7 Day Christmas Devotional for Women of Purpose
Topic: Women of Great Courage
Text: Matthew 1: 1-16
Key verse: This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. Matthew 1:1(NLT)
How beautiful and encouraging to see that the record of the ancestry of Jesus included the names of some great women of quiet courage. They are not known for valour in physical battle, but rather for the extraordinary choices they made to be part of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity through the incarnation of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When Matthew opens the Gospel with Jesus’ genealogy, he does something unexpected. He names women. Not queens or celebrated matriarchs.But women whose stories include shame, loss, risk, scandal, and survival. Their presence tells us something profound: Each woman stands out as an example of how we can align with the grand design of heaven and play our roles, despite the physical, cultural, and psychological challenges we may face. It’s all about the big picture and how we fit into heaven’s plans.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10(NLT)
1. TAMAR — Courage to Refuse Invisibility
Genesis 38:1-30
Tamar was a widow in a culture where a woman depended on others for survival. When she was denied care and justice, she did not quietly accept her loss. Instead, she found the courage to act, even though it put her at risk.
Her decision was not rebellion; it was a search for dignity and survival. Tamar’s story reminds us that God often meets us in our most challenging moments and that courage can rise from places of deep struggle.
When her actions were exposed, Judah declared, “She is more righteous than I.”
Judah recognised them immediately and said, “She is more righteous than I am, because I didn’t arrange for her to marry my son Shelah.” And Judah never slept with Tamar again. Genesis 38:26(NLT)
Her Courage
- Courage to refuse invisibility
- Courage to confront injustice in a system stacked against her
- Courage to claim her place in God’s unfolding story
Reflection
Courage sometimes looks like speaking up when silence is safer.
It may feel uncomfortable, but God sees the woman who refuses to be insignificant.
How is God stirring your heart to take action, just like Tamar?
Photo by Nikolay Hristov on Unsplash
I receive courage to speak up even when silence seems to be safer in the name of Jesus.
Courage to take my place in the plans and purposes of God for my life🙏
Amen!
It was a rare privilege for Tamar; praying God will grant me the grace to know when not to keep silent and the privilege to speak out at the right time, amen.
Thank you Pastor Ada for these inspiring insights
Amen.
I receive the courage to refuse being invisible where I must be visible. I receive the courage to seek for justice for every injustice against myself and my loved ones. I receive the courage to claim my place in God’s unfolding story, I will not be denied in Jesus Name.
Thank you Pastor Ada for such insight. I am encouraged.
Amen. Esther had to see things the same way, before she arose and took action after praying and fasting.
I receive the Tamar’s wisdom to prepare for my assignment like she did – she knew the tie to conceive was ripe and how to trap the father in law without leaving
chance to be stoned to death once pregnant by keeping his signet and staff. i receive the courage to execute my purpose to completion without shrinking!