6 Strong Women In The Bible To Inspire Every Woman

There are many inspiring stories of brave women in the Bible who show incredible strength, courage, and faith. These great women often faced challenging circumstances that could have left them broken, but instead, they trusted God and walked boldly in obedience. We are going to look at the lives of 6 strong women of the Bible and learn what made them strong, how they dealt with trials, and how we can model their strength in our lives.

Strong Women of the Bible- 2 graphic art depictions of Biblical women's heads with plain headdresses

Miriam- Bold Protector

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, played a pivotal role in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. We find her story in Exodus 2,15, and Numbers 12,20.

Key Verse: “Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?'” Exodus 2:7.

As the Israelites struggled in slavery in Egypt, Pharoah ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew baby boys. Refusing, their population continued to swell. Three months after Moses was born, when his mother could hide him no longer, she fashioned a basket of tall reeds; waterproofed it with tar, and placed him in the Nile river.

His big sister Miriam showed boldness and quick thinking as she watched over baby Moses. When Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the baby, Miriam approached her courageously, suggesting that a Hebrew woman (Moses’ own mother) could nurse him. Her initiative and bravery reunited their family.

Miriam’s Strengths:

Her bold and fearless actions protected her brother. She was a quick thinker under pressure. God’s plan to rescue His people from Egypt could now begin!

Lessons From Miriam’s Story:

Special opportunities may come our way unexpectedly. Don’t let your age or fear cause you to miss out on opportunities God places before you. Be alert and take full advantage of them.

Be bold and courageous, like Miriam in protecting and advocating for others.  

Deborah- Courageous Judge and Military Leader

Judges, chapters 4-5, tells the story of Deborah.

Key Verse“Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” Judges 4:4.

God chose Deborah, the only female judge, to lead the people of Israel. Made in His image, she was the best person for the job. She was also a wife, prophetess, skilled mediator of disputes, and could plan, direct and delegate an army of 10,000 men to follow her directions as given to her by God.

When Deborah called on Barak to lead her army into battle, he refused to go without her. Deborah’s faith and boldness led to a decisive victory for Israel.

Her only hope was to please God. When praise came her way, she gave God the glory.

Deborah’s Strengths: 

Her strength came from her faith in God and her willingness to step into a leadership role during a troubled time in Israel’s history. She didn’t limit herself because she was a woman, but stood strong in her unwavering belief in God’s power and promises.

Lessons from Deborah’s story:

God can choose anyone He desires to lead his people; young or old, male or female. We can’t let prejudices impede those whom God calls to lead.

If God calls you into a leadership role, step confidently into His purpose, even if the task seems intimidating. Trust that God will equip you with exactly what you need.

Seek His wisdom in all your decision making and encourage others to do the same.

Ruth- Loyal and Faithful Daughter-in-Law

The book of Ruth in the Old Testament contains Ruth’s story, which takes place during the time of the Judges. It is only 4 chapters, but packs some beautiful lessons about relationships.

Key Verse: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.'” Ruth 1:16-17.

Ruth was a Moabite woman who married Naomi’s son after their family settled in Moab during an Israeli famine. Eventually widowed, she stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi instead of returning to her own people.

They bonded over shared deep sorrow and grief, as well as great affection for each other. Overriding their relationship was their commitment to God.

Returning to Bethlehem, Ruth showed great kindness and faithfulness to Naomi and proved herself to be a hard worker to provide by working the fields. It was there she met her future husband, Boaz. Ruth’s faithfulness brought redemption by God, and Ruth becomes part of the linage of Jesus.

Ruth’s Strengths:

Ruth stepped into the unknown, leaving her homeland and people behind. It took great strength to leave her home and enter Israel as a foreigner. Her unwavering loyalty, perseverance, and faith in the God of Israel fueled her strength. She trusted God with her future, even though her circumstances seemed bleak.

She worked hard and remained faithful to Naomi even though she faced poverty and the loss of her husband. Her humility and strong work ethic opened doors for God’s blessings to flow.

Lessons From Ruth’s Story:

Strive to be loyal and faithful in all the relationships God has placed in your life. Trust Him with your future; even the unknown. Hard work and humility are character traits to strive towards.

You can read more about Ruth’s life here.

Esther- Brave Jewish Queen

Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia under unusual circumstances. The story of Esther is found in the book of Esther, chapters 1-10.

Key Verse: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16.

When the Persian King dethroned his Queen, he needed to find a replacement. A decree went out to find the most beautiful women in his realm and bring them to him. Of all the women, King Xerxes chose Esther, an orphaned Jewish woman being raised by her cousin Mordecai. 

