Women with “Fire”

Paul was blessed to have godly women working with him in ministry.  Here is a list for you to peruse:

Chloe, Priscilla, Phoebe, Mary, Junia, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Mother of Rufus, Julia, Olympas, Euodia, Syntyche, Nympha, Apphia, Claudia (I Cor. 1:11; 16:19; Romans 16:1, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15; Phil. 4:2; Col. 4:15; Philem. 2; 2 Tim. 4:19, 21).

Historically, women have been at the center of prayer groups, bible study groups, church logistics, and revival.  In fact, the very first words of man had to do with a woman, who changed everything.

First Words of Man

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:23).

Adam found his proper mate in Eve, the first woman. Adam had given names to all the creatures and did not find one suitable for him – until Eve.

He said, “She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”  The Hebrew word for man is “ish” (eesh). The Hebrew word for woman is “isha” (ee-shah). It is a Hebraic word play on the feminine form of the Hebrew word for man “ish”.

Adam named all the creatures and had found none among them worthy or resembling of his name, however, Eve deserved to be given a name equivalent to his own.

 The root which “isha” derives from is “ansh” – meaning  fragile and delicacy.  The word “fire” (“ish”) resonates in this beautiful, complex and interesting word for woman (“isha”). Therefore, the word woman means, fragile, delicate, and fire.

History holds witness to these noted qualities of a woman.  Godly women, are adorned with gentle and quiet spirits which is precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4, 5).  But wait. There is that quality of “fire.”

Women who had “fire”

Scripture is replete with women of God who had gentle and quiet spirits, but they had “fire” – a courage beyond measure. Here are a few below:

Shiprah & Puah

Instead of killing the Hebrew children, as ordered by the king of Egypt, they saved them.  These women had “fire” by fearing God and honoring Him by saving human life at the risk of their own lives for disobeying the king (Exodus 1:15 – 22).

Lois & Eunice

Lois was Timothy’s grandma and Eunice was his mom.  They both taught Timothy by word and deed how to live for and to follow God.  They had a profound impact on Timothy at a young age.  In turn he influenced the spread of the gospel throughout the first century facing persecution and hardships.  Within a wicked pagan Roman Empire, these two women had “fire” and were steadfast in their faith, standing against the culture of evil teaching their son and grandson how to live for God (2 Timothy 3:14, 15).

Abigail

Abigail was the wife of a wicked man, Nabal.  He had turned down a request from David’s men for provisions, after they were kind to him.  Abigail knew that David would respond in wrath.  She took provisions to David and pleaded with him not to take revenge upon her husband and household.  Abigail was courageous and took incredible risks by helping David as her husband could have punished her harshly for her actions, and/or David could have punished her by being associated with Nabal. Her “fire” led her to bless others and save her household, and eventually, become David’s wife (1 Samuel 25).

Deborah

Her story is told in both prose (Judges 4) and poetry (Judges 5).  She was a judge, warrior, prophet, poet, songwriter and singer.  God told Deborah to go to Mount Tabor and attack Sisera who was Jabin’s commander of troops.  She contacted Barak, a renowned Israeli warrior, and commanded him to bring 10,000 troops up to the mountain.  Together they were victorious in battle against a more superior army.  Deborah was obedient to God, courageous, and had “fire” in her being.  No matter how difficult the odds were, she stood true to God’s word.

Women with “Fire” shine throughout history!

Shalom and Blessings,

Until He comes, we are

Together Under His Wings,

Dr. Jeff

Time is short, Life is precious, and Jesus is coming soon!