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A guide to growing in faith and walking with God<\/strong><\/p>\n Welcome! Let\u2019s open the Bible \u2014 the light for our path and the lamp for our feet<\/em> (Psalm 119:105, NIV). This message is meant for you, a daughter of God who desires to know Him more. Today we will learn lessons that will strengthen your faith and help you walk with the Lord in a way that truly honors Him.<\/p>\n When you approach the Bible, don\u2019t rush first to the stories of men like Moses, David, Ezekiel, John, or Paul. While these narratives are important, beginning there without first studying the women in Scripture will cause you to miss foundational lessons that speak directly to your journey.<\/p>\n Before you dive deep into David\u2019s story of heroism, first read about Ruth<\/strong> \u2014 a woman who found favor with God.<\/p>\n Study how Ruth cared for her mother\u2011in\u2011law and trusted God\u2019s plan. Learn how she honored her family and embraced God\u2019s will. Ruth\u2019s life offers lessons in loyalty, humility, and faith \u2014 qualities that deeply matter in your walk with God.<\/p>\n Write down the lessons you find. These truths will help you live in a way that pleases God, even more than simply reading about David\u2019s victories.<\/p>\n Before focusing on how David defeated Goliath, read about Abigail<\/strong> \u2014 the woman who intervened and prevented unnecessary bloodshed.<\/p>\n In 1 Samuel 25:32\u201333 (NIV)<\/em> we read:<\/p>\n \u201cThen David said to Abigail, \u2018Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me.\u2019 And David accepted Abigail\u2019s gift, and she said to him, \u2018Go in peace…\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Abigail\u2019s humility, wisdom, and courage teach you how godly women can influence situations for good before studying the battle itself.<\/p>\n Before spending time on Abraham\u2019s story of faith, first examine Sarah\u2019s<\/strong> life.<\/p>\n In 1 Peter 3:5\u20136 (NIV)<\/em> it says:<\/p>\n \u201cFor this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves\u2026like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Learn how Sarah honored God and supported her husband. Her faith and character carry lessons that are especially relevant to you \u2014 more so than starting immediately with Abraham\u2019s experiences.<\/p>\n Before focusing only on the male disciples (Peter, John, Matthew), take time to study the women who faithfully supported Jesus.<\/p>\n In Luke 8:1\u20133 (NIV)<\/em> we read:<\/p>\n \u201cAfter this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women\u2026 Mary called Magdalene\u2026 Joanna, the wife of Chuza\u2026 and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n These women were not just followers \u2014 they impacted ministry through devotion, service, and generosity. Study how they served the Lord with their time, resources, and hearts.<\/p>\n Before reading how Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home and gave half his wealth to the poor (Luke 19:1\u20138), first study Martha<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In John 12:2\u20133 (NIV)<\/em> we see:<\/p>\n \u201cMartha served while Lazarus was at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard\u2026 and poured it on Jesus\u2019 feet.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Martha\u2019s hospitality and Mary\u2019s act of love show you how worship and service can be expressed from the heart. Understand their devotion before moving to Zacchaeus\u2019 story.<\/p>\n Before focusing only on what Peter and the others experienced, remember that the first witnesses of Christ\u2019s resurrection were women.<\/p>\n In John 20:16 (NIV)<\/em>:<\/p>\n \u201cJesus said to her, \u2018Mary.\u2019 She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, \u2018Rabboni!\u2019 (which means \u2018Teacher\u2019).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n These women were the first to encounter the risen Savior \u2014 a profound truth about God\u2019s design and the important role women had in revealing the risen Christ.<\/p>\n Study the lives of other women who showed faith, courage, and devotion, such as Deborah, Hannah, Rahab, Esther, and Dorcas<\/strong>. Let their stories teach you how to live boldly for God with humility and strength.<\/p>\n Also, study examples of what to avoid. In 1 Timothy 5:13 (NIV)<\/em> we read about the danger of idle talk \u2014 a warning against gossip and distraction. Avoiding such behavior is a valuable lesson.<\/p>\n Learn also from women whose lives reflect what not to do. For example:<\/p>\n May the Lord bless you richly. I believe that as you apply these lessons and continue studying God\u2019s Word, you will grow in wisdom and strength as a woman who pleases God.<\/p>\n Maranatha.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>
\n1. Begin by Studying the Lives of Women in Scripture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n2. Learn from Ruth Before Focusing on David<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n3. Study Abigail Before David\u2019s Great Victory<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n4. Study Sarah Before Abraham<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n5. Learn from the Women Who Followed Jesus<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n6. Learn from Martha Before Zacchaeus<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n7. Learn from the First Witnesses of the Resurrection<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n8. Learn from Other Women in Scripture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nFinal Encouragement<\/strong><\/h2>\n