She Is Strong and Courageous E-Book

Ann White

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Seitenzahl: 222

Beschreibung

Say goodbye to apprehension and hello to a life empowered by courage. Women around the world choose to face life with courage every day. It's time to discover your God-given strength and kick your fears to the curb. She Is Strong and Courageous will lead you on a 90-day transformational journey encountering courageous women of the Bible, throughout history, and in our world today. Start your day with a Scripture, devotional reading, call to action, and prayer that will help you know God personally, understand His Word clearly, and apply His truth powerfully. You can tackle anything when you lean into your source of courage—Jesus Christ. It's time to greet each day with joy and determination and pursue your calling in faith and freedom.  

Leseprobe

On college campuses across the US today, I frequently encounter the objections that Christianity is sexist, and the Bible is bad news for women. In this devotional, Ann White compellingly and compassionately demonstrates that the Bible is inhabited by strong and courageous women, and the Christian God consistently calls, encourages, and equips women—in the Bible, throughout history, and today! Studying and praying through this devotional has not only renewed my gratitude that God has adopted me into His family as His daughter, but it has also impressed upon me afresh why Jesus is exactly the kind of man I want to spend time with and exactly the kind of God I long to worship.

—Jo Vitale, dean of studies, Zacharias Institute

What courageous life are you being called to? If you need encouragement for strength, commit ninety days to She Is Strong and Courageous. In this book, you will read stories of courageous women and be prepared to pursue and live your own call to courage.

—Dee Ann Turner, retired vice president of Chick-fil-A, and best-selling author of It’s My Pleasure

By sharing the lives of numerous women in the Bible and the history of the world, Ann White compels us to reach for strength and courage. As women uniquely created by God for His purposes and pleasure, these devotions bolster our convictions as we impact our circles of influence. Ann’s personal struggles served as a catalyst for empowering women to reach beyond themselves to grasp their God-given missions. May each of us embrace the journey with renewed expectations of what God will do in and through us!

—Mary Perdue, former first lady of Georgia

Today, we need examples of courageous women because our culture broadcasts messages that we aren’t pretty enough, smart enough, or good enough, which is why Ann White has had enough. Here’s a woman who is taking a stand to mentor other women in leading, risk-taking, and living out our faith in the face of adversity. She Is Strong and Courageous will educate and inspire you to become all that God has called you to be and to find genuine contentment in life. It’s time to take a stand. Buy a copy for yourself and another to give to a girlfriend, family member, or someone else who needs courage for life. You’ll never regret it.

—Kathleen Cooke, co-founder of Cooke Pictures and The Influence Lab, and author of Hope 4 Today: Staying Connected to God in a Distracted Culture

God has developed a magnificent ministry in Courage for Life. Ann White’s new book, She Is Strong and Courageous, will help you build a bold, positive, faithful lifestyle that will overcome the fear, stress, and pressure of life that we women all face!

—Trudy Davies Davis, RN, certified style professional, media personality, and Mrs. Georgia International 2013

This is a devotional I will read again and again. So simple to read yet profound in its application for real-time living. She Is Strong and Courageous could easily be utilized as a women’s Bible study tool. Ann shares so much depth without too many complicated cross references or comparisons. The way she has compressed the principals without compromising Scripture or context is something anyone can grasp. A devotional for anyone, anywhere that does not intimidate or confuse.

—Sabrina Pinion, Mrs. Universe 2014

She Is Strong and Courageous by Ann White is an anointed collection and study of some of the most inspirational women in history. God has simply breathed a masterpiece on the pages of this book to grow us each day. Ann lives what she teaches and is an example of strength and courage to me personally, as a friend, prayer partner, and television co-host. God has raised Ann up for such a time as this with a message of courage for the Body of Christ. I highly recommend this devotional for every person who desires to press past all boundaries and limitations of fear to fulfill the call of God on her life.

—Rebecca Keener, president of Heritage Christian Fellowship, Inc., host of Always More TV, and co-host of The Christian View

Prepare to be inspired by these female faith warriors! From Naomi’s Ruth to Billy Graham’s Ruth, their stories really are our stories. I cannot wait to share this book with the many women in my life who, like me, always seem to be in need of courage.

—Kimberley Kennedy, television host and author of Left at the Altar

She Is Strong and Courageous is an inspiring book overflowing with biblical examples of women who stepped out in courage to fulfill their calling and mission. Read this book and learn from some of the most courageous Christian women in history.

