The Bible says faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). A woman of faith, therefore, is one who relies on God’s promises, follows His commandments and remains steadfast despite challenges. In the Bible, such women, due to their faith, act with courage and live in obedience to God’s will and they make positive impact.
One of these women of faith was Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Sarah was barren and not able to conceive for many years, yet she waited in faith for the promise of God and eventually gave birth to Isaac in her old age (Genesis 21:1-3). Because she believed God’s word, she became a mother of nations, just as God had said she would be (Genesis 17:16).
Another is Ruth, a woman from Moab whose loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi made her swear to become an Israelite and worship the God of Israel. Though surrounded by uncertainty, she trusted God for her future. Later, she married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17).
Hannah was a desperate woman who suffered barrenness for many years as a married woman. Then she fervently prayed at Shiloh. In her prayer, she promised that if God blessed her with a son, she would dedicate him to His service (1 Samuel 1:10-11). God honored her faith and blessed her with Samuel, who became a great prophet.
Even Queen Esther could not go to the King Ahasuerus uninvited. But she fasted and prayed for three days. Then, trusting in God’s deliverance, she approached the king uninvited which led to the deliverance of the Jews from the evil schemes of Haman. Because of her faith and courage, the Jewish people were saved from annihilation.
Mary, a virgin, lived in Nazareth. One day, an angel visited her and said she would become pregnant and give birth to a son, Jesus the Savior of the world. How? The angel said the Holy Spirit would come upon her to make her pregnancy. That’s strange. However, Mary believed it, saying, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then it happened, she became pregnant and gave birth to Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26-38).
Anna was a widow who lost her husband seven years into their marriage. Since then, she dedicated her time to the Lord’s service at the temple in Jerusalem, fasting and praying while waiting for the coming of the Messiah. When she saw the baby Jesus, she praised God and spoke of Him to all who awaited redemption (Luke 2:36-38).
Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah, was a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus. She was described as righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly (Luke 1:6). Though she was barren and very old, God fulfilled his promise to Zechariah by making Elizabeth conceive John the Baptist who was born to prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 1:13-17). Her faith and words strengthened Mary when she visited, confirming the divine nature of her pregnancy (Luke 1:41-45).
The female disciples of Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, faithfully followed Him, supported His ministry financially, and were the first to witness His resurrection (Luke 8:1-3, John 20:11-18). Others like the sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, made their home a place of refuge and rest for Jesus during His ministry.
Aside from those mentioned, other honorable mentions when we talk about women of faith are Deborah (Judges 4:4-5), the judge and prophetess of Israel; Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15-21), the Hebrew midwives who, by faith in God, disobeyed Pharaoh’s orders and did not kill the male babies; Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26; Romans 16:3), a zealous Christian; Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25), who was a Gentile but believed in the power of God to the extent that she helped the Israelite spies; etc.
Through their faith in God and obedience, women of faith are able to influence others positively. Their deeds brought blessings to themselves and entire nations. Sarah’s faith led to the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham. Ruth’s faith earned her a place in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5). Hannah’s faith resulted in the birth of a great prophet who would lead Israel, and Esther’s bravery and faith saved an entire people from destruction. Their faith and deeds made history and demonstrated God’s power at work.
Women of faith receive a lot of blessings from God. As we can see in the lives of these women, faith brings divine favor. It also provides strength in trials, wisdom in decision-making, and a deep sense of peace and purpose. These faithful women receive God’s guidance, protection, and ultimately, eternal life (John 3:16). Moreover, these women are remembered as good women and good wives to their husbands.
Who wants to become a woman of faith? Let such a woman build a close relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word (Romans 10:17), and fasting. Trusting in God’s promises, obeying His commandments, and seeking His will in all things are essential steps. Surrounding oneself with godly influences and remaining steadfast in difficult times also strengthens faith. Considering the blessings attached, it pays to be a woman of faith. May you become one.