What if influence has less to do with having a position and more to do with how we use the influence God has already entrusted to us? We explore what Scripture shows us about the unique influence women can have—with or without a position of authority—and examine women such as Abigail, Esther, Delilah, Jezebel, Rahab, Tamar, and others who shaped circumstances for good or for evil. We look at the difference between godly influence and selfish manipulation and identify four marks of godly influence: it is submissive to authority, sacrificial, strategic, and aimed at benefiting others and glorifying God. Ultimately, we consider how we can recognize the spheres of influence already around us and use them for the good of others and the advancement of God's kingdom.

What We Learned

  • Women are described at creation as a “helper” or ezer, a Hebrew word also frequently used of God as help, pointing to a role that can be deeply influential rather than merely subordinate.
  • Influence is defined as “the capacity to be a compelling force on the actions, thoughts, and behaviors of others.”
  • Scripture gives examples of women influencing circumstances for both good and evil, including Abigail averting a conflict with David, Esther advocating for her people, Delilah bringing down Samson, and Jezebel influencing Ahab toward evil.
  • Women do not need a formal position, title, paycheck, platform, podcast, or position of authority to make a significant impact in the world around them.
  • Godly influence is submissive to authority; submission does not mean having no voice or being a doormat, but recognizing and honoring legitimate authority.
  • Godly influence is sacrificial, often involving personal risk or loss for the benefit of others.
  • Godly influence is strategic, using wisdom, timing, shrewdness, and intentionality for God's purposes rather than selfish manipulation.
  • Godly influence benefits others and glorifies God, seeking the advancement of God's purposes rather than personal power or control.

Related Episodes

Scripture Referenced

  • Eve & Adam – Genesis 2:18-23 
  • God as our ezer – Psalm 121:1-2, Psalm 33:20
  • Sarah & Abraham – Genesis 16
  • Rebekah & Isaac – Genesis 24-27
  • Tamar & Judah – Genesis 38
  • Potiphar’s Wife & Joseph – Genesis 39
  • Two Hebrew Midwives, Shiphrah and Puah – Exodus 1
  • Zipporah & Moses – Exodus 4
  • Daughters ofZelophehad – Numbers 27
  • Rahab in Jericho – Joshua 2
  • Jael & Sisera – Judges 4-5
  • Delilah & Samson – Judges 13-16
  • Abigail, Nabal & David – 1 Samuel 25
  • Jezebel & Ahab – 1 Kings 16
  • The little slave girl & Naman – 2 Kings 5
  • Athaliah, Jehosheba & Joash – 2 Kings 8-11
  • Herodias & John the Baptist – Mark 6
  • Women supporting Jesus’ Ministry – Luke 8
  • Woman at the Well – John 4
  • Elizabeth & Mary – Luke 1-2
  • Deborah – Judges 4-5
  • Esther

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