—Jennifer Stovall Eichelberger, television producer for WATC-TV, and licensed and ordained minister

Whether you’re looking for timeless truths or encouraging examples, Ann White has written a wonderful book that provides biblical wisdom and thought-provoking application about courage and strength. Grab a copy and grab a highlighter!

—Holly M. Duncan, licensed professional counselor and CEO of Parkridge

Expounding through the legacy of heroic leadership of women from the Bible, the twentieth century, and today, She Is Strong and Courageous takes you on a daily journey to challenge and enlighten your endeavor to strive for greater strength.

—Marcylle Combs, president and owner of Foundation Management Services

She Is Strong and Courageous is a refreshing and inspiring look at extraordinary women who have made a difference in our world. A courage warrior in her own right, God has called Ann White to speak words of biblical truth and wisdom in masterful ways that can transform our faith and empower us to press on in spiritual strength and perseverance.

— Allison Bottke, bestselling author of the Setting Boundaries series and God Allows U-Turns anthology

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

SHE IS STRONG AND COURAGEOUS: A 90-Day Devotional

Copyright © 2018 Ann White

978-1-4245-5751-6 (faux leather)

978-1-4245-5752-3 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, USA. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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Cover and interior design by Chris Garborg at garborgdesign.com Typesetting by Kjell Garborg at garborgdesign.com

Printed in China

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To every courageous Christian woman who remains faithful to God in times of opposition and perseveres in a world that seeks to hold you back — your legacy inspires us all to be strong and courageous as we embrace our God-given calling and pursue our God-given dreams.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

ISAIAH 41:10 NASB

CONTENTS

Introduction

Day 1 — Make Courageous Commitments (Ruth)

Day 2 — Choose Character over Compromise (Abigail)

Day 3 — Be Resolute (Rosa Parks)

Day 4 — Maintain a Faith-Filled Attitude (Esther)

Day 5 — Share Truth with Others (Woman at the Well)

Day 6 — Have Compassion (Ruth Bell Graham)

Day 7 — Embrace Opportunities (Lydia)

Day 8 — Incorporate Discipleship (Lois and Eunice)

Day 9 — Walk with God (Mother Theresa)

Day 10 — Do Unto Others (Peter’s Mother-In-Law)

Day 11 — Refrain from Judgment (Woman Who Anointed Jesus)

Day 12 — Take Action (Catherine Booth)

Day 13 — Seek Healing (Bleeding Woman)

Day 14 — Be Willing to Serve (Women Who Worked Alongside Paul)

Day 15 — Dare to Dream (Clara Barton)

Day 16 — Step Out of Your Comfort Zone (The Wise Woman of Tekoa)

Day 17 — Communicate with Care (Euodia and Syntyche)

Day 18 — Let God Lead (Tammie Jo Shults)

Day 19 — Grasp the Truth (The Wise Woman of Abel-beth-maacah)

Day 20 — Choose Courage (Deborah)

Day 21 — Change Direction (Linda Fuller)

Day 22 — Keep a Hope-Filled Focus (Rahab)

Day 23 — Face Your Fears (Mary, Mother of Jesus)

Day 24 — Pray With Confidence (Amy Carmichael)

Day 25 — Watch Your Words (Martha)

Day 26 — Be a Godly Influence (Monaoh’s Wife)

Day 27 — Embrace Your Circumstances (Joni Eareckson Tada)

Day 28 — Keep the Faith (Hannah)

Day 29 — Seek Courage (Mary, Mark’s Mother)

Day 30 — Choose to Love (Corrie ten Boom)

Day 31 — Pursue Knowledge (Mary, Martha’s Sister)

Day 32 — Strengthen Your Belief (Damaris)

Day 33 — Take On a Challenge (Eunice Kennedy Shriver)

Day 34 — Practice Hospitality (The Widow of Zarephath)

Day 35 — Support the Gospel (Joanna)

Day 36 — Take a Necessary Risk (Bilquis Sheikh)

Day 37 — Recognize Your Enemy (Jael)

Day 38 — Praise God (Anna)

Day 39 — Try Something New (Mary Kay Ash)

Day 40 — Be Patient (Sarah)

Day 41 — Help the Helpless (Pharaoh’s Daughter)

Day 42 — Choose God’s View (Gianna Jessen)

Day 43 — Receive Grace (Bathsheba)

Day 44 — Prepare for Temptation (Eve)

Day 45 — Consider Your Conversations (Susanna Wesley)

Day 46 — Ask Questions (Woman at the Well)

Day 47 — Trust God (Jochebed, Mother of Moses)

