WALKING WITH THE GIANTS
Influenced by Godly Women
Acknowledgement I thank my God always for each of all the Significant daughters, of our house. Thank you to each of you for making this happen. To my editors Chuma & Sbo, thank you so much for rising up to the occasion. Chuma, thank you so much for compiling this booklet, the way you have, it is beautiful! Mom loves you all!!!
A WORD OF WELCOME DEAR WOMAN Though we may not have met, I can tell you are a very special woman and that you desire to please the Lord! Why? Because you have chosen to read this booklet. This is a very special book, written by over 30 different women, about different godly women. To top it up, it was written during Lockdown! Enough said, please read and be blessed. Share with a friend, a sister, please don’t keep it to yourself. Much love,
Ps Nonhlanhla Msibi Christian Family Church, Pretoria East
Contributors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Bathsheba Tumi Chloe Chuma Deborah Dorcas Elizabeth Busi Eunice Edith Gomer Pastor N Hagar Hope Hannah Hloni Iscah Irene Jochebed Nokuthula Lydia Pastor L Mary Magdalene Goitse Mary of Bethany Moh Mary, mother of Jesus Malebo Miriam Pastor N Naomi Nozi, Nana
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Orpah Olivia Peninnah Pontsho Phoebe Potia Priscilla Priscilla Queen Esther Elelwani Rachel Ruby Rahab Rejoice Ruth Refilwe The Samaritan Woman Sbo Sarah/ Sarai Sijabulile Shiphrah Wendy Shunammite Woman Vongani Tabitha Tsholo R Tamar Thuli Zipporah Gcina
Bathsheba Scripture readings: 2 Samuel 11 and 12; 1 Kings 1 and 2
Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. One day, King David stayed home instead of going to war with his army. While at home, he saw Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop and desired her. This eventually led to Uriah getting killed at war, and Bathsheba becoming King David’s wife. Bathsheba endured much suffering in the death of her husband and first child. However, she persevered and bore the king a powerful heir in Solomon, and as a result secured a place in the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. King Solomon came to be known as the wisest king in the Bible. This can only be attributed to the kind of upbringing he had. Though brought about by unfavourable circumstances, God still used Bathsheba to work out His purpose. No matter how far we have strayed, we can find hope in Jesus.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Tumi – CFC, Pta East
Chloe Scripture Reading:1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Chloe was a leader of a Christian household in Corinth. She realised that church leaders and members were elevating men like Paul, Peter and Apollos instead of Christ, which led to division and strife in the church. Chloe’s household reached out to Paul. They had insight to realise that divisions were occurring in the church, courage to reach out to Paul about it, and wisdom to ask for help from a man of God, an Apostle of Christ. As a result of this courageous act, Paul wrote one of the most critical pieces of scripture: The Body of Christ. Every single one of us has a role to play in the church, to ensure that we do not sow division but be united in the same mind and judgement. Christ is not divided. He paid the price for our salvation. He is the head of the church.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Chuma – CFC, Pta East
Deborah Scripture Reading: Judges 4 and 5
Deborah was a heroine and a prophetess. She formed an army under the command of Barack and together they destroyed the army of Canaanites commander Sisera. It is clear that Deborah was anointed by God as the only female Judge in the Bible. As powerful as she was, she put God first in everything she did. She was quick to praise God and not heap praises on herself in every victory she secured. She led with great courage in battle, and led with great wisdom at home; resulting in people coming from far and wide to listen to her. Let us remember the God we serve in every battle that we face. As we grow in power and influence, let us give praise where it is due, to the almighty God who put us in those places in the first place.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Dorcas – CFC, Pta East
Elizabeth Scripture Reading: Luke 1:5, Luke 1:41-44
A descendant of Aaron, Elizabeth was married to Zacharias, a Priest. She had a son in her old age. God positioned her to be the mother of the great prophet “John the Baptist” who would prepare the way before Jesus Christ. We are positioned for something, we exist for a purpose that God prepared for us to fulfil. Like Elizabeth, the waiting might take long, but it is important to know our WHY and be patient with it. The Word says, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” She mentored and supported Mary the mother of Jesus when she needed to be cared for herself. Let’s keep the Faith and see God fulfil His promises in our lives!
