The Bible has several examples of God-fearing women who made a difference in their time. These women stood out in a male-dominated world, demonstrating that God uses all of us to fulfill his purposes. These are 9 women who stood out, but they are not the only ones…
1. Sarah
Sara, although she was already old, abandoned everything to live the rest of her life in tents. She always stayed by her husband’s side, Abraham, supporting him. Sara believed God, and at the age of 90, she saw her dream of having a son come true. God filled her heart with her joy.
Sara then said: “God has made me laugh, and everyone who finds out that I have had a son will laugh with me.”
Genesis 21:6
2. Miriam
Miriam was born and raised as a slave in Egypt. She took care of her brother Moses when he was a baby. That is the same Moses whom God used to free the people from slavery. In addition to being a worship leader, Miriam was a prophetess and was highly respected by the Hebrew people.
Miriam sang to them thus: Sing to the Lord, who has crowned himself with triumph by throwing horses and horsemen into the sea.
Exodus 15:21
3. Rahab
Rahab was a Jericho prostitute who saved the lives of two Hebrew spies. That was the reason her family was spared when the Hebrews attacked Jericho. Thanks to her faith this despised woman earned a place among the people of Israel, she became one of the ancestors of Jesus and obtained a place among the heroes of faith.
By faith the prostitute Rahab did not die along with the disobedient,
for he had received the spies in peace.
Hebrews 11:31
4. Deborah
Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led Israel when there was no king. She summoned the army and encouraged the warriors to defeat the oppressors. Under Deborah’s leadership, Israel had peace for 40 years.
The warriors of Israel disappeared;
They disappeared until I got up.
I, Deborah, got up
like a mother in Israel!
Judges 5:7
5. Ruth
Ruth was not an Israelite, but she earned a place among God’s people by her dedication to God and her love for her mother-in-law. She left her house and her family to serve God. Ruth was hardworking and respectful. She conquered the heart of Boaz and was the great-grandmother of King David.
But Ruth answered:
“Don’t insist that I leave you or that I part with you!
Because I will go where you go, and I will live where you live.
Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
Ruth 1:16
6. Anna
Ana could not have children, but she trusted God and prayed with faith for one. When God gave it to her, she dedicated it to him as a token of her thanks. Samuel grew up in the temple and became a great prophet.
Ana raised this prayer:
My heart rejoices in the Lord;
therein lies my power.
I can celebrate your salvation
and mock my enemies.
1 Samuel 2:1
7. Esther
Esther was an Israelite girl who won the most important beauty pageant of her time and became the queen of Persia. She was very brave and risked her life to save her town from a great massacre. God gave Esther beauty, grace, and intelligence so that she could protect the people from her.
The king liked Esther more than all the other women, and she earned his approval and sympathy more than all the other virgins. So he put her royal crown on her and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 2:17
8. Mary
Mary was a simple young woman who was chosen for a great mission: to be the mother of Jesus. She did not reject that mission but she accepted it with faith. With confidence and poise, Mary helped educate Jesus and, years later, she saw him risen in glory.
“Here you have the servant of the Lord,” Mary answered. Let him do to me as you have told me.
Luke 1:38
9. Priscilla
Priscila is an example of teamwork. She worked with her husband, Aquila, spreading the word of God. They were friends of Pablo and founded a church in her house. Priscilla and Aquila also taught and prepared a man named Apollos for God’s work.
Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. To save my life, they risked theirs. Both I and all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
Romans 16:3-4
¡Be inspired by the example of these great women of God!
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