Day 48 — Begin with Prayer (Fanny Crosby)

Day 49 — Listen Attentively (Priscilla)

Day 50 — Renew Your Mind (Queen of Sheba)

Day 51 — Be Restored (Alveda C. King)

Day 52 — Embrace Acceptance (Ruth)

Day 53 — Take Up for Truth (Euodia and Syntyche)

Day 54 — Appreciate Creation (Jennifer Wiseman)

Day 55 — Stop Worrying (Mary Magdalene)

Day 56 — Let Truth Come Alive (Lydia)

Day 57 — Overcome Roadblocks (Carol M. Swain)

Day 58 — Let Go of Your Past (Woman Caught in Adultery)

Day 59 — Choose a Positive Perspective (Abigail)

Day 60 — Be Refined (Malala Yousafzai)

Day 61 — Surrender (Shiphrah and Puah)

Day 62 — Guard Your Heart (Mary, Mother of Jesus)

Day 63 — Share Your Story (Kathie Lee Gifford)

Day 64 — Talk to God (Hannah)

Day 65 — Pledge to Persevere (Abijah)

Day 66 — Overcome Opposition (Gladys Aylward)

Day 67 — Let Your Light Shine (Dorcas/Tabitha)

Day 68 — Confront Conflict (Zelophehad’s Daughters)

Day 69 — Believe God (Sojourner Truth)

Day 70 — Ask Forgiveness (Huldah)

Day 71 — Embrace Your Calling (Elisabeth)

Day 72 — Analyze Your Attitude (Nikki Haley)

Day 73 — Be Generous (The Widow’s Mite)

Day 74 — Prepare for Battle (Deborah)

Day 75 — Consider Missions (Lottie Moon)

Day 76 — Count Your Blessings (Naomi)

Day 77 — Recognize Opportunities (Esther)

Day 78 — Honor God (Roma Downey)

Day 79 — Defend the Defenseless (Jehosheba)

Day 80 — Set Healthy Boundaries (Michal)

Day 81 — Let the Bible Come Alive (Aimee Semple McPherson)

Day 82 — Express True Repentance (Woman Who Anointed Jesus)

Day 83 — Serve Faithfully (Mary of Rome)

Day 84 — Write It Down (Harriet Beecher Stowe)

Day 85 — Show Appreciation (Phoebe)

Day 86 — Stop Hiding (Eve)

Day 87 — Embrace an “Aha” Moment (Christine Caine)

Day 88 — Have an Eternal Focus (Martha)

Day 89 — Choose to Change (Priscilla)

Day 90 — Be Bold (Barbara Bush)

About the Author

Courage for Life Resources

INTRODUCTION

Our minds shape our belief systems about family, love, marriage, God, and life as we experience it. These beliefs, in turn, shape our choices and habits, both good and bad.

God’s desire is to enable us to make healthy choices that honor him first, and subsequently, the hope and wholeness he can give will flow through us and into all our life and relationships. He wants our lives to be healthy, to come from places of truth. He wants us to walk in power and purpose—to embrace our God-given courage to pursue our God-given dreams.

Have you ever been so fearful of losing something or someone that you found yourself doing things you didn’t really want to do?

Most of my life was worrying about what others wanted, wished, or thought of me. As a result of childhood experiences, I was terrified of rejection and, for years, I put my relationship with God aside in order to focus on others and myself. But God didn’t want me to put my relationship with him aside. He wanted me to grow to a place where an honest and loving relationship with him would take precedence in my life and become the central beat of my heart. He wanted me to completely grasp the depth of his love for me in order that I might fall deeper in love with him.

When I didn’t have enough courage to “obey God rather than men,” God didn’t give up on me. He continued to work with me and directed my path toward a resolution that helped me move forward—he drew me into an in-depth study of his Word; where I began to deposit truth that helped to drown out the lies. The more I studied, the hungrier I became. Once God’s Word really takes hold of your heart, it’s hard to contain the passion.

God doesn’t want to be contained and controlled. He doesn’t want us to live a double-standard life. God’s desire is to draw us closer to him where we can draw from his unlimited supply of courage to face life’s challenges and our calling with unwavering bravery.

Finding Courage

Courage is something most of us want. It’s an attribute that encourages us to venture outside our comfort zone and embrace the possibilities. It gives us the ability to be brave, to conquer fear and despair so we can take on necessary challenges and make necessary changes.

The Hebrew word for courage is hãzaq, which literally means “to show oneself strong,” and it appears numerous times in Scripture. The Bible provides many rich examples of courage. Throughout God’s Word, we see miraculous accounts of God accomplishing great deeds through ordinary people.

