4 Courageous Women Who Followed God with Boldness
- Kirstyn Mayden Writer
- Updated Apr 11, 2023
Women in the Bible have played influential and transformative roles for centuries. Although many stories have not been widely shared, there are incredible women who followed God with courage, boldness, and conviction. Despite the cultural and social limitations that women faced, they chose to trust God and follow where God led them.
May we see their lives as examples of how to continue to follow God through both joyous and challenging seasons of life. Despite adversity that we will face, God has equipped and empowered us to overcome and accomplish the purposes God has for us. I invite you to learn and be inspired by these four women in the Bible who never wavered in their commitment to following God.
1. Mary, Mother of Jesus (Read Luke 1:26-38)
Mary, the mother of Jesus was an incredible woman who followed God with strength and boldness. Her “yes” and trusting God’s plan for her life allowed for her to give birth to Jesus, the Messiah.
Despite extraordinary circumstances, Mary decided to trust God without understanding. Her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment proved to be one of the greatest decisions of her life and for the Christian faith.
When God spoke to Mary through the angel Gabriel, she was a virgin, unmarried and afraid. Although Mary was afraid and faced uncertainty, she trusted God’s plan for her life and followed with faith, hope and trust. You may not have all the answers or don’t understand where God is taking you in this season, but I invite you to be encouraged by Mary’s example. Say “yes” to God’s plan for your life and be encouraged that He will strengthen you and provide guidance.
2. Esther (Read Esther 1-4)
In the face of adversity, Queen Esther demonstrated amazing courage. Esther was courageous when she spoke to King Xerxes of Persia asking him to spare the life of the Jews. She knew that her speaking up would have consequences, but she spoke up anyway. Esther wanted to defend her people. To follow God with boldness, she was willing to let go of her position or status to be led by God and follow out his calling.
God will equip you with all you need to courageously live out the calling He has placed on your life. Similarly to Esther who rose to speak on behalf of the Jews, we must rise up and take our rightful place. With tenacity and zeal, I invite you step out and fulfill the specific assignment that God has for you. We can learn from Esther’s story the value and importance of standing up for what is right, even when we are standing alone.
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3. Naomi (Read Ruth 1)
When Naomi’s husband and two sons died, she chose to follow God to Bethlehem. While she was overcome with grief, Naomi didn’t allow her grief to consume her; she chose to follow God while she was broken and grieving.
Despite what season or situation you may be facing, I invite you to continue to follow God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Following God will take you to unknown places, situations, and will encourage you to surrender to God. Being courageous doesn’t mean that you won’t make mistakes, but it does mean that you have made the decision to trust in God’s sovereignty and direction.
Naomi’s circumstance wasn’t perfect or ideal, but she pressed forward and traveled where God led her. During Naomi’s grief, she opened her heart to her daughter-in-law, Ruth, encouraging her as a mentor. We can learn from Naomi the power of being selfless in times of adversity. Like God used Naomi to minister to Ruth, God will use you to minister to the hearts and lives of others during their time of need. Be encouraged and inspired by Naomi’s selflessness.
4. Deborah (Read Judges 4-5)
Deborah was a mighty woman in the Bible who was both a prophet and a judge. She was the only female judge of Israel and helped to lead the Israelites to become victorious in battle over the army of Sisera. Deborah was an amazing leader and influencer who empowered Barak and 10,000 men to lean on God for strength to overtake Sisera’s army (Judges 4:14-15).
As Deborah was leading, she made clear the importance of glorifying God in her actions. She knew that God used and elevated her to accomplish God’s purposes, and she ensured that God would continue to be glorified (Judges 4:9). I invite you to read Judges 4 and 5 to learn more about Deborah and her role as a prophet and judge of Israel.
Let us learn from Deborah the value of putting God first in all areas of our lives including leadership roles. She was a wise woman who consulted God for guidance and direction.
How Can We Respond?
Following God takes courage and a decision to move out of our comfort zones. It is easy to say we will be courageous, but taking the first step forward in the face of opposition is difficult. Each of these women exemplified incredible courage, strength, trust and a desire to follow God at all costs. I invite you to study further and be inspired by these dynamic women of the Bible who were committed to worshipping God with not only their words, but their actions.
Whatever season you are currently in, God has given you the same boldness, courage, and opportunity to lean on God and trust Him more. It is not always easy to continually practice these traits, but it is possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. You have a uniquely designed purpose and God will give you all the tools needed to fulfill that purpose.
If you are struggling to follow God with courage and steadfastness, I invite you to pray for direction. God will direct you and empower you to do so. Friend, be encouraged and be reminded that you too have what it takes to follow God with boldness.
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