Guidance: How 3 Women Changed the World

Guidance: How 3 Women Changed the World

by M. Karshna

The Hebrew and Christian scriptures hold much wisdom, history, and records of many famous people who lived before us and their stories still inspire us to this day; we encounter remarkable individuals who, through their commitment to others and the greater good, stood as beacons of light in times of darkness. Today, we delve into the lives of three extraordinary women from the Bible—Miriam (the sister of Moses), Esther, and Mary (the mother of Jesus). These women, though separated by generations, shared a common thread of relying on God's guidance and stepping into His purpose for their lives by not staying stagnant or still when duty called for them to rise to the occasion. Their stories echo through time, inspiring us to embrace faith, step into uncertainty, and trust in the divine plan that unfolds before us.

Lets Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, in this moment of reflection, we open our hearts to your presence. As we explore the lives of Miriam, Esther, and Mary, may their stories serve as a source of inspiration and guidance in our own journeys of faith. Grant us the wisdom to discern your purpose and the courage to follow your lead, just as these remarkable women did. Amen.

Guidance: How 3 Women Changed the World

God’s guidance may not always come to us in ways that we expect, but from the lives of Miriam, Esther, and Mary, we will see that God’s guidance is usually very clear, it is just a matter of if we want to see it and are willing to take the steps necessary to see it through.

• Miriam—Protecting Her Brother from Harm
• Esther—Intercession for Her People
• Mary—Carrying and Mothering the Savior

1. Miriam—Protecting Her Brother from Harm:Miriam, sister to the great prophet Moses, found herself in a pivotal role at a young age (you can read the story in Exodus 2). Pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew babies in Egypt should be put to death, but she was not about to let that happen. She took Moses and placed him in a basket and purposefully placed him by where Pharaoh’s daughter bathed in the river. She stood by in hiding the entire time to ensure Moses’s safety. Pharaoh’s daughter found Moses and had compassion on him, deciding she would raise the “orphaned” child; Miriam then came out of hiding and when Pharaoh’s daughter asked who the child’s wet nurse should be, Miriam went and got her and Moses’s mother; thus Moses was delivered. We know what happened next for Moses! Not only Moses, but Miriam also became an influential leader herself. It is easy in our lives to wonder if God is guiding us or if we are doing what He wants us to. What Miriam’s example shows us is that being guided by God means being selfless and compassionate on those around us and fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves; when we do this, as did Miriam, God is actively guiding us in the way we should go.

2. Esther—Intercession for Her People: Esther, a young Jewish woman, was unexpectedly thrust into a position of influence as the queen of Persia. When her people faced annihilation from the wicked schemes of Haman, she could have remained silent. Yet, Esther's resilience and bravery emboldened her to take action. She had found favor with the king because of her character as a person, and as a result, when she uncovered Haman’s plot, the king not only believed her, but punished Haman and ensured that all of the Jews in his kingdom would be protected from future plots. Esther's courage reminds us that in times of uncertainty, when we align our steps with God's purpose, we become instruments of His miraculous work. How do we know what our purpose is? By taking the steps, wherever we are at, in order to make sure that others are protected from people who wish them harm.

3. Mary—Carrying and Mothering the Savior: Mary's story resonates as a profound example of surrender to God's plan. Chosen to be the mother of Jesus, she faced immense responsibility and societal challenges. Imagine telling people that the son you are carrying is not from you and your husband; not just this, but came out of wedlock! Not just this, but claiming that he is the promised Savior! Especially in Mary’s day, this was a blasphemous and wickedly sinful chain of implications! Mary had it harder than most. Despite her questions and uncertainties, Mary saw it through, and not only carried, but mothered the promised Savior of the World, and because she did so, Jesus ultimately fulfilled His destiny: to deliver the world from sin. Mary's life speaks to us of the transformative power of saying "yes" to God, even when the path ahead seems unclear and is difficult beyond compare. Her humility and trust illuminate the way for us to embrace the unknown, knowing that God's plan is more beautiful than we can possibly imagine.

The lives of Miriam, Esther, and Mary are not mere tales from the past, but living testaments to the power of faith and reliance on God's guidance when we take steps forward on behalf of others and the greater good. Through their stories, we are encouraged to step out in trust, even when the path seems daunting. Their examples remind us that God's plan is intricately woven into the fabric of our lives, and when we align our steps with His purpose, remarkable things unfold. Proverbs 16:9 tells us that, “A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], / But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them” (AMP). These women took remarkable and courageous initiative steps, and God made sure they did not stumble. As we reflect on their journeys, let us embark on our own with a heart full of faith, a spirit of courage, and a willingness to surrender to the divine orchestration of our lives.

Lets Pray

Loving Father, as we draw this reflection to a close, we are reminded of the faith and courage exhibited by Miriam, Esther, and Mary. May their stories inspire us to embrace uncertainty with trust, navigate challenges with courage, and surrender to your divine plan with humility. Just as you led these women through the pages of history, guide us in every step of our own journey. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Matthew Karshna is a contributor for A Warrior’s Mission and a partner with the ACCBF. Matthew graduated from the University of Georgia in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and resides in North Carolina, where he is also a Community Engagement Director for a local martial arts school. “I am proud to produce content for an organization that is focused on the welfare of others!” ~Matthew

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