7 Day Christmas Devotional for Women of Purpose
Topic: Courage to trust God for a New Beginning
Text: Joshua 2:1-14
Key verse: When Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.”Joshua 2:13(NLT)
When our mistakes and wrong choices take us away from God’s plan, God always makes a way for us to return to him. Rahab took that chance when she had the opportunity. Her past could have held her back if she lingered to consider what people would say about her in Israel, but she didn’t let that happen. She expressed her faith in God, who could give her a fresh start, and that’s what she received. When we turn to God, he forgives completely and unconditionally, filling us with hope for new beginnings.
You see, God takes all our crimes—our seemingly inexhaustible sins—and removes them. As far as east is from the west, He removes them from us. Psalms 103:12 (VOICE)
1. RAHAB — Courage to believe for a New Beginning
Joshua 2:1-21
Rahab lived in Jericho and was identified as a prostitute. She was a woman no one would have imagined could have faith in the God of the Israelites. She heard about the Jews and what God had done for them, and though she was afraid, she acted in faith to build a relationship with God’s people. She didn’t wait to be invited to help God’s people; she took the initiative to protect them, risking her own life.
For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. Joshua 2:10-11(NLT)
Her Courage
- Courage to rise despite her past
- Courage to risk her life to save the spies
- Courage to intercede for her life and her family
Reflection
Courage isn’t the absence of fear but trusting that God can save you. May this thought encourage us to trust Him for new beginnings despite our fears.
It may feel scary, but God considered it valuable enough to make her one of Jesus maternal ancestors.
What kind of courage is God inviting me into right now?
This is so encouraging. Sister Rahab understood clearly that salvation for herself and family rested in the hands of the God of Israel, and took a bold step of faith to put her trust and hope in Him, not minding the outcome.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, but Rahab the Prostitute’s action pleased God and today she is counted amongst those in the hall of faith in the book of Hebrew.
I pray I will always remember who my Father and God is, never doubting but always choosing courage in the face of uncertainty and fears in Jesus name Amen.
Amen! She did what she could do in her circumstances.