Throughout the Bible, women teach faith lessons that we can learn from today. In Scripture, figures like Abraham, David, Jeremiah, Daniel, Paul, and, of course, Jesus Christ are at the forefront. Although less prominent than men, women of the Bible are significantly used by God.
Being lesser known doesn’t diminish the call of God on their lives and their importance to their nation. God used many of them to protect the continuity of Israel.
Sarah
Sarah’s name was Sarai when she left her homeland with Abraham. God sent them to a foreign country with a promise. Even though she had been barren throughout her marriage, God promised her a son. Her life is a lesson of faith in expecting the impossible. Sarah conceived Isaac 20 years after God’s promise.
As an older woman, having a child was so unlikely that Sarah laughed at the possibility. However, at the age of 90, she gave birth. Women should never let go of God’s promise. If he said it, He will do it. It’s only a matter of time.
Ruth
Ruth was a woman from Moab, an enemy of Israel. She married into an Israeli family who’d moved to Moab. After Ruth’s husband died, she left Moab for Israel with her mother-in-law, Naomi. While there, Ruth met and married Boaz, a wealthy farmer who was a kinsman to her husband’s family.
Ruth was willing to leave her native land at God’s leading. As a result of her faithfulness to Naomi, she is in the genealogy of Christ. God placed Naomi in her life as a godly influence. God still places people in the lives of faithful women. Women today must follow God’s guidance. His plan for their lives is much higher than they can imagine.
Hannah
Hannah desired to have children, but she was barren. She prayed earnestly for a child in the temple at Jerusalem. After years of infertility, Hannah gave birth. In God’s timing, Samuel, a prophetic voice and man of wisdom, was born. As a judge, he would lead in righteousness and anoint the first two kings of Israel.
Hannah teaches women that when you need a miracle, turn to God in prayer. Her lesson to women is never give up. Pray in faith, believe, and receive the blessings you desire.
Esther
Esther was a Jewish girl whose family had been relocated by war to another kingdom. The king was searching for a beautiful woman to replace the queen he’d banished. Esther was chosen. As time passed, Haman, a wicked man, rose to power. He hated the Jews and planned a day, Purim, to annihilate them. The king granted his approval.
After calling a fast for her maidens and all the Jews, Esther appeared before the king without being summoned. This was against protocol in those days and could result in death. Esther devised a plan that worked to preserve her people from being eradicated. Defying custom, Esther moved in faith. Women today can learn valuable lessons from Esther on how to pray, trust God, and move forward in faith.
Mary
As the mother of Christ, she is forever known as the Virgin Mary. She was a young Jewish girl when visited by the angel Gabrielle. He delivered the news that God had chosen her to bear the Messiah. After the initial shock, Mary’s answer was, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” Mary’s yieldedness to God’s will is a lesson in submission to God for women today.
When God reveals His plan for women’s lives, their answer should be a resounding “yes.” Faith moves in obedience to God’s word.
Mary Magdalene
Mary, a woman from Magdala, represents all downtrodden women. When Jesus encounters Mary, He casts out 7 demons from her. She becomes a faithful follower and supporter of His ministry. The first to witness His resurrection, she becomes the first person to proclaim the gospel. Mary teaches women that life may have dishonored you, but God can make you a vessel of honor unto Him.
Final Thoughts
The Bible tells the stories of other women who contributed to the lessons of faith. Women are not a sidebar to God’s plan. They play a vital role in Israel’s history and in the furtherance of the gospel. Sarah, Ruth, Hannah, Esther, Mary, and each, in their time, served God and brought peace, prosperity, and faith through their offspring.
While scripture doesn’t confirm she had offspring, Mary Magdalene’s life teaches lessons of deliverance and service. These women are highly honored today throughout Christianity. And Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is honored above them all.