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Busi – CFC, Pta East
Eunice Scripture Reading: Acts 16:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14, 15; 4:5
The commanding feature of the Scriptural record of Eunice and her mother is their religious influence upon Timothy who, from childhood days had known the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-15). These two godly women had trained him up in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). How grateful to God Eunice must have been when Paul chose her much-loved son to be his companion in his evangelistic work! The important feature we glean from the record of Timothy is that of the value of a positive Christian training in the home. We should indeed train up our children in the ways of God. We should prepare them to be men and women after God’s own heart, and make the most of every opportunity to point them to Christ.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Edith – CFC, Pta East
Gomer Scripture Reading: Hosea 1-3 Gomer was married to prophet Hosea. She was a woman so broken and unfaithful that she left Hosea and became the slave of one of her paramours. Commanded by God, Hosea bought her back, paying the price of an ordinary slave for her. What the prophet experienced in his own life was typical of Israel’s unfaithfulness, and of her exile, but also of God’s willingness to take her back. Gomer was a woman to stay away from and a woman to always pray never to become. She is the epitome of unfaithfulness. God is this loving husband. Like the prophet, we are Gomer' s type violating the basic requirements of faithfulness and kindness, not putting Him first, making vows and breaking them. Are you busy spending His resources, gifts on your fleshy desires, and not on Him? God is deeply involved in our lives and is pained when we go our own way.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Pastor Nonhlanhla – CFC, Pta East
Hagar Scripture Reading: Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21 Hagar was an Ancient Egyptian slave girl/maidservant to Abram's wife Sarai. When Sarai could not bear children to Abram, she asked Abraham to sleep with Hagar, and Hagar conceived. Once she knew she was pregnant Hagar began to look down on Sarai, resulting in Sarai mistreating her and causing her to flee. Sarai eventually conceived in her old age and bore Abraham a son, Isaac. Her name was changed to Sarah, mother of nations. Hagar’s fault was to let pride get to her head when she was blessed with pregnancy. However, when she repented, God was with her and protected her and her son, Ishmael. God’s mercy is far beyond how we can comprehend. His promises will never change, even if we try to meddle and make other plans. God was merciful to Ishmael and blessed him as the father of twelve princes and made him a great nation. But more importantly, He blessed Sarah as the mother of nations, in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Hope – CFC, Pta East
Hannah Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1-2
Elkanah had two wives; Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah always provoked Hannah about not being able to bear children and this really troubled her. One day Hannah went up to pray at the temple. She cried so much that Eli, the High Priest thought she was drunk and questioned her. When she explained herself, he blessed her and sent her home. Hannah was known as the barren one but went on to have four sons and two daughters. It doesn’t matter what labels mere mortals can give you, God the immortal one is faithful all the time. When faced with trouble we need to cry to God not people. The world might think you are crazy when you cry to your God, but don’t be moved by what people think, fix your gaze on the Lord, Honour your promise and God will bless you more.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Hloniphile – CFC, Pta East
Iscah Scripture Reading: Genesis 11:27 - 32
Iscah is a daughter of Haran, sister to Lot and niece to Abram. Although she is not mentioned a lot in the Bible, when we read the scripture, the Holy Spirit always reveals the meaning in our lives. In this case, the Holy Spirit inspired a theme of family. We all belong to a family and we all have a family history. From Iscah's life, we learn that God cares about families. In families, each person has a role to play. What is our purpose in our families? Let the love of God in us be what encourages our families to hunger for this God that we serve. Especially in these times, let us check up on our families wherever they may be. You may never know what that message/ phone call could mean to someone.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Irene – CFC, Pta East
Jochebed Scripture Reading: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 6:20, Numbers 26:59, Acts 7:20 and Hebrews 11:23 Jochebed is the mother of Moses, born in the house of Levi. She defied the Pharaoh’s order that every male Hebrew child be killed when her son, Moses was born. She hid him for three months, then placed him in the Nile River, where he was found by Pharaoh's daughter. Jochebed ended up being her child’s wet nurse in Pharaoh's palace until he was about 7 years of age. And she got paid by Pharaoh’s daughter to take care of her own son. Jochebed had a number of noteworthy attributes. Intelligent - she built a water proof basket to put Moses in the river; Courageous - she defied the pharaoh’s decree; Sacrificial - she gave her son away for she would rather have him live than have him with her and killed; Faith-filled and blessed - she saw that Moses was a good/ beautiful/ special child when he was born. Do we take the time see the good in what God has blessed us with?
