Two women huddled together after receiving the king of Egypt’s command to kill all the Hebrew boys as soon as they were born. Risking their own lives, Shiphrah and Puah delivered the babies anyway, lied to the king, and let the new generation of God’s people live.
If you’ve never heard of Shiphrah and Puah, don’t worry; you’re not alone. They were two midwives. Friends too, I imagine. Ordinary women like you and me. But a slice of their story is recorded in the Greatest Story because of the way they trusted God together and acted in faith.
Their courage made all the difference.
This is what I can’t get out of my head as I think about this new year, as I think about (in)courage. What if living as women of courage is what makes all the difference? What if there is something at stake, something that might be gained or lost by our willingness to lean into God’s plan no matter the cost?
Last year when I stepped into the role of community manager, we pressed our ear to the Lord and heard Him calling us into a new season for (in)courage. The vision that emerged has been stirring a fire in my bones all over again.
This is our vision statement: We will be empowered by the strength Jesus gives to be women of courage and live out our calling as God’s daughters.
Friends, this is our year to lean into our call to courage!
Like Shiphrah and Puah, we are ordinary women with an extraordinary opportunity to make this one life we’ve been given count. Not that we’re striving for some big moment, but we’re faithfully striding (or stumbling) along, day by day, minute by minute, in step with Jesus so that when He asks us to go, move, leap, we will have the courage to do so. We will have courage because we know His voice and trust His heart.
If we want to walk in cadence with Christ, if we want God’s Spirit to fill us and His strength to empower us, something is required of us. I’m seeing with fresh eyes that the answer is courage. When push comes to shove and we have to make the hard call, when our faith is on the line and we have to believe God’s promises or not, what will we do? Who will we be? I can only hope we resemble our sisters Shiphrah and Puah.
We’re ten years into the history of (in)courage, but in so many ways I feel like we’re just at the beginning of the story God is writing.
Just this week I was reading in Matthew 9 about the woman who suffered from bleeding for twelve years. I knew the story well . . . so I thought. I knew that she pushed through a crowd and reached out her hand to touch but the hem of Jesus’ garment. I knew she was healed. But I didn’t recall the first thing Jesus said to her.
Jesus turned and saw her, “Have courage, daughter,” he said. “Your faith has saved you.”
Matthew 9:22 (CSB)
Have courage.
Her disease was gone! Her chronic suffering was over. What did she need courage for now?
Maybe Jesus meant, Have courage and know that I am who I say I am, I see you, and I am for you. Maybe He knew it would take courage for her to proclaim God’s work in her life in the face of skeptics and doubters. Maybe “have courage” was the banner He wanted her to walk out the rest of her days under. Let your saving faith in the one true, almighty, powerful God empower you with courage, daughter!
Maybe Jesus’ words to an ordinary woman with a history of hardships and hurts are exactly His words for us today. Have courage.
We’re declaring 2019 our Women of Courage year!
On the best days, the worst days, on the in-between, ordinary days, this is our resolve:
We will be empowered by the strength Jesus gives to be women of courage and live out our calling as God’s daughters.
Will you join us?
We have a whole lot of hunches, emerging dreams, and unfolding plans about what this call to courage could mean for our community. We’re going to keep pressing our ear to the Lord and take it one step at a time in the direction He leads. But we can’t go on this journey without you. We need to know what you want, need, like, and see!
Truly, truly, we want to know what you think! YOU, the women who pull up your chairs to this (in)courage table. We want to know how this resonates with you and how we can serve you better.
We’ve put together an (in)courage Community Survey to make it easy for you to tell us!
We’d be so grateful if you took five minutes to give us your honest feedback. As a thank you, every person who completes the survey by February 11 will be entered into a drawing for a $200 DaySpring.com shopping spree! We’ll be choosing FIVE winners!! For real!
Click here to fill out the survey and be entered to win.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Tell me: What stirs in your heart when you think of “Women of Courage”?
Join us as we read through the (in)courage Devotional Bible and meet many women of courage — together. It’s FREE to sign up, but don’t delay — we start February 1st! Sign up here.
What if living as women of courage is what makes all the difference? @beckykeife asks, today at @incourage: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Becky,
I used to think that “courage” was something I mustered up from somewhere within me (my toes perhaps?). The longer I go about life on this earth, the more I realize that the battle belongs to the Lord. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14). True courage, for me, comes from utter reliance and dependence upon the Lord. It is Christ in me that makes me courageous. All I need to “do” is be still and be a willing and available vessel through which He can work and enable me to be brave. Courage is truly a faith issue….now on to the survey. LOVE the pic 🙂
Blessings,
Bev xx
ps. Speaking of women with “blood” issues. I suffer with anemia (deficiency of red blood cells). After more blood work, they discovered I have a blood disorder called BTM or beta thalassemia minor, which basically means that my red blood cells are much smaller than they are supposed to be. Together, the two aspects of anemia leave me exhausted and severely fatigued because my blood is not getting energy producing oxygen to my body. Praying that, I too, can “touch the garment of Jesus” and be healed. Prayers welcomed….
