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I’m Naomi – a name that means sweetness

• I allowed my sons to marry Moabite women when we moved to Moab because of famine in Israel 
• I was widowed with no hope of future
• After facing tragic family happenings, I changed my name to 'Mara' which means bitterness

My life lessons

I was feeling abandoned by God when I lost my husband and sons in the foreign land. But God continued to work in my life and I was able to sustain my faithful journey. When I thought my family line had ended, God raised a redeemer, Boaz and restored my life with goodness. I rejoiced when I found that God was moving through Ruth to redeem our family lineage. I found the answer when God brought the genealogical line of Jesus through my Moabite daughter in law, Ruth 

Takeaways from Naomi's life 

1. Naomi had reflected sweetness in her life as well. Both her daughter in laws decided to return along with her to Naomi’s home town Bethlehem. (Though Orpah left after Naomi’s persistence to return to her home country). 

2. Naomi was a committed mother-in-law as we witness from Ruth’s words, “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.” (Ruth 1:16). Isn’t a relationship to admire between two strong women who saw adversities and hardships in their life?  Indeed, it was a healthy relationship based on love and understanding.

3. Naomi was a genuine and a caring person. She said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.” (Ruth 1: 8) Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud. One could see a mother-in-law who meant well for her daughters-in-laws. 

Even when we have reached a stand-off and can see nothing good that can come out of our situations, Naomi’s story reminds us that God is working out His plans and restoration always.

This is an amazing love story between a mother-in-law and daughter in law.

My background story

I am Dinah, the daughter of Leah, borne to Jacob, my father. I decided to go out to see the women of the land. Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw and grabbed me, slept with me and humiliated me. However later, his attitude towards me softened and he desired to marry me. By then, my father Jacob heard that he had defiled me. 

The incident is a violent and vengeful chapter in the life of Jacob’s family. 

Read Genesis 34 to know the full story.

My life

• I was deceived and humiliated through no fault of mine
• My over-zealous brothers were more concerned with protecting the family honour than with my feelings or future
• In those days, it was considered completely unacceptable for a virgin to engage in any form of sexual activity before marriage. Yet the entire incident became a matter decided by men, even though it was my future that was at stake

Takeaways from Dinah’s life 

1. Simeon and Levi are condemned for their action of plotting and killing Shechemites and they ended up losing the status of firstborn. They were driven by their pride and need for vengeance and did not take this matter to God. They may have loved their sister and their emphasis was on the misuse of their sister. It’s right that they wanted justice but not through revenge. God condemns revenge and never approves violence for personal satisfaction or gain
2. Revenge and deceit are not the ways of the God of Israel and that belongs to God alone. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, ESV)
3. Beyond Dinah’s abuse and pain, the family went through agony and chaos, ultimately resorting to violent and devious actions
4. The whole incident involving Dinah does not reflect God’s desire for women. 

We can make an effort to realise the dangers and risks for women as we continue to live in a sinful and fallen world.

Say this prayer

Dear Jesus, we pray for those women who have suffered sexual violence. Comfort and heal them, and grant them strength to bear this pain. Protect us from any harm as we go on living in this insecure world. Amen.

Know about me - Abigail 

• I hail from the land of Carmel, which is known as “God’s vineyard.”
• My name means “whose Father is Joy.”  
• I was married to an awful and rude man, Nabal, as women did not have the privilege of choosing their partners those days

My strengths

• Wisdom - God gave me the wisdom to speak to David and I depended on His counsel and had lot of faith in God’s justice. Indeed, I was able to fix the mess made by my husband and stop a major war. 
• Godly nature - I trusted God and left everything in His hands rather than depending on anyone. I had heard the teachings of Israel's prophets and was familiar with Jewish history which strengthened my faith. I understood that God had a plan for me
• Courageous - I was courageous enough to stop King David from taking vengeance on my household, and advised him not to take any hasty action, as he was vowed to kill my husband and family because my husband insulted him.

Takeaways from Abigail's life

1. Abigail was able to anticipate David's future as the king of Israel and taught him to wait upon God’s judgment, instead of taking matters into his own hands. She helped him not to slay Nabal that would have led to negative consequences but allowing God to do His will. This is a lesson for women that God will honour them for their courage in doing what is right for their households amidst adversity and uncertainty.
2. Abigail met David and his men with humility. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal (1 Samuel 25:24, 25). She took responsibility for her husband's actions and her words were respectful and thoughtful. Her actions show us how wisdom, humility, and trust in God can resolve tense situations, bring peace and prevent conflicts.
3. As David’s wife, Abigail's wisdom and intelligence continued to impact David, contributing to his success as a king. Her submission to God’s will and the faith in His timing is very much relevant today as she became his confidant and supporter. 

Read 1 Samuel 25 to know more about Abigail.