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Nokuthula – CFC, Pta East
Lydia Scripture Reading: Acts 16:11-15
When Paul was in Philippi on a Sabbath, he went out to the river looking for a place to worship. He found women there. One of the women stands out. Her name is Lydia from Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited Paul and the disciples to her home. This lady was a sure influencer. She was a business woman of note. She was well-known for her profession, the quality of her work, and as a worshipper of God. From this beautiful lady we learn good leadership with humility. Leadership in business. Leadership at home. Leadership in ministry. A woman of excellence. What are we known for in the business world? What character trait stands out when we are in the business world?
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Pastor Lindiwe – CFC, Pta East
Mary Magdalene Scripture Reading: Mt 27:55-61 ;28:1-11, Lk 8:1-3; 24:1-12, Jn 20:1-2;10-18, Mk 15:40-47; 16:1-11
Mary was from the town of Magdala in Galilee, a woman that followed Jesus during His time in Galilee. She remained devoted to Jesus and followed Him right until His crucifixion. Together with other women, she supported Jesus’ ministry out of her own means. We learn that she was amongst the first to hear of Jesus’ resurrection from the angel that appeared in the tomb, and was the first to see and speak to Jesus Christ after His resurrection. What an honour and privilege! Mary teaches us to be devoted followers of Jesus. To spread the Gospel of Christ regardless of being doubted. To support the ministry through our means, be it financial or whatever talents we have been blessed with.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Goitsemang – CFC, Pta East
Mary of Bethany Scripture Reading: John 11, John 12: 1-8, Luke 10 : 38-42
Mary lived in Bethany with her sister Martha and brother Lazarus. She was a worshipper, every chance she got to be with Jesus she worshipped him: she fell at Jesus’ feet, she anointed Jesus’ feet, she sat at Jesus’ feet. Worship means to honour someone of importance. Mary knew this. Martha on the other hand got worried and upset when Mary did not help her in the house. But Mary was exactly at the right place, at Jesus’ feet. Her cries when Lazarus died, deeply moved Jesus – resulting in the shortest verse in the Bible: Jesus wept (John 11:35). And Lazarus was raised from the dead. May we learn to worship at Jesus’ feet, and know that nothing, not even death, is beyond the power of our Lord.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Moh – CFC, Pta East
Mary, Mother of Jesus Scripture Reading: John 19:25 Luke 1:27-28, 46. Luke 2:7. Acts 1:14-15 Luke 1:31 Mary, also known as the Virgin Mary, was a young woman engaged to be married to Joseph. She accepted God's calling when she was told by the Angel she would conceive and give birth to a son and named him Jesus - the Son of the Most High. Mary was a very strong woman of God, she experienced difficulty and gave birth in a manger, she endured seeing her Son on the Cross, but she understood the plan of the Lord and trusted in God. She was amongst the 120 believers in the upper room to receive the Holy Spirit.
