Women of Faith

May 2020

When we read Hebrews Chapter 11, the Hall of Faith chapter, there are fourteen men and two women mentioned: Sarah and Rahab. Two opposites yet two women of faith — the former a Jew, an older lady, married to Abraham; the latter a Gentile, a young woman, with a checkered past but a glorious future. It shows us that God can do wonders in the lives of His people. Great women of faith come from vastly different backgrounds, but they share a common faith in the Lord.

We are all familiar with Sarah and how she was barren and could not have a child. God provided a son from Abraham, age 100 and Sarah, age 90. Only God can work miracles like this. She laughed when God promised her a son, and when he was born, she named him Isaac, meaning “laughter.” Hebrews 11:11 says, “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she born a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” Sarah set the bar high for godly women, godly wives, and godly mothers.

Rahab on the other hand was a harlot, living in Jericho. She entertained and provided protection and provision for the two spies that Joshua sent out to spy out the city. Her words to the spies reveal her great faith and keen insight, “Now I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death” (Joshua 2:12-13). The Israelites honored their commitment to her and spared her and her whole family when they came to destroy the city. She became a Jew, and not only that, she became part of the line of the Messiah. Matthew 1:5 says, “Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab.” She was too was a godly woman, a godly wife, and a godly mother.

So, it doesn’t matter your background, your past, or former lifestyle, once the Lord saves you He can use you in a tremendous way. You can affect your husband, your children, your church, your neighbors, and your friends. You can be a woman of faith. Happy Mother’s Day, you women of faith!