12 Lessons from 12 Women of the Bible
Hello Beloved Friends! I have two questions for you,
Do you have a favorite woman of the Bible? Do you have one that you connect with, even if you don’t know why?
For me, that’s always been Esther! I was never sure why until recently. I have been studying her closely and God has been unveiling why He placed Esther on my heart and why I can relate to her.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of women being true disciples of God and followers of Jesus. We see how valued women were, and still are, by our Heavenly Father. We see them struggle and triumph, stumble and persist, feel lost but yet pursue and seek the Lord. They are blessings to present and future women who will walk this earth because we can learn so many lessons that still apply to our lives today.
Through the Word of God, you have access to these women; to their knowledge, wisdom, dreams, and intimacy with our Father.
Did you know that women are created in the image of God? And with that blessing, we have the opportunity to show a uniqueness of His image; one that only we, as women, can reflect! How amazing is that?!
And who better to learn from than the women who walked in His presence before we came to be!
I’m excited to share 12 lessons from 12 women of the Bible. Women who show us the uniqueness of God that is found in each of us.
But before we dive into those lessons, I want to encourage you to also see the differences between these women, especially in the callings placed on their lives.
Let’s face it, comparison is a huge hurdle for us. I hope that as you read these lessons, you create a connection and bond with some of these women but also learn to celebrate differences and remove comparison.
Each one of these women had a specific calling on their life that they had to step into. They recognized their strengths AND weaknesses and were able to utilize them both in order to move forward in the path God created for them.
Let’s look first at some women from the Old Testament. Here we can learn how to trust the Lord and His plans above all else:
Committing to God, even when you don’t know what the path ahead looks like
Ruth
(Ruth 1-4)
Ruth left everything she knew to go with her Mother in Law, Naomi. This decision meant she had to leave her family, her lifestyle, and her beliefs behind. And with this decision, she also chose to fully surrender to God. In this, He blessed Ruth and the generations the followed because of her choice.
Favor in stepping past pain and fear and into the true calling God has over your life
Esther
(Esther 1-10)
Her reality was abruptly changed (and not for the better), but even in the suffering, she stepped into the calling God had placed on her life. Throughout her story, you see His never ending favor over her life and those close to her.
Trusting God with every promise He has given you, because in the end this gift truly belongs to Him
Hannah
(1 Samuel 1-2)
She wanted nothing more than to bear a child. She prayed for this promise and was willing to give that promise back to God once she received her son.
Step out into leadership - leading those who have strayed back to the Father
Deborah
(Judges 4-5)
During a time when Israel had separated themselves from the Lord, she rose to a position of power. A position that was usually held by a man, a judge. Here, she lead the Israelites back to God, to a victory beyond the battlefield. In this triumph, she never once pulled back from glorifying God every step of the way.
It’s okay to struggle; God’s promises will always come to be
Sarah
(Genesis 12-23)
She showed the weariness that can come from waiting for His promises. God promised her a child, but in her old age, she was still barren. The frustration set in and she took matters into her own hands. Even through the disappointment and her own interference, God still brought the promise to life in her son.
Now we move into the New Testament. Here we can learn from women who embraced Jesus and His presence in unique ways that truly comes from a woman’s heart:
Even when our calling seems beyond possibility, we must step in faith
Mary - the mother of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18-25; 2; Luke 1:26-80; 2:1-52: John 19:25-27)
At a young age, she was given the ultimate task. A task that changed the world. She wass the woman given the honor to carry, give birth, and raise Christ. In all of this, she also endured the pain of watching Him suffer on the cross and the joy once He rose!
Constantly seeking Jesus first
Mary of Magdalene
(Matthew 27:55-61; 28:1-10; Mark 15-16; Luke 8:1-3; 24:1-12; John 19:25; 20:1-18)
She followed Jesus everywhere because before He came to her life, she was held captive by darkness! But He came and set her free. She knew her life was changed because of Him and she never wanted to leave His presence. She was one of the last at the cross and first at the empty tomb. In fact, she was the first to see our resurrected King!
Undeniable faith
The woman with the issue of blood
(Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48)
This woman stepped out of hiding because she knew the power of the Lord. Because of her condition, those around her found her vial and disgusting. She wasn’t meant to be in public or around others. But she knew that a simple touch of Jesus clothes would heal her! So she stepped past her shame and fear to receive full healing!
Giving Him our all and our best
The widow who gave two coins
(Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)
She gave the more from the little she had and because of this, the Lord counted her offering as far more than any other amount. She carried a true giver's heart.
Receiving His grace and complete joy
The woman at the well (The Samaritan Woman)
(John 4:1-42)
Another woman broken by shame, only her shame came from past decisions. She approached Jesus and upon learning who He was and receiving His grace she received joy. True and undeniable joy as she stepped into who God said she was, not what her past had labeled her as.
Celebrate what’s to come
Anna
(Luke 2:22-38)
Few verses cover her story, but the power behind what we learn is life changing. She saw the seed of the Messiah and what that meant for mankind, the ultimate Savior of the world! She spent her life longing for this day and celebrated it’s arrival.
Embracing His presence
Mary and Martha
(Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-12:3)
Recognizing the difference between hosting Jesus and just sitting at His feet, enjoying His presence.
You may have noticed I didn’t go into depth for each of these women. It’s my hope that you discovered the start of relationships with some of them and decide to dive into more of their story. Let Holy Spirit open your eyes and heart to how their story can change your life and allow you to move forward in His calling over your life. The calling He created and chose you for!
So my friend, the next step in this journey is up to you! Will you pursue and learn from these women that came before us? Will you use the knowledge and wisdom you learn to step into God’s path for you life?
I promise, it’s worth it. I promise, He can do more with your life than you ever imagined.
One final reminder, you are not alone in this journey! I am right here cheering for you and celebrating over your life! And you best believe I will be sharing more about these incredible women; so be on the lookout!
I’ll see you beautiful ladies next week!
xoxo,
Sarah
