Four More Difference Makers in Their Time

This article is the second part of my two-part series about extraordinary women accomplishing extraordinary things. Let’s start by looking at the definition of a difference maker. A difference maker is someone who makes a positive impact on their community and the lives of others. They may be ordinary people who do extraordinary things, such as parents, coaches, or friends.

Michael Cane gives us his insight on women who are difference makers. "One of the most important things for a woman, I think, is to respect herself. Why? It's because a woman usually gets from men the same amount of respect she has for herself, almost to the ounce. Men have a second sense about women; when they sense that a woman has no respect for herself, they are very quick to follow in her footsteps." Aha! 

Here’s the story of four more amazing women who were difference-makers in their time.  

Meet Esther. In the biblical book named after her, Esther is a young Jewish woman living in the Persian diaspora who finds favor with the king and becomes queen. The court official Haman persuades the king to authorize the murder of all the Jews living in the Persian empire. Esther risks her life to save the Jewish people from destruction. When the king learns that Esther is Jewish and understands what Haman is trying to do, the king hangs Haman on the gallows made for the Jews. 

Consider this. Esther's life reveals that God can turn a nobody into somebody to do his will. God has placed everyone here for a reason. God is concerned about everyone regardless of race, nationality, or status. The Book of Esther asks us to trust God’s providence even when a solution appears impossible. Someone reading this article needs Esther’s example right now. The way is yours, take it!  

Meet Elizabeth. Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, Mary's cousin and John Baptist's mother. Elizabeth could not have children and was well beyond childbearing years when, amazingly, she conceived a son, John the Baptist. Her husband, Zechariah, was visited by the Angel Gabriel and given the blessed news in the temple. 

Consider this. The lesson we learn from Elizabeth is that she, a childless older woman, can and did give birth to greatness. Elizabeth testifies that faithfulness does not go unseen by our God nor unrewarded. Elizabeth may have wondered if God even saw or noticed her in all her years of waiting, wondering, serving, and worshiping in faith. The truth is, He was watching all along. She was in His view. God chose Elizabeth to be the first to prophesy about Jesus and to mentor Mary, who would need it in the coming months and years.

Meet Mary. According to the book of Luke, Mary was visited by an angel as a young woman while she was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter and a descendant of Abraham. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she had found favor with God and would give birth to God’s son, Jesus. Mary, a virgin, questioned Gabriel. Gabriel responded that God had prophesied a virgin would conceive God's son through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14, 700 years earlier. Mary answered, "Be it done according to your word." 

Consider this. One crucial lesson from Mary is to trust God's word, the Bible. Mary believed, "Be it done according to God's word. She believed, "I'm not moved by what I feel; I’m only moved by the word that’s real.” (My paraphrase) These days, many people are questioning God’s word. But the Bible has proven itself repeatedly throughout history to be true. Mary's life could be summed up with these words. Believe, Treasure, Let Go. Believe in God and His word, treasure the words of God, and let go of your doubt. Mary was an awesome woman, indeed.

Meet Martha. Martha is known for her constant activity and dedication to serving others. But she secretly desires moments of peace and quiet reflection. Jesus helps her understand the value of both action and listening. Martha learns from Jesus to balance her busy life with personal moments of reflection.

Consider this: Despite her constant activity, she had unshakable faith. When Martha’s brother Lazarus died, and Jesus arrived several days after Lazarus's death, Martha ran out to see Jesus.

Martha said to Jesus, "Master, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God, he will give you.” Jesus said, “Your brother will be raised up.” Martha replied, “I know he will be raised in the resurrection at the end of time.” Jesus replied, “You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. Even though they die, the one who believes in me will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?” Mary replies, “Yes, Master. I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God who comes into the world.” Then Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. John 11:23-27. 

So ‘way too busy Martha’ teaches us this lesson. Dead things can live again. Does your hope seem dead? Does your future look dead? Does your career look dead? Martha says dead things can live again. Even if what feels dead doesn’t rise from the dead, God has a better future and hope for you.

All of you women can be difference-makers in your time, which is right now. That is, if you aren't overly timid or arrogant. Fear and anger will never take the place of confidence. The sweet spot for women is to be confident in themselves, respect themselves, and, like the eight women in this series, have faith in an incredible God who fearfully made them and placed them on earth to do extraordinary things.