Having courage is, in essence, all about making good decisions—God decisions.

Throughout this devotion, together we will explore the courageous spirits of women of the Bible, women throughout history, and women in our world today who inspire us to be strong and courageous in our walk with God and throughout life’s twists and turns.

Pursuing Knowledge

Hosea 4:6 reads, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (NIV). Knowledge broadens our potential, then transforms our ability when we put it into practice.

God, in his abundant love for you and me, gives us the opportunity to learn invaluable life lessons through his written Word. In it, he reveals his character, so we might come to know him more and his relationship with mankind more personally, so we might understand him more fully. The Bible is profitable for our instruction, correction, and training, so we might be adequately prepared to face the various aspects of our everyday lives (2 Timothy 3:16). Without reading, grasping, and applying its truth to our lives on a regular basis, we set ourselves up for a fall.

The key to allowing God’s Word to impact our everyday lives hinges on how and how often we approach it. According to the Center for Bible Engagement, there is direct correlation between the amount of time we spend in God’s Word and the state of our behavior. We must set aside time to read the Bible and strive for an accurate interpretation of Scripture if we want to embrace the abundant life Christ has made available (John 10:10).

Before being introduced to a process of how to study the Bible, I relied on sermons, Sunday school lessons, commentaries, and dialogue with Christian friends for my knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. While these resources are often valuable and reliable, they should never take the place of a dedication to reading and studying the Bible for ourselves.

In 2006, I began studying God’s Word consistently. After more than a decade, I have fallen in love with the study of Scripture and experienced firsthand the value of being able to discern God’s truth for myself.

There are four basic Bible study steps I implement every time I read or study God’s Word.

1. Pray — Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

2. Observe — Ask the question: What does the passage say?

3. Interpret — Ask the question: What timeless life lesson does the passage teach?

4. Apply — Ask the question: What do I need to do to apply the lesson to my life?

Influence

She Is Strong and Courageous is the result of countless hours of research and examination of the lives and influence of courageous women of faith. Throughout this devotion, we will explore the courageous spirit of women of the Bible, women throughout history, and women in our world today. Strong and courageous women who motivate us to embrace our God-given courage and pursue our God-given dreams.

Together, we will find the courage our souls desperately long for. We will stand firm, not hampered or weighed down by the burdens the world seeks to place on us. As fellow warriors, we will learn how to lay aside our heavy loads to take up Christ’s yoke that is far lighter (Matthew 11:29-30). Together, we will learn how to make fearless choices and walk in grace. Together, we will find the courage to change our lives.

Could it be you are reading this today as part of God’s plan, as an answer to prayer? God wants you to be courageous. And he wants you to embrace his love and grace and experience the abundant life he makes available to each and every one of us.

My prayer is that you too, just as I have, will gain inspiration, courage, and confidence from the accounts of the courageous women of God who are celebrated in this devotional. These are women who’ve courageously traversed life’s peaks and valleys before us. We can draw strength from their legacies of influence, as we strive to make fearless choices, walk in grace, and embrace courage for life.

Day 1

MAKE COURAGEOUS COMMITMENTS

(RUTH)

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

RUTH 1:16–18

Pray

Lord, open my eyes to your truth and help me understand and obey your precepts.

Observe

Each day, we are given twenty-four hours to work with. But we often try to squeeze something into every crevice of our day, leaving only enough time to sleep, so we can get up tomorrow and do it all over again.

When making commitments, we need to be mindful of where they fit into our overall goals, objectives, and schedules. And we must consider how they fit into God’s overall plan and purpose for our lives. Once we’ve prayerfully considered these factors and are confident in our chosen direction, we must then avoid procrastination and take action. All the while, we should be diligent to analyze and prioritize our commitments on a regular basis, avoiding anxiety and maintaining balance in our everyday lives and schedules.

In the book of Ruth, we encounter a daughter-in-law who boldly makes a life-changing commitment to her deceased husband’s mother. Ruth had married into a family that worshiped the one true God, and when it came time for her to make the choice to return to her family and the gods they served or travel with her mother-in-law to an unfamiliar land, she chose her commitment wisely.

Courageously analyze and prioritize your commitments by asking yourself the following questions.

1. What commitments have I made?

2. What commitments do I need to make?

3. Are there any commitments I need to eliminate?

4. How dedicated am I to my commitments?

Prayerfully analyzing your commitments can mean the difference between success and defeat, peace of mind and exhaustion.

