As we celebrate the International Women’s Day, here are 5 women of God in the Bible. Learn how they embraced their higher calling and purpose.
“Sarah restored to Abraham” by Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) from the University of Toronto Wenceslaus Hollar Digital Collection.
1. Sarah (Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:5-6)
Sarah is not perfect, but no matter how hard their journey was, she supported her husband Abraham and stayed by his side. This led to the fulfillment of God’s promise through them.
“Ruth swearing her allegiance to Naomi” by Jan Victors (1619-1676).
2. Ruth (Ruth 1:3-5;16-19;2:2-3;4:13-22)
Ruth’s faithfulness and hard work were rewarded by God as the Savior of the world belonged to her lineage.
After being widowed, she decided to journey with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and live in Judah. Unsure of what lies ahead of her, Ruth faithfully followed Naomi and worked hard daily. She gathered leftover grains in the field of who happened to be her “rescuer” or kinsmen-redeemer named Boaz, who later became her husband. They had a son named Obed.
Bible primer, Old Testament by Adolf Hult and Augustana Synod. Published by Rock Island III and Augustana Book Concern in 1919 from The Library of Congress.
3. Esther (Esther 4:14;7)
From being a Jewish maiden to being crowned queen of Persia, Esther became a great example of courage and faith when she saved her people from an annihilation plotted by Haman, King Xerxes’ wicked court official. Queen Esther was appointed for such a time as this to fulfill God’s purpose. She obeyed Him and stood for His people even if her life was put on the line.
“Deborah Praises Jael” 1866 by Gustave Dore from Dore’s English Bible
4. Deborah (Judges 4)
She was Israel’s only female judge. Deborah delivered the Israelites from the hand of Jabin and Sisera who cruelly oppressed them for 20 years. She accompanied Barak, a man of Napthali who led the war against Sisera, because he was too afraid to attack their enemies. Through Deborah’s wise leadership and unwavering faith, Israel was led to victory.
Biblical illustrations by Jim Padgett, courtesy of Sweet Publishing, Ft. Worth, TX, and Gospel Light, Ventura, CA. Copyright 1984. “Read’n Grow Picture Bible Illustrations” under the new license, CC-BY-SA 3.0.
5. Mary, Mother of Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)
Mary gave her “yes” to God even when she knew that being unwed and pregnant in the Jewish culture means being stoned to death. Despite the danger she faced, she obeyed and trusted the Lord. Thus, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, was born.
These are not just stories of great women striving to achieve great things. But rather, stories of ordinary and imperfect women who had been faithful to God Almighty.
1 Peter 2:9 NIV says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This is what God created you to be!
Do you want to know more about your purpose as a woman designed by God? Just call us at 8737-0-700 if you’re in Metro Manila. If you’re outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, contact us through CBN Asia Prayer Center.
