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Someone said that a woman's sphere of influence is her greatest asset. What can we learn about being a woman of influence from the women in the Bible?

In this series of eight lessons, Diane Hale explores the lives of Mary, Martha and Mary, Abigail, Hannah, Deborah, Lydia, Elizabeth and Esther and draws conclusions about the lessons learned from their lives.

Lessons From Mary
[Luke 1:26-38]

Mary was just a young woman, a person God foreknew and had already ordained and predestined the plan and purpose for her life. She was totally unaware of the future, never dreamed that God would use her for His glory. Or, that by governing the most natural occurrence in a young woman’s life she would bring salvation to mankind. She was young and in love, excited about what lay ahead—a new husband – a new life, a whole new season.

“How will this be …” she asked, “ since I am a virgin…"

LESSONS FROM LYDIA
[Acts 16:6-15]

The journey was long; the message on their hearts was burning—but twice the Holy Spirit forbade them to preach. There was a specific call, time, place and a person that God wanted Paul to reach—and He received the direction while on the journey! After arriving in the city they heard of an open-air prayer meeting where Paul spoke to a group of women.

The intricate system of God’s plan to reach one person is not exactly an economic strategy of good stewardship. But the God that bankrupted heaven for all mankind knew the price had already been paid. He does not count the cost to finish the job.

LESSONS FROM ELIZABETH
Luke 1:5-17

Another year and another appointed time rolled around for Zacharias to serve as priest of the Most High God.There friends and neighbors must have wondered—why Elizabeth was barren—hadn’t they tried—hadn’t they prayed time and time again. The Jewish Rabbis said that seven people were excommunicated from God and the list began with “A Jew who has no wife, or a Jew who has a wife and who has no child”.

Why was she unable bear the fruit that would leave a legacy?

LESSONS FROM HANNAH
[1 Samuel 1:1-20]

In today’s world Hannah would be a hero or—someone who is either revered, thought insane or hated; Someone who is ridiculed for weakness or just plain ignored for stupidity. However given her culture most of those opinions would not ‘fit’ seeing as how men often had more than one wife.

On the other hand having a co-wife who turned on you as an enemy and a God who seemed to ignore her desires did prove the courage of this woman Hannah! You would expect to hear grumbling, complaining and revenge but there was neither.

LESSONS FROM ESTHER

Esther 4:1-17

Esther had come a long way by …from nobody to Queen. Now everything was ‘on-the-line’ and all eyes were on her. What can we learn from Esther in her time of testing?

Esther’s was so stunned by the public spectacle that her uncle was making of himself that her initial response was—lets cover up the problem. Then wisdom was given and she asked for more information. Esther called for Hathach, one of the royal eunuchs whom the king had assigned to wait on her,

LESSONS FROM DEBORAH

[Judges 4-5]

The enemy was once again harassing the nation of Israel. Because of their rebellion God had literally sold the nation into the enemies hands.

Deborah was a very patriotic women—she was a prophetess who was keenly aware of the state of the nation and able to discern God’ requirements and the direction He was giving in response to the prayers of the Israelites.

LESSONS FROM ABIGAIL
[1 Samuel 25]

Abigail—the name means—source of joy! Living with a mean and wicked man like Nabal must have been a constant burden. Even his name, Nabal, means fool. Abigail’s joy evidently came from somewhere other than the relationship she had with her husband. Without Abigail the whole household would have perished. Life wasn’t easy for her so what can we learn from Abigail?

LESSONS FROM MARTHA and MARY

[John 11:1-7, 25-26]

Jesus had spent many wonderful times with His friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha—days of listening to the Master, days of laughter., days of joy! For this family they were days serving the One who walked the rough roads of Judea. This was their friend whose life was spent speaking to the multitudes and leading His disciples to the resting-places on the surrounding mountains.

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Women of Influence