Depending on your church background, you may have come across some conflicting views on women in Christianity.
So, to start with, let’s all get on the same page. The overarching message of the Bible is how radically we are all, regardless of station, skill or gender, loved by God.
He loves us all without question or requirement. While the Bible is filled with male authors (much more normal for the time) it is also filled with incredibly inspiring stories of faithful women.
There are many Bible verses for strong women that will encourage and affirm you as a brilliant woman of God.
Here are a few of the best-known, encouraging Bible verses for women. As you read them let the truth of God’s love for you remind you of your worth and how much He has planned for you.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31: 25
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!" - Luke 1:45
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30
These Bible verses remind us that our strength comes from God. That means can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We do not need to fear the future because we have a God who is our rock and fortress.
We are beautiful and valuable in God's eyes and so don't need to seek validation from the world. As women (and men!), we should strive to fear the Lord and trust in His promises.
Time and time again women in the Bible were responsible for saving the people of God and, in turn, saving the world. Isn't that amazing?
Think of Mary and her brave, bold, trust in God when she became a virgin mother. Or think of Esther, who put her life in danger to petition a powerful, corrupt, king to save her people.
Naomi and Ruth are another pair of inspiring women in the Bible. They demonstrated bravery, loyalty and faithfulness like no other.
The list goes on. Deborah, the incredible leader, prophetess and judge. Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ loyal friend whose worship and devotion still teaches us today.
Find Deborah’s story in Judges (4-5) or read through the books of Ruth or Esther. As you read you’ll realise that God has used women in incredible ways since the beginning of the world, and He hasn’t stopped now.
Mary, the mother of Jesus: Mary is one of the most well-known female figures in the Bible. She was a humble woman who was chosen by God to give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mary’s faith and obedience to God still serve as an inspiration to many Christians today.
Deborah: Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led the Israelites during a time of oppression. She was known for her wisdom, courage, and faith in God. She played a pivotal role in leading the Israelites to victory against their enemies.
Esther: Esther was a Jewish queen who used her position to save her people from extermination. She risked her life to speak to the king and plead for the safety of her people.
Ruth: Ruth was a faithful and loyal daughter-in-law who chose to leave her homeland and follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a foreign land. Her faithfulness and loyalty are important examples of selflessness and devotion.
The consistent message found in scripture about strength is how we were all, male and female, created to depend on God. This dependance, of the created on their creator, is not a sign of weakness but rather of wholeness.
Women are invited into this same intimate wholeness with God as men. We were designed to draw our strength from God.
A verse in the book of Nehemiah illustrates this beautifully. The end of Nehemiah 8:10 says:
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
If you’re looking for heroes of the faith who showed incredible faith, total devotion, and brave selflessness then spend a while with the women of the Bible.
Here are a few examples.
"Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons." - Matthew 27:55-56
This passage might not immediately stand out but when you pay attention you realise it paints a beautiful picture of devotion from Jesus’ female followers. Notice how the women listed in this verse follow Jesus until the very end, caring for him and witnessing his crucifixion.
"And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering." Mark 5:25-29
This story, truly, is incredible. The woman had such faith in Jesus she believed that even just a touch of His robe would be enough to heal her. Imagine if we all felt the same about Jesus? If we trusted that just to be in His presence was enough to heal and encourage us?
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard..sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." Proverbs 31:16-19
You don’t need us to tell you that women are capable of incredible things! These verses in Proverbs are a great reminder of the strength and capability of women. The woman described is strong, hard working and diligent. She’s earning money and a living for her family and keeping on top of numerous practical tasks.
If you find yourself feeling self conscious about your strength or the strength of your opinions, maybe you just don’t fit the usual mould of a Christian women? Let us remind you that God made you and He loves you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. There is no one right shape for being a woman of God.
God asks us to passionately pursue Him, to love Him and love each other and to say yes to His ongoing, loving, transformation of us to become more like Him.
Don't ever forget, you are so welcome at God’s table.
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