Lessons From The Women Of The Bible (Series 3)

#beinspired Series continues with the story of another woman in the Bible. If you missed the first series, catch it here and here.

Have you ever encountered someone who was not ashamed to believe in an unseen God despite her profession (Harlotry), and who followed to the point of being counted as a member of God's household? That was the life of Rahab, though a harlot, yet she desired to be counted, she believed in God even before she was officially introduced to His people. Her journey of faith started when she allowed all the things she had heard about this God and the great deliverance He did for the Israelites to impact her heart. How well have the things you heard about God impacted your heart?

Josh.2:8-15 - Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.

When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death." "Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land." So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.

What God uses to determine those He draws to Himself is only known to Him, although the scripture helps us to understand that having Faith in God, believing in Him pleases Him. Rahab was a popular prostitute, yet she spent time reflecting on all the things she had heard about the God of the Israelites. She opted for defiance against the King of Canaan even though it came at a heavy cost.

Rahab was more comfortable facing the invading army than to face the God of the Israelites when it was time to take over Jericho. She understood that "it was a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" Heb. 10:31

When you are at a crossroad of decision making, what determines the choice you eventually make?

Hebrews 11:6 ' For without Faith, It is impossible to please Him, for anyone who must come to Him must first believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder we of those who diligently seek Him.

All through your life, you may never have to deal with an invading army like Rahab did, but you may face overwhelming situations of other kinds wherein you need to make choices. What kind of choices would you make?

David said in Psalm 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me..' Rahab did not allow the fear of treason derail her thought of being delivered and set free when the Israelites took over the land. The words and faith of Rahab reveal that God was at work in her already. In Matthew 16:17, Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven."; such was the experience of Rahab, an ordinary prostitute from Canaan.

God's offer of salvation and deliverance for you and all mankind begins long before you actually need them.

God's offer of salvation precedes when you actually encounter Him. He touches and draws you with the simple things, because He loves and cares for you more than others would ever do.

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

LESSONS:

1.Challenges of life are bound to happen. While you may not have to face a troop of an army or need to jump over a wall, you would have one situation or the other that discourages you at some point. The way you respond to those overwhelming situations will reveal what is in you.

1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

2. The more you hear about God and allow your heart to process it, the more faith grows inside you. If you have ever wondered why your faith is low, check the level of your exposure to God's word.

Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

3. Faith in God will lead to faith in those who are God's. Rahab did not know the spies but her knowledge of God gave her confidence that the promise they made would be kept.

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."

4. A friendly demeanour and great hospitality can be very rewarding. Many say "be careful in offering help" but God says in Hebrews 13:2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

5. Walls of protection may be mounted all around you, but they are not sufficient to protect you.

Goliath had a powerful armoury all around him, along with the massiveness of his height, yet he was unprotected from a little boy, David. Your protection comes only from God.

6. Waiting for the manifestation of promises is tough, but its the better route. Don't be in a hurry to quit from the waiting room. Whatever God has promised, He will do it.

Isaiah 55:11: “So shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” 

7. God will always save all those who put their trust in Him. Romans 10:13 "for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

WHAT MUST YOU DO AS A HEIR?

God has a plan for you and you cannot fulfill His plans outside Him! Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour ensures that you do not walk alone, nor carry your burdens alone. It is Gods desire that He fights your battle, vindicates you and takes you to His purpose. Will you cooperate with Him?

#faith #covenant #rahab #womenofthebible

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