We learn from Mary to believe and trust the word of God. Be ready and available to be used by God at all times. Your background does not determine your position with God. Rich or poor, when you are called to serve God, rejoice because you have found favour in the Lord and that is a blessing.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Malebo– CFC, Pta East
Miriam Scripture Reading: Exodus 2:1-8, Exodus 15:19-21, 1 Chronicles 6:3, Numbers 12:1-2 Miriam was Moses and Aaron's big sister. She looked after baby Moses in Pharaoh’s palace, and even organised for their mother to be Moses’ wet nurse. Very smart indeed! She led next to Moses and Aaron in the establishment of the new nation. And as a Prophetess, she led the celebration that followed Israel's victory over Egypt at the Red sea. Power in the house. However, she got jealous of how Moses was mightily used by God, and God punished her with leprosy. May we be content with what God has blessed us with, whilst praying for more. Our God is a loving Father. When Moses prayed for Miriam, God healed her. Let us celebrate and be happy for others. Let us not miss our destiny when we are almost there because we are distracted with success of others.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Pastor Nonhlanhla – CFC, Pta East
Naomi Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:1-22 Naomi was an Israelite woman whose family moved to Moab from Bethlehem during a famine. After ten years while in Moab, Naomi’s husband and sons had died, leaving her without grandchildren or an inheritance. Hearing that famine was over Naomi decided to return home to Bethlehem. Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law, came along with her. This is a reminder that loss may be hard and depressing but the LORD restores NO MATTER WHAT. ALL THINGS work together for our good ALWAYS! Many times, while dealing with grief we can feel lost or forgotten. Naomi knew all too well how that felt. But God, in His mercy, providentially preserved Naomi, guided her back to her homeland and people, provided Ruth to care for her physically and spiritually. As we pour out ourselves to others, God fills us up abundantly.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sisters Nana and Nozi – CFC, Pta East
Orpah Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:4-14
Orpah and Ruth were Moabite women married to Naomi’s sons. After their husbands died, Naomi desired to return to her own country, Bethlehem. She tried to convince her daughters in law to stay in Moab, but Ruth insisted on going with her, while Orpah eventually decided to go back to her own people. What happened to Orpah is what we find happening to many great people throughout history. We all have potential for greatness if we remain committed to our calling. Orpah unfortunately went back to her people and her gods when the going got tough. Ruth, through her commitment, achieved a lifetime of greatness in Bethlehem, in the lineage of David and Jesus.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Olivia – CFC, Pta East
Peninnah Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1 vs 1-19 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. He favoured Hannah more, even though Peninnah had children and Hannah didn’t. Faced with the difficulty of living in the shadow of another woman, Peninnah was incited with jealousy on Hannah. She "mocked” Hannah every day, provoking her until she cried, reminding her of her failure to bear children. This drove Hannah to pray even harder to God and thanks to Peninnah, Hannah’s prayer was answered, and she gave birth to a great prophet Samuel. There may be someone close to us who is suffering. We can choose to be a Peninnah in that person’s life – full of jealousy, envy and bitterness. And because of that God will bless the other person and not us. Or we can choose to be a better person by appreciating what we have, while praying for others. We can be gracious to others, stand in the gap and Pray for God to heal them.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Pontsho – CFC, Pta East
Phoebe Scripture Reading: Romans 16:1–2
Paul’s reference to Phoebe as “our sister” indicates that she was a member of the Christian church and his sister in Christ. This powerful woman can be described as a patron, deacon, preacher and Apostle of Christ. Paul adds that Phoebe was a helper of many. We learn that Phoebe helped many in her community of Cenchrea. This attests to faith in action because we know that faith without works is dead. In the midst the Coronavirus pandemic, we are surrounded by needy people in our community. How are we helping the less privileged in such a way that someone like Paul can testify my good deeds to the world? Let your works speak for you. Be a positive influence in your community by helping others.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Potia – CFC, Pta East
Priscilla
Scripture Reading: Acts 18:2, Acts 18:18 – 26, Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:19 Priscilla was a Christian woman married to Aquila and they lived in Corinth. She and her husband hosted Paul for about a year and a half. They worked with him, making tents and preaching the gospel in Corinth. They were evangelists and travelled with Paul to Ephesus preaching the gospel of Jesus to the Jews. Paul returned to their home in Ephesus from where he wrote the letter: 1 Corinthians.
