I like to think of courage as fear that has said its prayers. It’s moving forward when it’s hard, knowing there is something worth fighting for on the other side of the tough place you’re in.
We find incredible examples of courage all throughout Scripture, but one of my favorite examples is not one specific story. It’s a collection of four women’s stories. We find their names in Matthew 1, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
It’s important to note women were not typically listed in genealogies back then, but these four were. Each had a messy background, but each also pressed forward in the face of fear. Because of their courage to continue, God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled through their family line. What an honor to be in the genealogy of Jesus!
Every one of these four women demonstrated a different type of courage. If we’ll learn from them, then we too can see God work in our lives in incredible ways.
One woman mentioned—Tamar—demonstrated courage to fight for the future. You can read her story in Genesis 38. Though I don’t recommend how she fought for the legacy of her family, I admire that she did. When we courageously hold on to our promises from God, they will be realized, just like Tamar!
In Joshua 2 & 6, you can read about Rahab, who was also mentioned in the genealogy. She demonstrated courage to act in faith, and it saved her family. Our faith, too, is shown by action. Don’t underestimate what your witness can mean to your world!
Ruth is also mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus, and we can read her story in her very own book, the Book of Ruth. Ruth demonstrated the courage to follow. Amid despair, she chose a godly mentor and clung to her, learning everything she could. In the same way, we all need the courage to look to and learn from others so that we can become all God wants us to become.
The fourth woman in the genealogy is Bathsheba, though in it, she is called “Uriah’s wife.” You can read her story in 2 Samuel 11-12. Bathsheba is the woman King David had an affair with. Now, in Bathsheba’s defense, many scholars believe because she was summoned by a king, she didn’t have control over the matter. She likely was dragged into the mess, and what a mess it was! Bathsheba conceived a child from the affair, and when King David found out, he had her husband killed.
Thankfully, our God wastes nothing. Bathsheba demonstrated courage to turn her pain into purpose, and because of this, she too ended up in the lineage of the Savior of the World.
Friend, I pray the genealogy of Christ gives you great hope today. I pray it encourages you that despite any negatives in your past, you can experience a blessed future. God created you a victor, not a victim. So embrace courage, and watch where He takes you!