Interpret

God will give us everything we need to make courageous, God-honoring commitments. He promises to be with us along the way and will bless us in response to our dedication.

Apply

Analyze and prioritize your commitments today. Make the ones God is encouraging you to make, eliminate the ones he’s encouraging you to eliminate, put aside procrastination, and take action.

Pray

Father, give me wisdom and discernment regarding my commitments. Help me discern areas of my life where I am overcommitted or under committed. Grant me the ability to eliminate commitments that are not within your will and establish ones that honor you.

Day 2

CHOOSE CHARACTER OVER COMPROMISE

(ABIGAIL)

Abigail wasted no time. She quickly gathered 200 loaves of bread, two wineskins full of wine, five sheep that had been slaughtered, nearly a bushel of roasted grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 fig cakes. She packed them on donkeys and said to her servants, “Go on ahead. I will follow you shortly.”

1 SAMUEL 25:18–19

Pray

Lord, enlighten my mind with truth as I seek inspiration and guidance from your Word.

Observe

Popular culture places achieving goals over faithfulness to God. It takes courage to stand up for our faith and choose character over achievement.

We live in a world that promotes compromise, that says, “Do whatever is necessary to accomplish your goals and meet your needs—even if it means disregarding your convictions.” When we read the biblical account of Abigail and Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:1–42, we observe a husband and wife with very different views on integrity. While Nabal was harsh and evil in his dealings, Abigail remained a loyal wife, yet refused to compromise when it came to honoring God’s calling to care for the needs of David’s men. She was strong and courageous in her faithfulness.

We must regularly examine our motives and ask ourselves: Is it more important for me to achieve my goals and meet my earthly desires than to value God’s calling and my character?

Abigail was a noble woman whose husband’s distinguishing characteristic was his ill-tempered attitude. Desiring to please God and with many lives at stake, she courageously chose to provide for David and his men.

Courageously maintain your integrity by practicing the following.

1. Think before you speak and act. Think about what you are thinking, consider how and what you are saying, and always objectively appraise each situation before you act.

2. Be accountable. Invite safe friends to inspect your life, to challenge you in maintaining your integrity. Give them permission to hold you accountable.

3. Be honest. Be upfront, truthful, and willing to admit when you’ve made a mistake or done something wrong.

4. Seek to please God. Base your decisions on what God thinks and not on what the world thinks.

Interpret

God is pleased when we choose faithfulness to him over our own personal desires and achievements.

Apply

What area of your life are you most vulnerable to compromise? What specific plan can you put in place today to maintain and protect your devotion to godly character?

Pray

Father, protect me from compromise. Help me guard my heart and mind from being enticed by worldly possessions. And give me the ability to strive for Christ-like behavior in everything I do.

Day 3

BE RESOLUTE

(ROSA PARKS)

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:13–14

Pray

Lord, open the eyes of my heart and help me discern truth from your Word.

Observe

We all make commitments to do—or not to do certain things throughout our lives. Unfortunately, many of our commitments fall by the wayside within thirty days of making them. When we’re put to the test and worldly pressure intensifies, we are subject to cave and back down from our cause.

So what will it take to help us remain resolute?

When our resolutions are ones that honor God, he will help us keep them. God directs our path, supports our efforts, and gives us everything we need to stand firm in our commitments. God’s Word encourages us repeatedly to examine our ways (Lamentations 3:40; 1 Corinthians 11:28), be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9; 2), do not fear (Isaiah 41:10), and not to give up (Galatians 6:9; Romans 5:3-5). Scripture also teaches us to hold one another accountable (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

In 1955, Rosa Parks politely refused to give up her seat on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In doing so, she took a stand against racial discrimination and ultimately helped initiate the civil rights movement in the United States. Over the next fifty years, Rosa became a nationally recognized symbol of courage and determination in the struggle to end racial segregation.

“When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night.” —Rosa Parks

When we keep our eyes on Christ and allow him to be the source of our strength, we become an instrument in God’s hands and can even change the course of history.

Courageously stand resolute in your faith by exercising the following attributes.

1. Evaluate your commitments and position to ensure they are godly and necessary.

2. Embrace your God-given courage and face your challenges, even if you’re afraid.

3. Persevere and press on to overcome any obstacle standing in your way.

4. Rely on the support of Godly friends and loved ones to encourage and support you.

Interpret

God expects us to be strong and courageous in everything he calls us to do.

Apply

Begin memorizing Philippians 4:13 and allow this passage to inspire you to be resolute in sharing your faith with someone today.

Pray