In the Bible, many women are mentioned as mighty leaders and faith-filled prophets of God. These women faced great trials and tribulations and overcame them with faith and endurance. These ordinary people made unprecedented decisions that transformed them into extraordinary legends. They had a high level of conviction and determination that only a few people could match up to their exceptional standards. Here are 12 examples of strong and influential women leaders in the Bible that can teach us very important lessons on leadership in times of struggle, unease, and discord. Visit us at bibilium.com, a wholesome Christian blog that caters to the need of every member of the family. Spread the Love and Share the Joy. Celebrate the amazing goodness of God in your lives.
2. Eve: Leaders are Target for Temptation
As we know, Eve was tempted by the serpent in
the garden of Eden to eat the forbidden fruit
(Genesis 3). What is often overlooked is that
her husband, Adam, who was with her did not
say a word when she gave him the fruit to eat.
The wily serpent knew who was the influential
one in the relationship – the woman.
Leaders know temptation, whether it is
unethical behavior, unfair practices, or false
advertising, always starts from the top. It is the
leaders who face the challenges and need to
make difficult choices.
Bibilium.com
3. Rebekah: Leaders are Willing to Give
In Genesis 24, when Abraham’s servant went
out to seek a bride for his master’s son, Isaac,
he decides to select the bride based on her
willingness to provide water for his camels also,
when he requests water for himself from her
jar. When he approached Rebekah, she not only
offered him water but also drew water for his
camels willingly.
Leaders give when they are asked and give
more than they are asked for. They put the
interests and needs of others before their own.
Bibilium.com
4. Tamar: Leaders Confront Hypocrisy
In Genesis 38, widowed Tamar dresses up as a prostitute
when her father-in-law, Judah, was on his way to Timnah
because she was not been given as Shelah’s, Judah
youngest son, wife. After securing some of Judah’s
possessions as payment, she goes back to her place.
Judah also goes on his way not knowing exactly who he
had slept with. Later, when Tamar is found pregnant out
of wedlock, Judah quickly calls for her execution. And
what did Tamar do? She shows Judah the possessions
that she had collected from him making him realize that
she became pregnant because of him.
Leaders would not hesitate, no matter who it is, to point
out wrong either in conduct or decision. Leaders are not
afraid to expose hypocrisy.
Bibilium.com
5. Miriam: Leaders Look Out for the Helpless
In Exodus 2, when a decree was sent out by the
Pharaoh of Egypt that every newborn Hebrew
male child should be thrown into the Nile,
Miriam helps her baby brother Moses to be
raised in Pharaoh’s household.
Leaders do not side with oppressors. They come
in support of the weak and defenseless. A great
leader shows her honor by the way she treats
other human beings who are less fortunate.
Bibilium.com
6. Deborah: Leaders Inspire their Followers
Deborah is the only woman to have ever led the
Israelite people, and she is known as one of
their noble leaders and judges. In Judges 4,
Deborah selects a general, Barak, to lead the
battle against a Canaanite kingdom which was
cruelly oppressing the Israelites. Deborah
encouraged Barak to mount an assault on the
enemy, assuring him that the victory has
already been given by God to His people.
Great leaders know nothing of negativity. They
are cheerleaders who support, motivate, and
inspire their followers with encouraging words.
Bibilium.com
7. Ruth: Leaders Demonstrate Loyalty
In Ruth 1, Naomi’s husband and two sons die and she
is left with just her daughters-in-law. She encourages
them to return to their home countries. One of
them, Orpah, reluctantly obliges, but the other–
Ruth–refuses to leave her and says one of the most
heart warming dialogues in the Bible, “Don’t urge me
to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go
I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people
will be my people and your God my God.”
Leaders show the same kind of loyalty to the people
who have helped shape their careers or lives. They
do not forsake their mentors, coaches, or managers,
who are in need of them.
Bibilium.com
8. Esther: Leaders Have the Courage to Face Kings
Esther, an Israelite, is taken as one of the wives of
Xerxes the Great, king of the Persians and the Medes.
Haman, a high official appointed by the king, seeks to
annihilate the Israelites. When the Queen finds out
Haman’s plot, she calls for a fasting and musters
enough courage to approach the king, knowing that
she might be killed, according to the law, if the king
does not accept her. She succeeds in calling out
Haman for his treachery. (Esther 7)
Leaders see no one as too important to talk to. They
see nothing as too daunting to face. They can
approach anyone and anything with confidence
when they need to serve their people although it
may mean sticking out their own necks on the line.
Bibilium.com
9. Mary of Nazareth: Leaders Embrace New and Great
Opportunities
When Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she
will be giving birth to the Son of God who had
been prophesied long ago by Israel’s prophets, she
willingly accepts the responsibility (Luke 1). “Be it
unto me according to thy word” were the words
uttered by Mary in response to the angel who
delivered the good news.
Leaders approach new opportunities with
willingness and enthusiasm. They know that when
there is a great opportunity, especially when it is
there to succeed in, they would immediately take
it. Leaders take on the opportunities that present
themselves.
Bibilium.com
10. Mary Magdalene: Leaders are the First to Know
Mary Magdalene was one of the closest
followers of Jesus Christ during His time on
earth. When Jesus had risen from the dead
(Luke 24), she was among the first to have seen
the empty tomb. It was through her and others
with her that the 11 disciples and the other
followers of Jesus found out that He had risen.
Leaders are experts in their field. They are the
first to know about the important things and
they pass them on to their people. They are
eager students and great seekers of knowledge.
They strive to learn all they can, so that they are
better equipped to share with their followers.
Bibilium.com
11. Mary, Sister of Martha: Leaders are not too Busy
for What is Important
When Jesus visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10),
Martha busies herself with household chores while
Mary sits at the feet of Jesus to listen to what He
says. When Martha complains to Jesus that she is
doing all the work and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help
her. Jesus replies, “you are worried and upset about
many things, but few things are needed—or indeed
only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will
not be taken away from her.” The point is Martha
busied herself with trivial matters, while Mary sought
after what was most important.
Leaders know how and when to prioritize. They do
not let themselves get bogged down with the little
things. They stay focused on the important things in
life.
Bibilium.com
12. Priscilla: Leaders Handle with Tact
When a learned man, Apollos, was speaking
about Jesus (Acts 18), Priscilla along with her
husband, Aquila, invite Apollos home and
“explain to him the way of God more
adequately.” Instead of interrupting his
message and subjecting him to embarrassment,
they tactfully take him aside and teach him in
private.
Leaders do not call out their people and put
them on the spot. They do not want their
people to be disturbed or interrupted in front of
others. As leaders want them to improve, they
always provide feedback in private.
Bibilium.com
13. Lois: Leaders Look Generations into the Future
Lois is the grandmother of Timothy, a pupil of Paul,
who becomes a preacher in the New Testament (2
Timothy 1). Timothy, whose father was Greek, was
exposed to much secular influence but, because of
Lois’ instruction, he was able to come to know of the
Christian faith. The point here is Lois was not only
concerned with the here and now but also about her
future generations. Timothy would not be who he
was were it not for Lois.
Leaders have the same vision. They see a world that
they are leaving behind, not only the one they are
living in. Leaders make choices to develop more
prosperous future generations after they are gone.
Bibilium.com
14. Thank You!
Bibilium.com
Visit us at bibilium.com, a
Wholesome Christian Blog that
caters to the need of every
member of the family. Spread
the Love and Share the Joy.
Celebrate the amazing goodness
of God in your lives.