Priscilla and her husband impacted people's lives through their teachings. She is known for her hospitality and provided shelter to other people by tent making. She hosted great men of God in her house such as Paul and Apollos. Her offer of a peaceful home made it possible for Paul to go back and write 1 Corinthians from there. How many of us can be generous enough to host a stranger for more than a year?
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Priscilla – CFC, Pta East
Queen Esther Scripture Reading: The Book of Esther Esther was adopted and raised by her older cousin Mordecai, after her parents died. She became Queen in Susa when the king’s wife was disposed. She did not disclose that she was a Jew. This became an issue when Haman, the king’s highest official found out that Modercai was a Jew, as Mordecai had refused to bow down to him. He convinced the king that all Jews should be killed. Through Queen Esther’s actions, the king not only saved all Jewish people, but Mordecai was honoured to second in rank to the king. Queen Esther was a woman of faith and courage. She found her strength in God, praying and fasting for a heavenly response to an earthly situation. God uses ordinary people for His divine purpose. We are chosen for such a time and timing is everything. Esther was chosen for a specific reason. God has a plan for each of us, and we must wait on His direction and His leading.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Elelwani – CFC, Pta East
Rachel Scripture Reading: Genesis 29 – 31 Rachel was the youngest daughter of Laban and wife to Jacob. Jacob had to work for Laban seven years in order to marry Rachel. But when the seven years were over, he was deceived into marrying Rachel’s sister Leah, and Rachel became his second wife. Rachel struggled with infertility and being jealous of her sister, Leah. However, God eventually remembered her and she conceived.
Rachel teaches us about patience and loyalty. We are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us always. Jealously and unhealthy competitions are not fruitful. Instead, remember to always fix your eyes on God. Wait on God for His time is perfect. God is in control.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Ruby – CFC, Pta East
Rahab Scripture Reading: Joshua 2–6, Matthew 1:5-6 Rahab lived in Jericho as a well-known prostitute. When Israel sent two spies to Jericho prior to their conquest of the city, Rahab protected them by hiding them on her roof. She agreed to help them escape, provided that she and her family were spared in the upcoming battle. She was granted her request, and she and her family were saved. She went on to marry Salmon in Israel, and became one of the ancestors of Jesus. Rahab is a great example of how the power of God is able to transform us from our sinful state into who He wants us to be. It was her belief in the sovereignty of the God of Israel that led her to help the spies and to leave behind the world she knew. God can use any person, irrespective of gender, background, etc. to achieve His Heavenly agenda. Let us not be limited by our past, He can still use us.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Teacher Rejoice – CFC, Pta East
Ruth Scripture Reading: The Book of Ruth Loyal, sacrificial and kindness-filled, Ruth was a Moabite woman that stood loyal to her mother in law, Naomi after the loss of her husband. She sacrificed her old life with her family to be with her mother in law Naomi in Bethlehem. She was so loyal she mentioned statements like “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. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried...”
