Is it the Call, or the Character?

Hannah: She reminds us that being misunderstood doesn’t disqualify us.

Many women of God feel discouraged when others don’t understand, affirm, or support their calling. It’s easy to say, “They just don’t see the anointing on my life.”

But what if the hesitation isn’t about your calling at all? What if, like in Ephesus, the concern is about character; what people perceive in your spirit? And at the same time, what if sometimes that perception is wrong, and others misjudge a woman’s heart?

A Conversation with a Sister

Recently, a woman shared with me her deep desire to be used by God. She said, “I know He has called me, but I don’t see any doors opening. I’m discouraged.”

Her words hit my heart because I’ve been there. And in that season of waiting, God asked me to do something I didn’t expect. He told me to examine my own heart.

He whispered, “Before you worry about the doors, look inward. Are you ready to carry what you’re asking for? Are you kingdom-minded in your attitude, or are you still tied to self?”

It was a hard but freeing lesson. Sometimes the silence or the closed doors aren’t punishment, they’re an invitation to ask the hard questions:

• Am I walking in humility, or am I craving recognition?

  
  

• Am I celebrating other women, or secretly comparing myself to them?

  
  

• Do people see Christ in me, or do they only see me striving?

Paul’s Warning in Ephesus

When Paul wrote to Timothy about women in Ephesus (1 Timothy 2), he wasn’t denying the role of women in ministry. Scripture is clear that God used Deborah as a judge and prophetess (Judges 4), Priscilla as a teacher (Acts 18:26), Phoebe as a deacon (Romans 16:1), and Lydia as a church planter and supporter (Acts 16:14–15).

Paul was correcting a cultural problem because of women who were becoming argumentative, showy, and controlling. It wasn’t their call that disqualified them; it was their posture and priorities.

When Character Really Does Matter

The truth is, our calling is secure. Romans 11:29 says, “For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” But our character is what carries that calling.

• A woman who is easily offended, jealous, or critical may have a true calling, but others may hesitate to partner with her until her spirit matures.

• A woman who is humble, encouraging, and willing to serve quietly will often be entrusted with greater influence because her spirit reflects Christ.

Sometimes a door doesn’t open not because you aren’t called, but because God is refining your character to prepare you for it.

When People Misjudge Character

At the same time, we must be careful: not every closed door means your character is flawed. Sometimes people misjudge women in leadership, just as Eli misjudged Hannah when she prayed passionately in the temple (1 Samuel 1:12–14). He thought she was drunk, when in reality she was pouring out her heart to God.

• Like Hannah, sometimes a woman’s passion looks “too much” to others.

• Like Mary of Bethany, sitting at Jesus’ feet, sometimes devotion is misunderstood (Luke 10:39–42).

• Like Deborah, some will question whether a woman should lead at all (Judges 4:8–9).

In those cases, the issue isn’t the woman’s heart it’s the lens through which others view her.

A Kingdom-Minded Balance

The challenge, then, is twofold:

1. Self-examine honestly. Ask: “Is it my character that is blocking doors? Am I showing Jesus in my posture?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

   
   

2. Stand secure when misjudged. Remember that Jesus Himself was misunderstood, rejected, and criticized. If people misjudge you, keep your heart tender and your focus on God’s approval, not man’s (Galatians 1:10).

Examples of Women in Scripture

• Deborah: A leader, prophetess, and judge who walked in courage and authority. She is an example of strong, kingdom-minded leadership (Judges 4–5).

• Priscilla: Alongside her husband, Aquila, she taught Apollos with humility and wisdom. She shows the power of partnering and teaching with grace (Acts 18:26).

• Phoebe: A deacon and benefactor, she faithfully served the church and carried Paul’s letter to the Romans. She shows how service and trustworthiness expand influence (Romans 16:1–2).

• Lydia: A businesswoman whose open home birthed a church in Philippi. She reminds us that generosity and hospitality are kingdom-minded traits (Acts 16:14–15).

• Hannah: Misjudged in her devotion, but honored by God with a son who became a prophet. She reminds us that being misunderstood doesn’t disqualify us (1 Samuel 1).

A Challenge for Us All

If you feel overlooked or resisted, ask God to reveal the truth:

• Is this a season where my character is being refined?

• Or is this a season where I’m being misjudged, and God is calling me to stand firm in grace?

Either way, both paths will shape you into a kingdom-minded woman who reflects Christ.

Father,

Help us as women to walk in humility, love, and godly character so our calling can shine brightly for Your glory. Guard our hearts from offense and comparison. When correction comes, help us receive it with grace. And when misjudgment comes, help us stand secure in Your truth, not man’s opinion. Teach us to ask the hard questions, to examine our hearts, and to trust Your timing with the doors of opportunity. May we be like Deborah, Priscilla, Phoebe, Lydia, and Hannah—faithful women who lived kingdom-minded lives despite challenges. Unite us in love, refine our hearts, and release us into the fullness of our callings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6

Love,

Tricia