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Sometimes my male colleagues don't take me seriously. How can a woman be assertive at work without being offensive?
Trust God to bring good even from acts intended to harm.
Genesis 50:15-21
On many jobs, it's still a man's world. Whether it's a condescending pat on the shoulder, a quick cutoff of your best idea, or an averted eye when it's time for important projects and promotions, gender discrimination happens. Often it's just habit and not intended to hurt anyone. But sometimes intent to harm is as real as if the offender took out a knife.
When you feel discriminated against, take a look at Joseph. His brothers hated him—and even shipped him off to another country. But in the end the brothers were forced to come to Joseph for help. They were scared—with good reason. It was payback time, and Joseph had all the power. Yet instead of retribution, Joseph gave his brothers comfort and protection.
During times of discrimination, a working woman can confront mild slights with mild admonition: "I know you didn't intend harm, but …" For major offenses, she may need to say, "If that happens again, I must speak to …" Or when she's overlooked, "I know I could do good work on that project. Here's a sample I put together on my own time." But when diplomacy fails, and real harm comes from real harmful intent, a working woman can turn to God. God isn't limited by someone's intent. God can bring good anyway. (See also Judges 4:4-15; Isaiah 11:1-9; Ephesians 5:6-21.)
Good Words to Remember:
But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day. Genesis 50:20
Today's Challenge:
What "good" could God bring from the particular work situation you face today?
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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