Biblical Women - Faith in Action

Throughout the pages of Scripture, we find women who embodied faith in powerful ways, even when their circumstances were difficult or uncertain.  For women living in Biblical times, we find the counterbalance between a gender who had no protection outside of what a male could offer them and great unanticipated faith that showed all who women really were in the eyes of God; created as helpers, equal to men.

Let’s take a look at a few women from the Bible who demonstrated faith in action and left a lasting impact on God's story.

1. Ruth - Faithfulness in the Face of Uncertainty

The story of Ruth is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, and for good reason.   Ruth's loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and faithfulness to Naomi’s God, makes Ruth stand out to any reader before she even made her way into the bloodline of Jesus. In the face of great uncertainty and hardship, is a powerful example of faith in action. Ruth's words to Naomi, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16), demonstrate a deep trust in God and a willingness to follow His leading, even when it meant leaving behind everything she had ever known.

1. Esther - Courage in the Face of Danger

Esther's story is another well-known tale of a woman who put her faith into action. When faced with the threat of genocide against her people, Esther risked her own life to appeal to the king on behalf of the Jews.  Esther's words, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), demonstrate a courage and a willingness to trust in God's providence, even when the outcome was uncertain. 

1. Mary - Surrender in the Face of the Unknown

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is perhaps the ultimate example of faith in action. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her with news of her role in God's plan, Mary responded with surrender and obedience.  Her words, "May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38), demonstrate a willingness to trust in God's plan, even when it meant that her plans could come crumbling down before her.

Each of these Biblical women faced challenges and uncertainty, but they responded with trust in God and a willingness to follow His leading.  In doing so, they became leaders themselves.  May their examples inspire us to live out our faith with courage, surrender, and a heart for leadership in service to others.