A wicked nobleman in the kingdom named Haman plotted to annihilate God’s people. Mordecai urged Esther to go before the king and plead for their lives. Knowing that approaching the King uninvited could cause death, Esther called upon the Jewish people to fast and pray for God’s help with this dangerous mission.

Her bravery and strategic actions ultimately saved her people.

Esther’s Strengths:

Esther’s beauty and character won Xerxes’s heart, but it was her courage, careful planning, and dependence on God’s protection and wisdom that saved her people. When Esther sent word of the death penalty should she approach the king, Mordecai urges her to take action because, “who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (4:15) 

She was more concerned for her people than for herself. She was faithful; even to the point of risking her life for others.

Lessons From Esther’s Story:

Esther’s courage came from knowing she was fulfilling God’s purpose in her life. Her time of prayer and fasting helped her face this difficult time.

She shows us we should speak up when we see injustice, or someone is is need of help. We are to use our influence to protect and uplift others even if there is risk involved. Trust God to give you strength, courage, and wisdom.

You can read more of Esther’s story here.

strong women of the Bible- close up of Biblical woman with pensive look, beige head dress
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Mary- Mother of Jesus

Moving on to the New Testament, Mary of Nazareth plays a significant role in our salvation story. God chose her to give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world. We find her prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, and her story in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Her last mention is in Acts 1:14, where she is in constant prayer along with the disciples.

Key Verse: When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, Mary responded with humility and obedience, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38.

Mary, curious about how this could be physically possible, asks, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34) The angel explains that the power of God through the Holy Spirit would perform this unique work in her life. With those words of comfort and peace, she says “Yes” to God.

Mary still faced many challenges- she was a young, unmarried woman carrying a child. God tasked her with raising the Son of God- the long-awaited Messiah.

Mary’s strengths:

Her deep devotion to God and humble heart gave her the strength to trust God completely. She trusted His timing, even though it could have spelled disaster for her upcoming marriage. She remained strong despite the challenges of raising Jesus and witnessing His crucifixion.

Lessons From Mary’s Story:

She not only accepted God’s calling with grace, but responds with a song of praise, trusting in His goodness, guidance, and direction. How often to we use praise as the first line of defense against anxiety, trials, a sudden change of plans?

Mary trusted God’s promises to her and held onto God’s Word to understand His plan and to follow Him.

Read Mary’s entire story here.

Mary Magdalene- Faithful Follower

Mary Magdalene was an early and faithful follower of Jesus, mentioned several times in the Gospels. Jesus healed her from seven demons and from that moment, she became one of His most faithful disciples.

Key Verse: “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.” Mark 16:9.

All four Gospels mention her; she traveled with Jesus and the disciples and contributed to the ministry of Jesus.

 She was present at the crucifixion and was on her way to anoint His body on Sunday when she discovered the empty tomb. Jesus sent her to the disciples with the news of His resurrection, making her the first woman “Apostle to the Apostles.”.

Mary Magdalene’s Strengths:

Mary’s strength came from her gratitude for the healing and transformation she experienced through Jesus. Her unwavering faith and loyalty made her a powerful witness to the Gospel.

Despite being a woman in a society that often silenced women, Mary boldly followed Jesus, even in His darkest moments. She didn’t let fear or societal norms hinder her faithfulness.

Lessons From Mary Magdalene’s Story:

We do not have to let our past define our future! Mary Magdalene likely suffered because of her demon possession, but her healing and new found faith lead to a complete life change.

Let gratitude fuel your faithfulness! Emulate her strength by faithfully serving Him and remaining loyal, even when it’s difficult. Share the Good News with others whenever you can.

Becoming a Strong Woman of God

We’ve only just begun to understand the lives of these powerful women who played an important role in God’s plans. These strong women of the Bible inspire us to trust God in all circumstances and embrace our God-given purpose with faith and courage.

Their lives remind us that strength isn’t about having it all together but on leaning on the One who does! 

Let’s take their lives and lessons to heart and walk in the strength God provides.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Claim this beautiful promises for yourself!

Blessings of Strength!

AnnMarie

Reflection Questions:

Which woman’s story resonates most with your current circumstances and why?

How can you rely on God’s strength to face the challenges in your life today?

What practical steps can you take to model the strength of these women in your own walk of faith?

Would you like to go more in-depth into the lives of some of these women? I have written previously about Miriam, Ruth, Esther, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.

Photo Credit: John Heseltine / Pam Masco / FreeBibleimages.org., Bing Image Creator

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