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Fierce women of faith
Join us as WM author Tracy Andrews explores what some of the fierce women of faith through the ages have looked like, and gains hope from an everyday life turned into an extraordinary vessel, for such a time as this.
Does it seem to you that you are never as aware of time as when it is nearing your birthday?
With my own birthday fast approaching, a thought inevitably came to my mind: What have I done with my life that has eternal significance? How has God used my life to make a difference or to reach the lost?
With reflection upon these bold questions, it wasn't long before I started to feel inadequate.
But then I began to look at women through the ages who have changed their world. Ordinary women who have made the most of the life and times they are born into. Ordinary women who have become extraordinary, by dedicating their lives to God and loving their neighbour. Women who were born 'for such a time as this'.
'And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?' - Esther 4:14
Esther
Persia, 492 B.C (approx)
Esther was the royal young lady for whom the phrase 'for such a time as this' was uttered by her Uncle Mordecai in the Book of Esther.
Because of her great courage and fearless faith, she was able to save her entire people from destruction.
Mary
Israel, 6 B.C (approx)
Mary was the mother of Jesus - and at that time, to be pregnant without a husband was worthy of death. Mary braved the sideways looks and whispers behind her back - as well as the possibility of losing her life - to be the mother of the Saviour of the world.
Joan of Arc
France, 1400's
In the 1420's, Joan was not recognised for the prophet she was. She saw visions and believed God wanted her to fight for the King.
She dressed as a man and sought out King Charles VII of France to offer help in a military campaign against the English. Her English captors arranged for her to be tried as a witch and heretic, after which she was burned at the stake. She was 19 years old. Joan was definitely born for such a time as that!
Joan became a hero to the French, and sympathy grew for her - even in England. In 1909, she was canonised as a saint.
Susanah Wesley
England, 1600's
Susanah Wesley was born in the 1600's, and her life was a great testament to the godly impact a Christ-following mother can have on the world. John and Charles Wesley were her children and became outstanding preachers and teachers who made a phenomenal mark on Christianity. They were just two of the ten children she home-schooled! Such an inspiration!
Frances (Fanny) Crosby
America, 1800's
In New York in the 1800's, Fanny became a famous hymn writer. She authored over 8,000 hymns!
Not many may know that she had an eye infection as a child which caused her to become blind. She didn't let this ailment get her down, nor did she let it halt her writing - instead, she went on to make a difference in her world 'for such a time as that'. Her words have inspired and comforted many.
Catherine Booth
England, 1800's
Around the same era, Catherine Booth was born in England. Catherine as a young girl is someone I can strongly identify with - we both have scoliosis of the spine, We both love reading books - especially theological treatises! We both had read the whole Bible before the age of twelve. But that's where the majority of the similarity ends.
Catherine had eight children - seven of whom became world-known preachers and leaders. Two went on to become Salvation Army Generals! Catherine embraced women's rights and animal rights, and gave her life to God for the lost and the unloved... for such a time as that.
Read more about Catherine here.
Betty Stam
China, 1930's
Betty and her husband were American missionaries. In China in 1934, they were both murdered by the Chinese Communist soldiers during the Chinese Civil war. Betty was only 28 when she died, yet her life made such an impression. Her obedience and dedication to Christ still inspires missionaries today.
Amy Carmichael
India, 1890's
In the 1890's, at the age of 26, Amy set sail for Asia. She lived as a missionary in India for the rest of her life - for 83 whole years. She became a mother to hundreds of children rescued from temple prostitution, loving them as the children she never had.
Amy was real about her struggles with sin and her desire to love Jesus more. Through her vulnerable and challenging writing, Amy inspired many to pursue deeper relationships with Jesus.
For such a time as this
This is by no means an exhaustive list.
There are literally thousands of other women of faith who could be talked about - Corrie ten Boom, Mother Teresa, and so many more! And as I look at these women, it reminds me that God uses ordinary people who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love their neighbour as themselves.
And these people do extraordinary things to glorify Him.
It tells me that there is a 'such a time as this' for each of us, if we are willing.
Walking with God on a daily basis and seeking to stay in His will at all times is important if we want to be followers of God as these women were. Being a person who is quick to admit wrongdoing and asking forgiveness from both God and people will keep our hearts right before Him.
God has a purpose for our lives. You and I can be effective for God in 'such a time as this' simply by being the women God created us to be.
By Tracy Andrews
WM Writer