Hello, Altered Stories Ministry Family,
This month is Woman’s History Month. So, to lean into this, I wanted to highlight some women who the Bible speaks highly of and see what we can learn from them.
First, let’s start with a woman in the Old Testament, Hannah. She was barren and went into the temple to pray. The priest Eli thought she was drunk, but she explained her plight and showed her faith. Because of this faith, God gave her a son and she gave him back to the Lord to serve in the temple.
Are you consistent in prayer? Do you bring your issues to God? I wish I could say I do all the time, but I don’t. This story is a good reminder that we can bring even our deepest issues to the Lord, and he will hear us. You can find her psalm of praise, in 1 Samuel Chapter 2.
Next, let’s check out Mary, sister of Martha.
Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, appears in several key moments in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. She is known for her deep devotion to Jesus and her desire to sit at His feet and learn from Him. Here’s what we know about her:
1. She Prioritized Sitting at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 10:38-42)
· In this well-known passage, Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha.
· While Martha is busy with preparations, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching.
· Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not helping, but Jesus defends Mary, saying: “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42, NIV) This moment highlights Mary’s desire for spiritual growth over busyness, making her an example of intimacy with Christ.
2. She Anointed Jesus with expensive perfume (John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9)
· Shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly perfume (pure nard) and wipes them with her hair.
· Some of the disciples, especially Judas Iscariot, criticize her for this act saying the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
· Jesus defends her, saying: “Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7)
· This act demonstrates Mary’s deep love, devotion, and prophetic insight into Jesus’ upcoming death.
3. She Mourned the Death of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
· When Lazarus dies, Mary stays in the house grieving, while Martha goes to meet Jesus.
· When Jesus arrives, Mary falls at His feet and says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32)
· Jesus, deeply moved by her sorrow, weeps and then raises Lazarus from the dead.
· This passage shows Mary’s deep faith and emotional connection to Jesus.
Key Themes in Mary’s Life:
1. Devotion & Worship – She consistently places Jesus above worldly concerns.
2. Spiritual Hunger – She desires to learn from Jesus, prioritizing His words.
3. Sacrificial Love – Her anointing of Jesus demonstrates extravagant love.
4. Faith in Jesus’ Power – Even in grief, she acknowledges His authority.
Mary of Bethany is an incredible example of a woman who loved Jesus deeply, prioritized time with Him, and gave her best in worship.
Can we say we do the same? Do we give the Lord everything we have in our devotion, and worship?
Finally, let’s look at Mary Magdalene. While many know her as the one who had 7 demons that the Lord cast out, I want to look at the end of the Gospels where she was the first one that he showed himself to after his resurrection.
In a time when women were looked down on, the Lord did not do so. He cared deeply for Mary and when she thought He was a gardener, He spoke her name, and she knew it was him. To me this shows a deep connection to the Lord. All He has to do is call our name.
Can you say the same? Is He speaking of you, when he says, “my sheep know my voice, I know them, and they follow me?” John 10:27
I hope so, because these women show something. They all could call on God, and he answered them. They showed a depth of faith that few have.
I hope you can find one of these amazing Godly women to relate to or be encouraged by.
God bless,
Teresa