About me

• I am the older sister of Moses and Aaron and our parents were Amram and Jochebed
• I am known for placing my baby brother Moses in a papyrus basket and following it on its Nile voyage
• I accompanied my brother Moses, and the rest of the Israelites, out of Egypt
• I was able to write a part of the first worship song when God miraculously rescued Israelites from the army of Pharoah

My life lessons

• I watched to see what would happen to my brother Moses. God gave me a sharp mind to see the situation and take a quick decision to meet Pharaoh’s daughter. So, my brother was able to be reconnected with my mother
• I was happy that I could help my mom to hide him for 3 months and then later courageously approach the princess which led my mother being hired to nurse him
• Me and Aaron questioned Moses’s authority as God’s chosen leader and spokesperson. By doing this, God’s anger came upon me and my brother and I was struck with leprosy. But God healed me and I understood that we cannot complain against leaders who were chosen according to God’s will.

Takeaways from Miriam's life

1. We might be thinking what kind of learning Miriam can bring from her life. God used Miriam from a young age to impact Moses’ life, and God raised her as a leader and a prophetess among the Israelites. She successfully led them from Egypt and through the wilderness as they journeyed to the promised land though she couldn’t see it.
2. The complaint about Moses wasn’t between Miriam and Aaron, they were talking about him and his Cushite wife Zipporah publicly. This was not pleasing to God and acceptable. Most of the Leaders take decisions what maybe right to them and if we don’t agree, we should not bring that to public or try to raise support against them.
3. Yet another criticism against Moses by Miriam was that God doesn’t just speak through him, He speaks through her as well. God has called her for a specific supportive role in the exodus of Israelites that was forgotten by Miriam. We must remember that we are called to be a leader at times and sometime to support the leader. So, be sure of the role God has given to you in your life irrespective of your abilities. We might think we are more gifted than the chosen leader which may be true. But don’t forget that God has called that person to lead with a purpose.

Miriam is remembered as an energetic hard-working person. She trusted the Lord and was faithful that God would deliver them in His perfect time. She was able to see her prayers being answered at the right time.

God was using women in unbelievable ways to accomplish His plans on earth, and we witness that He is still doing it today.

Read about Miriam in Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 15, & Numbers 12.

 About me

• I am an Egyptian and the maid servant to Sarah, Abraham’s wife
• I am the first human to name the Lord, “El Roi” meaning “the God who sees me”
• I was delighted when an angel said that the descendants of my son would be numerous to count

My life lessons

• When I was feeling unseen and unheard, God called me by name. I was not only directed the way to go, but He showed me that I was loved by Him
• I had no control over my life. But the encounter with the living God changed my life
• I had bitterness in my heart toward my mistress , Sarah because she mistreated me and I fled from my home. But God intervened in my life and said that he had a plan. He instructed me to return to Sarai, submit to her, and more importantly He gave a promise that the child growing within me would become a great nation in the future. 

Takeaways from Hagar’s life

1. Hagar’s experience of being seen by God in her darkest moments of hurt, unfairness and bitterness in life made her to acknowledge, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Isn’t this a thoughtful realization that in our suffering and distress, God is not invisible to us?
2. God heard Hagar not just once, but He did again when she and her son Ishmael were in the wilderness, facing death. He heard their cry, opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So, she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink (Genesis 17:19). There are times in our life when we do end up in a desert where there is hopelessness. We feel that there’s no one to guide, we are lost and alone. Remember, we have a God who responded to Hagar’s cry and we can submit to Him. 

Hagar’s story is amazing. Her life was not an easy one but God led her in a beautiful way. This gives us an assurance that regardless of how far we go, God sees us, hears us, and is always with us. 

The iconic phrase of Hagar, “El Roi,” encourages us to trust Him who truly sees and cares.

I’m Eve, the first woman and first mother on earth

More about me

• I was made from Adam’s ribs and we lived in the garden of Eden
• I had the opportunity of walking with God before the fall
• I was told by the serpent that it was alright to do a wrong thing 
• I paid attention to the doubt raised by the serpent, forgetting what God told us
• Me and Adam were banished from the garden for disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit

My life lessons

• I am known for the first sin in the world because of the one grave mistake I committed. Even after the sin, God never abandoned me.
• In spite of living in a perfect place with God’s blessings, I focused on the one thing that was forbidden to have.  My life was not miserable in the garden. We think that “Just a look” might not hurt mostly, but when we forget about all that God has provided us with and focus on the one we want, remember the great cost I suffered because of that fruit
• I should have avoided the conversation with serpent (satan) who was an expert in mind games. So, don’t hang out with satan, cut him off and flee from him. James 4:7 says: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” 

Takeaways from Eve’s life

1. Though being part of the fall initially, Eve loved the Lord and recognized the goodness of God in the birth of her children. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Genesis 4:1. Though we commit mistakes accidentally, God's mercy is greater, and we can find restoration in Him.
2. Eve had many choices to look around in Eden, like delicious fruits, plenty of plants, animals, birds and many more. The restriction was only on one tree in the middle of the garden. This is a reminder for us that if we feel restricted from something, then it means that God has done it for our ultimate good
3. God didn’t condemn Eve, but gave a new life to her. God created Eve with a purpose and so were we.  Therefore, the next time when we are tempted by something that we don’t have, remember the hidden dangers and the cost paid by Eve.

