Fancie rocked her crying baby, exhausted after another sleepless night.
As a mother of two young children and an employee trying to climb the career ladder, she often felt overwhelmed and unsure of what God wanted for her as a woman.
Many voices told her that she could have it all, but that came with great pressure. Other messages said her role should be limited to home and family.
But as a Christian, Fancie wanted to understand what the Bible really said about the beauty and power inherent to womanhood.
She longed to uncover God’s perspective on how He perfectly designed women and to find confidence in embracing the unique qualities and gifts in her femininity.
Fancie dreamed about positively influencing her family, church, and workplace while still being the wife, mother, and friend God called her to be.
While the opinions around her confused her, Fancie was determined to open her Bible with fresh eyes and an open heart.
She was ready for God to show her the powerful way He created women to uniquely display His glory.
God Created Women Wonderfully Different
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn’t teach that men and women are “equal”.
Instead, Genesis 1:27 explains that God created humans as male and female – two complementary but distinct genders.
God didn’t create woman as man’s equal; He created woman wonderfully different.
In Genesis 2:18, we see this difference highlighted again:
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
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God did not create another man to solve Adam’s loneliness, but a feminine counterpart to complement him.
The Apostle Paul echoes this divine difference in 1 Corinthians 11:7-9, teaching that man “is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man” (v. 7).
He bases this on the creation order: “man was not made from woman, but woman from man” (v. 8).
Physically and functionally, God created males and females distinct – yet equally important.
Women Long for a Father, not Just a Lover
Have you ever wondered why women naturally start calling their husbands “daddy” as their marriages mature? It’s because women long for a father figure, not just a lover.
The Bible instructs wives to “submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). As women do this, they are transformed from rebellious women to devoted brides of Christ (v. 32).
However, submission is only possible when a husband sacrificially loves his wife “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (v. 25). Women respect and submit to lovers who lay down their lives as servant-leaders.
This is why the Book of Proverbs repeatedly instructs sons to heed a father’s instruction (1:8) and embrace discipline (4:1).
When a man provides direction and wisdom for his family, his wife feels protected under his care as her ‘father’.
Men also feel purpose as they emulate God in providing for and protecting women, physically and financially (1 Timothy 5:8, Ephesians 5:25).
When they do, wives respond well because they were created for interdependent partnership with male leadership, not solo independence.
The Powerful Influence of Women
Contrary to worldly assumptions about identity politics, God designed women with tremendous power.
Don’t believe me? Just consider how many great biblical men were led astray by women.
- The first woman, Eve, listened to Satan and gave Adam the forbidden fruit that plunged humanity into sin (Genesis 3:1-7).
- Samson repeatedly gave in to the Philistine temptress Delilah, resulting in his downfall (Judges 16).
- King David saw Bathsheba bathing and committed adultery, leading him to sinfully plot her husband’s death (2 Samuel 11:2-5).
While these examples highlight women’s influence gone wrong, this power can be used for good.
Consider the wife praised in Proverbs 31 who strengthens her husband and family with wisdom and godly counsel (vv. 10-31). Or the brave Hebrew midwives who fearlessly obeyed God (Exodus 1:15-21).
Even spiritually, women are endowed with a powerful gift: the prophetic voice. The prophet Joel declared, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy” under the new covenant (Acts 2:17-18).
Women can speak truth and exhortation in any situation – including marriage.
When a wife reminds her spouse about the vision God gave him for their family, she’s helping him keep his eyes fixed on who God has called Him to be as a father and husband.
Women, don’t be afraid to use your voice for good to strengthen your husbands.
Women Were Designed as Receivers
Since the beginning, God has used marriage to illustrate His loving relationship with His people.
For example, God passionately pursues Israel like a bridegroom does his bride throughout the Old Testament.
Isaiah declares:
“As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you”
Isaiah 62:5 (NIV)
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In the New Testament, Christ is repeatedly called the groom to His bride, the Church (John 3:29, Revelation 21:2).
Human marriage mirrors this divine romance. That’s why the Song of Solomon gives us clues into God’s heart for marital intimacy. In it, the man pursues the shy bride, praising her beauty (Song of Solomon 1:15, 4:7).
“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.”
Song of Solomon 1:15 (NIV)
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“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”
Song of Solomon 4:7 (NIV)
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When she retreats, he calls her out to receive his love.
“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me” (2:10). “Let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely” (2:14).
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Likewise, women were created with a deep longing to be pursued, known, and romanced.
They desire intimate conversation, affectionate attention, and meaningful understanding from their husbands.
Song of Solomon 7:10 expresses this heart’s cry:
“I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.”
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This requires space for a woman to express her honest thoughts and feelings, even when messy or uncomfortable.
A husband’s role is to give gentle love and care, and to understand his wife, even if he disagrees.
Ephesians 5:25-29 calls men to wash their wives in the “water of the word” and love her as their own body.
Ladies, the man who will romance your heart knows how to give. Don’t demand he loves you your way; receive and watch how he loves like Christ (Philippians 2:3-11).
Key Takeaways
- God purposefully created males and females different and complementary, not equal.
- Women deeply desire a husband who can be a spiritual leader and fatherly guide.
- Women are powerful influencers who can use their voices and gifts for God’s glory.
- God designed women to receive love and romance according to how Christ loves the Church.
- Understanding your biblical design is key to being a fulfilled, godly woman.
Conclusion
Ladies, my prayer is that you’ve been refreshed and rejuvenated reading this perspective on your biblical design.
I hope that you feel empowered to walk confidently in your God-given purpose – not fighting your design but thriving in it.
As you do this collectively, I believe women will rise with new hope and joy to become world-changers for Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Doesn’t teaching gender differences limit women?
A: No, because both genders bear God’s image equally. God assigns different but complementary roles, which allows everyone to flourish.
Q: What about women who don’t have fathers To guide them?
A: God can provide fatherly wisdom and direction when earthly fathers fail. He also brings other male voices to fill that gap during different seasons.
Q: Can women be leaders in business, the church, and politics?
A: Yes, women lead in many ways in the Bible! But in marriage, God calls men to sacrificial servant leadership. Other areas depend on individual calling.
Q: My husband doesn’t live out his biblical role. What should I do?
A: Keep modeling God’s plan in your role, seek counseling, and pray for God to change your husband’s heart. But also examine how you can encourage him first.
Q: How can I encourage romance in my marriage?
A: Ask your husband thoughtful questions to understand him better. Share your heart feelings and longings.
Initiate fun dates to build intimacy. Surprise him with his favorite meal. Value quality time talking together.