Yes, courage is truly a faith issue. I love that, and have learned it to be true myself. As for your health challenges, Bev, I am praying for you this morning, that God would heal and provide extraordinary energy in and through you!
Michele,
Thank you….that is my exact prayer!!
Bev xo
Bev,
I am deeply sorry that you this added on to your current health issues. I sincerely hope and pray that this will pass, and that your energy will be restored.
Sending love and blessings to you,
Penny
Penny,
Yes, life has been handing me a lot of lemons lately, so I’m asking God to enable me to squeeze out the lemonade. Thank you for your friendship and prayers!
Bev xo
Bev,
So sorry to hear of another health issue you must deal with. Praying you can get healing soon. May God help you have a healthier 2019 than past years & no more surgeries. Lifting you & your family up to God.
Blessings 🙂
Beth,
Amen to no more surgeries. I think my body is just saying “Enough!!” to all the ones I’ve been through….thank you for your love and prayers!
Bev xo
Praying, Bev.
Thanks Michele!! Sorry I haven’t been able to get over to “your place” to read….
Bev xo
No need to apologize. We meet here almost daily! Give yourself plenty of grace, Bev.
“True courage, for me, comes from utter reliance and dependence upon the Lord.” Yes! This exactly. And we see you live this out, Bev! I’m joining my sisters before me in praying for your healing this morning. Asking God to give you courage in the waiting. I’m so sorry for your suffering. Much love to you.
Thanks for your prayers Becky! Yes, courage in the waiting…much needed!
Bev xo
Bev, I have been wondering if you are ok because you have not posted recently. Glad they found your problem & hopefully they get it solved..maybe B12 would be a big help. Claiming this as your only health issue for this year! Blessings dear one.
Frances,
Thank you so much for your concern and prayers. Oh, yes, I take a Super B Complex supplement along with a whole host of others….most of all I think my body needs some true REST. That is my goal – to practice the discipline of Rest. Don’t be alarmed if I don’t post for several days next week….hoping to go away for a few days with my sweet hubby who has been a saint through all my “stuff”.
Love and ((hugs)),
Bev xo
Bev, I’m sorry you’re dealing with this and I hope you’re able to get the rest you need.
Oh, dear Bev. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear you’re facing the blood disorder and anemia. I join the others lifting you in prayer to our blessed Lord the Healer. You’re such a reliable, consistent, encouraging member of the (in)courage family. May the Lord keep and heal you as only He can. Blessings as you “be still” while He does the heavy lifting! With peace and love, Patricia
Beautifully said, Bev. Courage is taking steps in faith after asking God to use me today however He leads. I too have severe energy and strength issues- I was diagnosed years ago with Epstein-Barr, which is from the herpes virus. It never goes away and saps my energy most days. I am so very sorry for your condition- sounds way worse than mine, but don’t these “crosses” force us to rely on our Lord daily for His strength in a physical way to do what He enables us to do. If I can’t do something on that day, I must wait/rest in the Lord.
( I take lots of vitamin D, E and Magnesium daily.)
Praying for you.
Blessed by your encouraging words and testimony of the kind of courage and strength that only comes from the Lord. Much love to you today, Elizabeth.
I love Shiprah and Puah, and their courage, which was, I imagine, very matter-of-fact. They did what needed to be done for the time in which they lived, and God honored and protected them. My own calling seems very small and safe by comparison, so I want to live them well.
I imagine Shiprah and Puah felt their roles were small as well. They couldn’t have imagined that a group of online women would be chatting about them behind their backs thousands of years later. And yet, here we are! All that to say, Michele, your unique story and offerings matter more than you know. God is using you, exactly where you are. Be strong and courageous, sister. We’re with you!
And I’m so grateful!
Michele, I’m echoing the words of Michele. 🙂 (Love that you two Michele’s even have the same spelling of your name!) You are both women of courage in my book! God is the One with the big story — what a gift that He invites us to be a part. I’m here with you both trusting Him to make eternally much of the little we bring. xx
Becky,
I had heard of some midwives letting babies live-just didn’t know their names. Webster’s defines courage as: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Synonyms are tenacity, mean/moral strength to resist opposition. That is exactly what those women did. They mustered their courage in face of adversity & did what they thought was right. God always honors us when we follow & obey Him. Most people think they have a minute or average calling on their lives. They don’t think they need the courage for something as big as Shiphrah, Puah and Esther. God is the one who ordains our calling. It may seem trite to us, but all we must do is obey God & follow His leading. We can plant the seeds & watch them grow. Everyone just keep on keeping on-follow Jesus & obey His commands. Who knows what He has in store for us inn 2019? I am already on an adventure. I lost a job & God has seen fit to give me a different & better paying job. Let’s rock our worlds-muster our courage & go head strong into 2019!
