We live in a time when it’s finally politically correct to empower women. But how we do it makes all the difference in the world. Neither men nor women get their power or strength from within themselves, nor from others who give them opportunities, promotions, or positions of authority.

Psalm 75:6-7 says, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (KJV). Scripture makes it clear the Holy Spirit is the One who empowers and promotes (1 Corinthians 10:11).

When we understand and acknowledge the true source of empowerment, we can strengthen and empower others far more effectively than training courses and positive affirmation. We can also lead them to a well of power that is constantly available to them to draw from themselves.

With a recognition of where true empowerment comes from, here are four ways to empower other women, biblically:

1. Encourage their faith that with God all things are possible.

A woman of faith is a woman who is empowered. And a woman of faith believes Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:26 that “with God all things are possible.” Philippians 4:13 also says Christ is the One who strengthens or empowers us to do all things through His strength and power.

Empower a woman by convincing her that she serves a big God who can handle everything she thinks she must or is convinced she can’t. Our faith is stretched and strengthened when we look to God to do the impossible. Encourage and empower women with the truth that God can do through them what is beyond them.

2. Teach them to be humble.

It sounds counter intuitive, but you can empower another woman by encouraging her to be humble.  James 4:10 tells us: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Furthermore, James 4:6 tells us: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” To be humble means you recognize the truth of 1 Corinthians 4:7 that everything you have has been given to you– including abilities, authority, position, possessions, and even principles. When we are humble before God we will be gracious with others and that makes us servant-leaders, rather than controlling ones. Encourage women to be humble and you will be showing them a secret doorway to godly empowerment.

3. Pray for and with them.

Ask how you can pray for a woman you’re hoping to empower – and then do it.  If you’re talking on the phone or via zoom, pray for her right there. If you’re having coffee or lunch together, pray for her at that moment. Saying “I’ll pray for you” and then doing that outside her presence might rob her of the blessing of being empowered by your actual prayer. It also teaches her how to pray. Prayer is empowering in itself. Let women see it through your willingness to pray for them in the moment. 

4. Share your own weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

We tend to think that if we model strength to others they’ll be able to imitate it. Yet our strength doesn’t come from our own abilities, nor does empowerment come from imitating another’s power plays. Empowerment comes from the Lord, primarily as we admit we are weak.

Paul said in his weakness, humility, or lowliness, he was stronger in Christ’s power because Christ’s power in him was made perfect in his weakness. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

When you share your weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and struggles and let people know HOW God strengthened you through it, you are helping another woman realize she, too, can be strengthened through her struggles.

Who can you empower this week by letting them know of their true power in Christ Jesus?

For more on your true power and empowering other women in Christ, see my books,  Women on the Edge (on sale now in my website store), and When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts.