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Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Rahab - A Woman of Faith



A continuing look at Proverbs 31 and women from Scripture. This article was first published in Fall 2018 in Keepers at Home magazine.


Rahab – A Woman of Faith

She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21

Even behind impenetrable walls, the king tossed on his bed. He had heard rumors for years of a great crowd of people marching across the wilderness. Some said their leader stood on a mountain and held up his hands and his army won battles. Others spoke of food appearing on the desert sand and water pouring out of barren rocks.

The king thought he had a few weeks at least; no one would attempt to cross the Jordan River at flood stage. But he had heard tales of the Red Sea parting and he wasn't taking chances. He commanded his guards to be on high alert.

Rahab, too, had heard the stories, but when two Israelite spies appeared at her door, she chose to hide them. (Joshua 2) Rahab told the spies that because of their God's power, she knew that He was the true God. While her fellow townspeople were terrified of these people, her belief drove her to she beg the spies to reward her kindness by protecting her family.

The spies told Rahab to gather her family into her house and to place a scarlet cord in her window. A red thread may have seemed like a meager protection against an army, but she obeyed. 

Through the opening of the Jordan River and the strange week-long march around Jericho's walls, Rahab's faith stayed strong. Hebrews 11 and James 2 both mention Rahab as an example of faith in action, one whose beliefs caused her to obey. Her faith rescued her entire family and placed Rahab in the family line of Christ.

We all face fear. We lay awake worrying about the future whether it is the next day or the next year. We know winter is coming, and our household must be prepared. Even if our lives are relatively pleasant and comfortable, we and are loved ones will all someday die. Statistics tell us that about half of us will face cancer, and most women will someday become widows. While no one escapes sin's curse, through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, God has given us a scarlet cord.

When my husband was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in 2017, 1 Peter 1:3-5 became precious. 
“His abundant mercy hath [given]... us... a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." (1 Peter 1:3-5)  
When the future looks scary and uncertain, I need an eternal perspective to trust God.

But some days our future death seems easier than living faithfully today.

World events and the corruption in our land terrifies us like the people of Jericho. We watch addictions proliferate in our communities and fear for our children's future. We see the sin in our own hearts and become discouraged. Our enemy's goal is to make us faint and give up. If we don't guard our minds, he can build huge walls and raging rivers that only a faith like Rahab's will overcome.

Fear shows itself in numerous ways. I see the results of fear during sleepless nights when my mind imagines the worst. I'm giving in to fear when I'm reluctant to serve others because I might be misunderstood. Fear tempts me to avoid surrendering my will to God or submitting to my husband. Fear holds me back from opening my heart to love lest I be hurt.

Worry comes more naturally than trust. When cancer marched into my world, I asked if God was trustworthy. But then I glimpsed the power and love of God and wondered why I failed to trust Him. God gave me the peace of restful sleep even though armies marched outside my window.

We can't protect our loved ones, or ourselves, against all the dangers in this world. We can call on human power like Jericho's king. 

But like Rahab I want to obey God's commands, offer my family the Scarlet Cord, and trust the only One big enough to rescue us.

I'd love to hear how you build your faith and defeat worry.

13 comments:

  1. Great article and insight. The only way I know is every time fear or anger (etc.) invades my thoughts I must drop them at the feet of Jesus and allow Him to carry the load...I'm a visual person, so I actually visualize doing this. This may happen daily, or even hourly to find peace and reassurance. We continue to pray for Ed's healing and peace for your family. Love & Hugs!

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  2. Your post is so timely, it is something I have been thinking of too, when I feel that fear I think of all the ways God has blessed me, where the impossible has happened because of Gods love for us, I too like Carolyn place all my worries at Jesus's cross, I can do nothing for the world but pray for it, good always triumphs over evil, I must trust in God. Keeping you all in prayer dear Gina, God bless you all Sue x

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  3. "about half of us will face cancer, and most women will someday become widows." - yes! sometimes I wonder if people having pity is a sign of them not realizing that they, too, will likely have their turn soon enough.

    I guess one way I defeat worry is through having long talks about what I'm worrying about - somehow getting things in the open together with being all 'talked out' makes me feel ready to brush off all the feelings and get on with doing something else. Another thing is remembering that anticipation is often the worst part.

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  4. Trust the power of love given by God. Nice post!

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  5. Thanks for all the books your recommend. I have a question. Some time ago you posted a Children's Bible reading plan. Could you tell me of a daily devotional or Bible reading plan for children with space to also journal? Thanks,Wilma

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    1. I don't know of any specific journals - but neither have I looked. Maybe do a google search. Or check Amazon.
      Gina

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  6. Thank you for the encouraging post Gina. I too continue to pray for Ed and you and all yours. May God bless and keep you in His care all the days of your lives.
    God Bless,
    Carolyn J.

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  7. There is a song that I often sing when I am overwhelmed and fearful
    'Dear Lord may I lean a bit harder and press a bit closer to Thee. I'm feeling the pressures of trials..............
    .....Dear child I delight in thy leaning, lean harder press closer to Me. The trials you face I've allowed them, to help you lean harder on me.'
    How can I fear the future when I realize my trials draw me closer to Christ. And who can complain about that?
    Easier said then done!!!!

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  8. Your post encouraged me, we are facing some decisions that had me awake at night this week... You think I might have learned, but we know each obstacle we face is another opportunity to learn and trust again. This life is a journey from earth to heaven. So I press on...
    Diane

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  9. I stumbled on your page looking for sourdough and found this; I feel led here. Your faith is lighting my way tonight. I struggle at night with fears and often forget my faith. Tonight I will remember Rahab and your family and wont be alone. Thank you ��

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  10. Gina, you and your family have been on my heart and I want you to know I've been praying for you. I hope you've been away simply enjoying your family but whatever the reason, the Holy Spirit has been guiding me to pray for you guys every time you are thought of.

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  11. If I am deeply worried or afraid, I either just talk to God for hours or I'm still and sing to Him. He has never failed at comforting me. Praise be to His holy name!!

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  12. Praying for you all....worried you have not posted.

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