Blessings 🙂
Beth, I love the heart and resolve in your words here! I agree, it’s not up to us to label our calling or our obedience big or small, significant or not. Our role is to simply love God and live in obedience to Him! The fruit of our faithfulness and His is up to Him! Praising God with you today for His provision of a new job and all the ways He’s going to call you into courage this year.
My bible reading today was James 1:2-4. “…let endurance have it’s perfect result.” Endurance through trials leads to deeper faith in God, the perfect result. So when I think of women of courage, I think of women who lean into God through their trials and challenges, growing deeper in faith and living out their identity in Christ.
Beautifully said, Lynn!
Becky,
Thank-you so much for sharing this touching post……….
When I received the news that I was expecting despite having an illness I was told prevented me from it, it came as a shock, and a surprise. Then the dreaded question,”Due to your age, what would you like to do? Your chances of this and this happening are……” My mind heard what the Dr. said, but my heart told me otherwise. Thank God I listened to it, and was not only blessed with a wonderful little boy, but also rid of that constant pain. The choice I made thirteen years ago was the easy part; and although what has followed hasn’t always been, I am ever so grateful to the Lord.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Penny, grateful to hear this testimony of God’s goodness in your life today. xx
Courage! Such a strong word! It’s walking through hard things with faith. It’s a word that defines me today because last year was very hard for me. As a survivor of domestic violence, it took courage for me to say: NO MORE! to the violence in my life and it’s courage that propels me forward to begin again with a fresh and new start in 2019.
This is one of the reasons why I love my (in)courage Devotional Bible. The stories of the women inside carry me on wings of their courage. My sisters of yesterday and my sisters of today, inspire me on my hard days.
How thankful I am for God’s Word and the (in) courage community. It’s an honor to be among women of courage. May God our Father continue to bless this ministry! ❤
Oh, Beloved. Wish I could reach through this screen and give you a hug. I’m so sorry for the ways you’ve suffered and yet so proud of you for walking with courage into a year of hope, healing, and intimacy with Jesus. Thank you for being here and being you. You are a woman of courage!
The woman with the issue of blood. Oh to have her faith! To push through the crowd. To dare to touch just the hem of Jesus. To see him turn and wonder, in that split second, if she would be rebuked. But not Jesus. He was there to offer hope. “Have courage daughter,” He said. Have courage when you are scared. Have courage to keep pressing through the problem. Have courage to come to me with your pain. Have courage and KNOW that your faith does not go unnoticed by me. Her story gives us what we need to remember. That all can come into the presence of Jesus. That all are welcome. That He is honored by our faith. How BLESSED are we with a Savior like that!!!
Beautifully said, Colleen!
Blessings, dear Becky. Thank you so much for this urgently wonderful post. It calls us deeply and powerfully onto the courageous path taken by of Shiprah and Puah. I’m excited that the Bible names them — and that you pointed us to them today. May we each pick up their mantle and walk boldly into our calling in Christ. Thank you for leading the way! With love and thanks to you! Patricia
Grateful for you too, Patricia. Thank you for walking this out with us. xx
Perseverance is courage as I age. My head cannot comprehend that I am 68 but my body confirms the chronology on a daily basis. I can’t do some of what I used to do. Arthritis and creaky bones walk with me. So I seek courage to redefine what following Jesus looks like today.
My dear sister Cathi… I too struggle to accept and redefine what my role is, now that my body or my strength aren’t what they used to be, and that people don’t seem to need me as much as they once did. We need courage resist the lie we hear in our head that we aren’t of use to anyone, and seek with expectation for the Father’s new role that He’s prepared for us. Yes, it takes courage and daily perseverance but it’s kind of exciting too, discovering new people and places that need us. Thanking God that with Him it’s not over till it’s over! You are a valuable resource to our Lord and He loves to accept whatever you can offer and be assured He will use it for kingdom glory! Praying for you in your seeking
We are walking each other Home. ⚓
Cathi and Holly, so grateful for your voices of courage in this community. Thank you for being here and sharing your hearts. xx
I love reading through all the posts listed in this group! Our Abba Father smiles to see us gather and gain strength as we wait for Jesus. Regardless of our current circumstances, we are never alone and always better together. ⚓
Courage is going in everyday and teaching high school students that come from all backgrounds and whom all have their own stories. My classes are large and the job is difficult but courage is taking time to know each student and recognizing that each one has their own story and way to navigate the world.
Sarah, picture me giving you a standing ovation right now! What important work you’re doing. One of my dearest friends also teaches high school and I hear a similar battle cry from her and need for courage. Keep on keepin’ on, sister. I can only imagine how your love is making a lasting imprint on the hearts of your students.