Submit to God, rely on Him. God will welcome us to the lovely garden in the new heaven. We can enjoy the fellowship of God and eat the fruit of life.

“Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 

Ephesians 6:11

I am Leah, sister of Rachel and the cousin of Jacob

More about me

•  I was the first daughter to my father, Laban, the first wife to my husband, Jacob, and the first mother to bear Jacob’s first son Reuben 
• My marriage with Jacob started with humiliation and heartbreak 
•  I am the mother of six Tribes - Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun 

My life lessons

• I was not valued and was overlooked, but God had never forgotten me and I had a role in the fulfilment of His plan 
• My marriage was not ideal and I had no control in my life, but God used it for His glory
• Though I was invisible in my family, the Lord understood my pain and sorrow 
• I lived in false hope that my husband would love me, but I had learned to praise God

Takeaways from Leah’s life

• Leah was contented with everything in her life. She praised God whenever she bore children. She was saying “The Lord sees”, “The Lord hears”, “The Lord rewards” and the way she named her sons shows her strong relationship with God. 
• God had rewarded rightly for her patience and humbleness though she had a loveless life. Jesus was born in the tribe of Judah who was her son and found a place in the genealogy of Jesus. The priesthood was given to her son Levi. Leah was honoured as she was buried with Jacob’s parents and grandparents and later Jacob also was buried there.
• Though Leah was not loved by Jacob, she loved the Lord from her heart and acknowledged God in every blessing she received. 

As we praise God and give thanks to Him regardless of any circumstances, God will reward us with the biggest blessing like how Leah received the gift of Saviour Jesus born in the lineage of Judah, her son. Leah’s life gives us an ultimate lesson that our relationships, plans, and efforts to control consequences are not going to work, but our surrender to Jesus offers us the hope.

Rejoice always, pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-1

I am Martha

Me, my sister Mary along with my brother Lazarus lived in our home at Bethany. Jesus loved us and had a close bond with us. He never missed staying with our family and we enjoyed hosting Him too.

About Me

• I was a perfectionist who needed everything to be just right
• I was faithful to Jesus but my temperament was different from my sister, Mary
• I felt happy to open our home to Jesus all the time. (“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.” Luke 10:38)
•  I was a woman of strong faith and was awestruck when I witnessed the resurrection of my brother 

My life lessons (Luke 10:38-42, John 11: 27-43)

• I learnt to prioritize spiritual focus over service when we hosted Jesus once in our home. I was distracted by the preparations and complained about my sister to Jesus. But Jesus taught me what’s indeed needed for the eternal life. (one thing needful)
• I always waited for Jesus whenever I heard about His visit. Once when Jesus was coming home after the death of my brother, I rushed to meet Him at the entrance of the village. My love for Jesus turned emotional when I saw Him and said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:20). But my faith was still strong and I said to Him, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
• I believed Jesus is the Messiah and declared it in public when He asked me if I believe Him and reiterated, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27)

Takeaways from the life of Martha

• We must learn to balance between the busyness of life and the essence of eternal life because when life is busy, we instantly let go our time for the Lord. 
• The “one thing needful” – we strive for many things as necessities in this world but in our life’s journey, we need salvation and faith till the end.

Let us follow Martha’s work standards and Mary’s spiritual standards i.e., Martha’s caring hands and Mary’s loving heart. 

Martha is a character with love, faith, impulsiveness and hospitality 

 About me

• I was an old widow and a woman entrepreneur
• I am also called Tabitha
• I lived in Joppa, an important port city (Mediterranean Sea)
• I was a dressmaker (Sewing)
• I loved helping people
• My life brought relief to the needy, especially widows
• I am the resurrected miracle woman

My strengths

• Compassion -  i was enthusiastic about following the teachings of Jesus. I knew that He called people to give and to care
• Doing charity out of my wealth -  with my talent in designing, tailoring and stitching, I was able to make clothing for people who needed it.  
• Selflessness -  I was always happy in doing good and helping those in need

Takeaways from Dorcas's life

• Dorcas used her talents to help people especially women
• She was faithful in doing good for others
• She built relationships that had a lasting impact on society
• She prioritised service and ministry in her life
• Dorcas’ motivation was to please the Lord and build His Kingdom
• People loved Dorcas so much that Peter raised her from dead

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” (Colossians 3:23).

The Bible inspires us with people from various times and cultures.  Women had many roles in the ministry of Jesus and they fulfilled God’s promises in various ways.
Lessons from these women

• God can use anyone to fulfil His plan
• God equips us when He calls for His purpose
• There are tough times during our mission
• For God’s work, one doesn’t need big money
• There’s no difference in gender for sharing gospel

God has a plan for each one of us. His plans are always the best.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Are they not Blessed to be a Blessing?