Remember!

We live in trying times that can cause fear and worry for God’s people, especially women. What can the examples of women in the Bible teach us?

We are living in frightening times, and while all are vulnerable, women and children—especially those who are alone—are often the most vulnerable. We are often less financially stable and less likely to have much of a safety net.

In trying times, I find it helpful to remember the women honored by God in His Word for faith and courage. Here are some of the women whose examples I find especially encouraging and inspirational to remember in trying times.

Women of faith and courage

Remember elderly Anna, a widow who served in the temple continuously “with fastings and prayers” and thanksgiving (Luke 2:37). She was blessed to see the infant Messiah and to speak to others of Him.

Remember Mary, who through courage not only bore and raised Jesus, but also saw things through to the bitter end. She did not fail in heart at a time that would crush any mother—seeing her Son crucified. She had the strength to stand with Him to His last breath, as did other women of faith with her (Mark 15:40; John 19:26). We, too, can choose to stand with Christ, our Savior, to our last breath.

Remember Deborah, who did not desire leadership, but when asked, stepped up courageously in faith to support Barak as leader of Israel’s army. At times in our lives we will be called upon, in some way, to courageously step out in like faith. Our article Deborah mentions, “Deborah’s faith in God and her decisive leadership and service to God were undeniable. This was at a time when faith was seriously lacking in Israel.”

Remember Esther, who valiantly rose to stand for her people because of Mordecai’s stirring words: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Remember Abigail, “a woman of good understanding” (1 Samuel 25:3), who worked through a very difficult situation with wisdom and humility.

Remember how God fed the widow of Zarephath and her son through famine, never allowing the flour or oil to run out. She nearly lost everything, but God would not let her fall. This reminds us that God is always our greatest safety net.

Remember Rahab, who risked her life to protect the spies and was saved because of her faith.

The list of remembers could go on and on.

The silver platter

Remember to bring before God’s throne in prayer the concerns that worry and frighten us the most. I often picture bringing frightening things to God on a giant silver platter and putting them where they belong—in His hands. Often our platters are burdened with financial worries or needs of family and friends.

Many times after our prayers, we feel a deep “peace … which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Ask for it, expect it, and remember that the comfort God gives us through His understanding can overshadow debilitating fear.

The offered hand

Remember our Father and elder Brother are always there for us, ready to offer encouragement and help. Remember what God tells us in Isaiah 41:13: “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

Remember to reach out your hand to take the hand He is offering. Don’t be afraid!

For other blog posts on God’s help and comfort, read “God’s Special Promises for the Fatherless and Widow” and “How Does God Feel When We’re Suffering?”