I’ve often wondered what it takes to be considered courageous. Does it take a bold step of faith? An act of fearless love for the people around you? A lifetime of faithfulness to the mission?
After taking some time to study several courageous women in the Bible, I have come to learn that all these things are considered courageous.
There is not a single set of guidelines to boldly inspire others around you. Instead, the courageous women in the Bible simply saw a need and took action.
The stories of these biblical women are still packed with relevance even though these events took place centuries ago.
It is my prayer that these five inspiring biblical women will give you the desire to dig into Scripture, learn more about them, and use their stories to lean into the opportunities God places around you today.
1. Abigail Took Courageous Action
Abigail was the wife of a wealthy but foolish man named Nabal. David requested that Nabal supply food for him and his men in response to the protection they provided for Nabal’s shepherds and sheep, but Nabal’s answer was a snarky, “No.” This angered David so much that he told his men to strap on their swords and barreled toward Nabal’s estate.
Abigail heard about Nabal’s reply, and she quickly took action. She gathered loaves of bread, wine, and cakes, loaded them on donkeys, and met David and his men descending toward her. She bowed down before David and presented him with these gifts of food while apologizing for her husband’s actions.
Abigail is a courageous woman of the Bible for several reasons. First, she moved swiftly (1 Sam. 25:18). She didn’t waste any time considering or doubting what was on her heart to do.
Courageous women display confidence in doing the right thing when the opportunity presents itself.
Secondly, Abigail spoke in graceful submission to David, not letting fear and panic steal her ability to act fittingly (v. 24).
But perhaps my favorite part of this story is how Abigail pointed David to respond in a way that would honor God. She says, “[M]y lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord working salvation himself” (v. 31a). She gently reminded him that being emotionally led by anger would serve no good purpose.
Because of Abigail’s swift solution, graceful submission, and gentle correction, the lives in her house were spared.
For more information about Abigail’s story read 1 Samuel 25 and Walking Humbly.
Question to consider: In times of stress, do you speak gracefully and point people to Jesus? Or does fear and panic overtake your decisions, words, and actions?
2. Mary Chose to Serve Despite the Cost
As perhaps one of the most well-known biblical figures, there are many reasons Mary is considered a courageous woman in the Bible.
Luke 1 gives us a glimpse not only into Mary’s heart but perhaps why God chose her for this significant task. After Gabriel announced the impending birth of Jesus, Mary’s response was, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord” (Luke 1:38).
Put yourself in her shoes for just a moment. You have been told you will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Your husband will not be the biological father of this child. How would you react? How would you tell the people you love?
Today’s culture is anything but servant-minded. We’re conditioned to elevate ourselves over others, and, as a result, we miss opportunities for sacrifice or service. Yet, Mary’s response is a beautiful example of courage to serve the Lord no matter what it may cost you.
She remained a loyal, courageous servant all the way to the cross as one of the few people left standing nearby when Jesus was crucified (John 19:25–27).
Courageous women are willing to be an instrument God uses for His purposes in all aspects of life.
For more information on Mary, read Luke 1:26–38 and The Courage of Mary.
Question to consider: When tasked with an assignment, do you respond like Mary? Are you “the servant of the Lord” in whatever task He gives you?
3. Hannah Upheld Her Vow to God
The story of Hannah is one of the most challenging stories for a woman to read. Her story revolves around her inability to conceive.
In those days, a childless woman was seen as a social embarrassment or, worse, flawed. Hannah had every reason to be bitter and angry, but she earnestly sought the Lord in response to her despair.
In 1 Samuel 1:11, she prayerfully made a vow to the Lord saying, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
What a courageous vow to make!
God honored Hannah’s request to have a child, and she kept her vow. After the child, Samuel, was weaned, she took him to serve under Eli, the priest. Samuel became a great prophet, priest, and judge of Israel.
Hannah shows us a courageous example of surrender by upholding her vow and giving her child to ministry. She then worships God with the most beautiful and heartfelt prayer as recorded in 1 Samuel 2.
Hannah’s story reminds us that all blessings in this world belong to God. What we have on earth is a loan from Him.
While most of us will never give our children to the Lord like Hannah did, posturing our hearts in full worship and obedience is the only proper response to what God asks of us.
For more information about Hannah’s story, read 1 Samuel 1–2:26 and What Hannah in the Bible Teaches Us Today.
Question to Consider: How can you make giving back to God a priority and act of worship in your life?
4. The Samaritan Woman Shared Her Testimony
The Samaritan woman lived a lifestyle that brought about ridicule and rejection from others but not from Jesus.
When Jesus met this woman at a well on His way through Samaria, she slowly realized who she was speaking to. After their meeting, she told everyone in the town that Jesus was the Messiah. John 4:39 says, “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.”
The Samaritan woman could have let shame keep her from sharing Jesus with others. She was so used to hiding and dodging others that she forgot what it was like to be known and heard.
Despite the woman’s reputation, many listened to her and came to know Jesus that day because of her testimony: Jesus saw her for who she was, mistakes and all.
This is the story of how Jesus turned this biblical woman’s shame and guilt into a testimony of God’s transforming power and grace.
As Christians, we have the great privilege and responsibility to testify to the transforming power and grace of God. We can be tempted to hide, never allowing others to hear our story. But sometimes courage is allowing ourselves to be vulnerable for the sake of bringing people to the feet of Jesus.
For more information about the Samaritan Woman, read John 4:1–42 and Four Inspiring Lessons from the Samaritan Woman at the Well.
Question to consider: Are you willing to tell others about the change Jesus has made in your life? Do you believe that your testimony can help the people around you?
5. Queen Esther Loved Her People
The book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish woman who became queen of the Persian Empire because of her striking beauty.
Despite dangerous circumstances, Esther rose to the occasion and courageously spoke up to protect her people. The king accepted Esther’s request, and the Jews received permission to protect themselves from their enemies.
Like Queen Esther, there are times we must rise to the occasion as well. Esther is a courageous woman in the Bible because of a series of bold and inspiring acts for the sake of her people.
Why did Esther risk her life in this way? I believe she had a selfless love for God’s beloved nation, and she recognized the opportunity God placed before her.
Like Esther, we are to have a courageous love for people. We should be willing to step out of our comfort zone for those we love as well as those we don’t know.
Practically, this could mean serving a meal at the local shelter, praying out loud for the person you just met at the grocery store, or inviting a coworker to church. First John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
Doing something courageous doesn’t have to be saving an entire nation. It’s loving the people God places in your path and then being willing to step out and take action in the name of Jesus.
For more information about Esther’s story read the book of Esther and Esther’s Significance.
Question to consider: How can you courageously show love to the people around you this week?
Be Inspired by These Five Courageous Women in the Bible
If you find yourself seeking courage, draw inspiration from these amazing courageous women in the Bible.
- Abigail: Act swiftly and speak with graceful submission so that others see Jesus in you.
- Mary: Posture your heart to eagerly serve the Lord and others.
- Hannah: Remember that all blessings belong to Him.
- The Samaritan Woman: Share your testimony and experiences that could draw people to Jesus.
- Esther: Selflessly love the people around you and take action when you see a need.
