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I have eight (8) favorite Strong Women in the Bible. I highlighted Abigail in my previous post. We’ll continue today with Deborah, Dorcas, and Esther.

Deborah

Deborah was both a prophetess and a judge in Israel. A prophetess is a woman who God has chosen to carry His Word to His people (you and I). The male version is a prophet.

Deborah judged Israel at the time. Israel “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” There was a war between Israel and Canaan and Israel was oppressed for twenty years. The people of Israel cried out to the Lord. They went to Deborah for justice. God gave Deborah a Word to have Barak lead his troops to defend Israel.
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“And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she (Deborah) said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.”

The end was horrible, but as Deborah prophesied, Sisera (the captain of the king of Canaan’s army) was delivered unto the hand of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite.

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We all need a Deborah; a backboner; a woman of godly character whose words are invaluable in our lives; a Strong Woman who will go to war with and for us. These are indispensable individuals. I hope you have such a woman in your circle.

If you would like to read the full story, grab your/a Bible and open it to the Book of Judges Chapter 4.

Dorcas

Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was known for her charity specifically to the widows such that when she died, she was mourned by “all the widows…crying and showing (Peter) the robes and other clothing that she had made while she was still with them” The Bible says that she was full of good works and alms deeds. Read about her in the Book of Acts Charter 9.

Do you have clothes and shoes in your closets that you either no longer wear or fit you? Why not help someone less fortunate than you by donating them away. Do a good deed today. Charity (generosity or good works) doesn’t necessarily have to be big. A small gesture and random acts of kindness goes a long way in the eyes of God.

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I once read about a late evangelist (don’t remember now who it was exactly ) when, on a sick bed, prayed and called God to remembrance on all the good deeds he had done and donations he had given over the years. That if God could heal him not because he deserved it but to count all his deeds as an offering and sacrifice. He ended the prayer, “let them answer for me and heal me.” He stated, miraculously, that he was out of the hospital the next day!

“A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.”

Quoteambition

Esther

Esther, also known as Hadassah, is one of two women who has a Book in the Bible dedicated to her. Though I do not like the manner in which she married the king, Ahasuerus, her story is nonetheless unique in that, by prayer and fasting, she saved her tribe.

“Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her”

She also obtained grace and favor in the king’s sight that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen.

Esther was a Jew, but she had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people in the palace; as her uncle Mordecai, who raised her, had charged her.

A decree was made that would kill all Jews. Her uncle Mordecai, on hearing, sent a message to Esther stating, “Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews … maybe thou has come for such a time as this.” Esther requested that all Jews in the city join her to pray and fast for three days so she can go to the king to reverse the decree.

“And if I perish, I perish.”

King Ahasuerus granted Esther’s request and not only reversed the decree, but ordered Haman (the one who sought to kill all Jews) to be hung. Read more in the Book of Esther.

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May you Strong Lady/Woman find favor with God and with all. May your prayers receive speedy attention and answers from God Almighty. May you also be a pillar of support for your husband and children iJN.

Thanks for reading.