From International Women's Day to Mother's Day, March was a month that celebrated women through Women's History Month. In the Bible, there are several women with admirable stories that we can all learn from as they sought God in their life. We've put together a list of three in particular.

1. Esther in the Bible

Esther was committed to fighting and representing her people in line with God's will. This resilience led to her becoming Queen and she sought counsel from those close to her, particularly her cousin Mordecai in the process of her story.  

In Esther 4:16, Esther said to her cousin: “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 attendants 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.” This highlighted that she was willing to die for fighting for her people. This shows true courage and commitment and the mark of a leader.

2. Ruth in the Bible

After her husband, Mahlon, died, Ruth took it upon herself to stick by her mother-in-law Naomi’s side, as opposed to focusing solely on remarrying at the time. This was a conscious decision and some may have scrutinised the decision she made at this time when women leaned on men a lot for financial help.

In Ruth 1:16, Ruth said to her mother-in-law: "Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." This shows the loyalty she had to her mother-in-law after her husband’s passing and how she was committed to caring for her. 

3. Mary in the Bible

Mary became a mother in the most unexpected way and faced backlash because of it. Yet, she still committed to doing God's will when it was revealed to her that she would give birth to the Messiah – Jesus Christ. She then had to witness her son get persecuted and die an excruciating death on the cross. In Luke 1:38, Mary said to the angel who delivered the news to her that she would give birth to the saviour: “'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.’’

Sometimes, as humans we can get wrapped up in the plans we have for our lives and prioritise that over the plan God has for us. But although Mary was brought some unexpected news which would change the whole trajectory of her life, she ultimately accepted God's will for her. How much can we say we commit to God's plan regardless of what it means for us to go through?

We hope these three God-fearing women serve as inspiration for you in Women's history month and beyond!

Check out our last blog post on how to pray for elections here.