifts/talents
• A sinful attitude or pattern (critical, resentful, prideful, judgmental, etc.)

And I’m sure there are many more.  Do any of these ring true for you?  Are any of these keeping God from using you in meaningful, significant, impactful ways?

Ok, I’m open to change.  But where can I be impactful?

Right where you are is the best place to start, whether at home or in your job.  I’m a wife and work-from-home, homeschooling mom of two.  The most obvious place I can be a woman of maximum impact is for my husband and kids.

When you’re a woman of impact for God in your home, you’re doing mighty things. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!  When your home is centered on God it impacts your family, street, community, town, and on.  God can maximize your impact exponentially.

You can also ask God if there are places you aren’t considering where he can maximize you for His kingdom.  Are there needs in your church you can fill with your talents?  Are there relationships you can begin with other women who need to experience God’s love?  Is there an opportunity that intimidates you but you’re feeling called to?

Seek God’s guidance and wisdom like a precious treasure.  Pray, listen, and pray some more.  My favorite verse to go to when I’m seeking wisdom is Proverbs 2:1-5:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

Do you seek God’s wisdom like silver or hidden treasure?  Then you’re on your way!

I want to be a woman of impact, but not too much.

I admit, it’s a scary thing to pray: “God, maximize me for your Kingdom.” Sometimes we want to be minimized–praying for our own comfort, ease, safety. We avoid spiritual growth at all costs. We like the idea of “your kingdom come” and participating it that to some extent, usually on Sundays.  But definitely not if it makes us uncomfortable or stretches us to the max.  Not if it challenges us during the week.  We like the idea of Jesus dying for our sins but don’t want to die to ourselves.   Is that you?

I want to be a woman of impact, but for my reasons.

Or sometimes we want to be maximized, but for our own glory and kingdom. Our kingdom would look great with more money, that addition on our home, fine restaurants, knowledge of good wines, that job promotion, recognition, and, of course, the trip to Sunday church in that sporty, eco-friendly car.   Is that you?

Maybe you think having maximum impact means watering down God’s Word to make it palatable to reach more people.  Friends, God’s unchanging Word powerfully transcends our culture, popularity, and political correctness.  He doesn’t need His Word to be improved by us.  Keep His Word as it is.  Then ask Him, instead, to use you to share it and watch it change lives for eternity.  God will maximize you when you ask Him to use His Word to speak to your heart and humbly share it with others.

My heart is ready, I know it.  What’s next?

Maybe the Holy Spirit is softening your heart to change.  When we ask Him to maximize us for HIS kingdom, we are giving him permission to make the changes he wants to make.

We are saying,

“Use me as I am, but grow me so I can be most effective for you. I’m ready.”

I challenge you, woman of God, to pray this scary, amazing prayer today. It’s one of those prayers he’ll never say “no” to.  Then get ready for God to answer in unexpected ways.

Heavenly Father, you have created me for a great purpose, greater than even I can imagine.  Where I am, right here, today, maximize me for your Kingdom.  This moment I ask you to begin changing my heart, my mind, my actions to reflect Jesus and to radically impact others.  My desire is to bring you glory with my life and if there are other opportunities I don’t see yet where you can maximize me, make that clear to me.  Give me the strength, knowledge, and confidence to go forward, even if I’m scared of what you’ll have me do.  I know there will be moments of disappointment and feelings of failure.  Help me in those moments.  Use those moments.  Blow me away with your goodness and take apart the box I’ve put you in.   I trust you with it all.   In Jesus name, Amen.

Is God calling you to change so He can maximize you where you are and in other places?  Are you being maximized in unexpected ways?  Comment below!