She worked hard in the field to provide for herself and Naomi. She proved to be a woman of integrity with Boaz. Everything she did represented a woman of great character and God honoured her. If you commit your life to God and your calling is firm in Him, there is no limit to what God can do through you.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Refilwe – CFC, Pta East
The Samaritan Woman Scripture Reading: John 4:1-42 This Woman is known for her encounter with Jesus. She was troubled and needed help and hope. Scripture tells us that Jesus spoke to her about the living water that gives Eternal life. When she asked for this water, Jesus revealed the condition of her heart. When you spend time in the Presence of God, He reveals and removes anything that should not be in our hearts. Jesus says the time is coming when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him in this way, in Spirit and in truth. He wants to transform us. We need to be carriers of His presence. Take the time to Worship Him in Spirit and in truth in your home now. Be intimate with Christ: He wants to know you and for you to know Him. May you Encounter Jesus today like never before.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Sibongile – CFC, Pta East
Sarai/ Sarah Scripture Reading: Gen 11:29-31, Gen 12, Gen 16: 1-8, Gen 17:15 Sarah’s story is one of devotion and submission to her husband, Abraham. She agreed to be King Abimelech’s concubine at Abraham’s request. She was barren and asked her maid to sleep with her husband to obtain a child. She had little faith when God promised to make her a Mother of Nations in her old age. But in the end, God was faithful to her and Abraham, and they were blessed with a son, Isaac. God Himself changed her name from Sarai, meaning “Princess” to Sarah, meaning “Mother of Nations.” We learn from Sarah to keep our faith in God, to trust in His promises even when they seem impossible. Though Sarah herself had little faith, her devotion to her husband ensured that God’s promises came true. Our God is not limited by age, time or anything if we cling to His promises.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Sijabulile – CFC, Pta East
Shiphrah Scripture Reading: Exodus 1:15-21 Shiphrah was one of the midwives at the time when the children of Israel were under severe bondage and affliction from the Egyptians. King Pharaoh feared that the Israelites were mighty and numerous, so he commanded the midwives to kill all the male children birthed by the children of Israel. Because the midwives feared God, they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them. They saved the babies , saying to the king, the Hebrew women were vigorous and would give birth before they could assist them.
These midwives teach us to be brave, stand up for what is right, and to fear God more than man. God dealt well with the midwives because of their obedience to Him. God blesses those that fear Him and keep His commandments.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Wendy – CFC, Pta East
Shunammite Woman Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-37 Her name is not mentioned in the Bible, but she is described as a wealthy and well-respected woman of faith. She was of great hospitality to the Prophet Elisha. The Lord took note of this and wanted to reward her with a longforgotten desire of her heart – to have a child of her own. Elisha gave her a prophecy that she will have a son, which she certainly did in a year’s time, even though her husband was old. We learn from this woman is that great faith creates miracles. She completely believed in the resurrection power of God. When her son fell ill and passed, she did not hesitate to call on the man of God, Elisha, trusting fully that with God “Everything is all right” (2 Kings 4:27). And indeed it was, as her son came to life. Let us not be moved or shaken by circumstances but grow in faith, believing fully that with God all is well.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Vongani – CFC, Pta East
Tabitha Scripture Reading: Acts 9: 36-43 Tabitha lived in Joppa. She was charitable and full of good works. She helped the poor and made tunics and garments for the widows. It happened that she fell sick and died. The widows were weeping and saddened by her passing. But they heard that Peter was in town and sent for him. They showed him all the things Tabitha did for them. He put them all out, knelt down to pray and turned to the body and said Tabitha arise. She awoke and he took her by the hand and presented her to the saints who were there together with widows.
Tabitha was a true disciple of Christ and she demonstrated her faith with her good deeds, had good influence in her town, generous giving, showed God's love to everyone around her, used her skills to serve others. Her restoration brought many more souls to Christ.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Tsholo Raphala – CFC, Pta East
Tamar Scripture Reading: Genesis 38:1-30
There are two significant women named Tamar in the Bible. The focus of this study is on the Tamar who bore a son in the genealogical line of Jesus. After Tamar’s first husband died, she was given to her brother-in-law as per custom. This brother-in-law did not want Tamar and also died before she could bear children with him. The next brother in line was too young at the time, so Tamar was sent back home and told to remain a widow until he was old enough to marry her. But rather than waiting indefinitely, Tamar ended up tricking her father-in-law, Judah into sleeping with her by disguising herself as a prostitute. She got pregnant and she gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah.
God could have chosen any woman to be in the lineage of His son, Jesus Christ. Tamar’s appearance in this lineage exemplifies God’s compassionate character. Her story reveals the redemptive and compassionate heart of God. Jesus loves us regardless of our dysfunctional messes. Even in our darkest days, may we never forget that He chose us and chooses us every single day.
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Thuli – CFC, Pta East
Zipporah Scripture Reading: Exodus 2:16-21, Exodus 4.24-26, Exodus 18:2-7 Zipporah was one of the 7 daughters of Jethro, and the wife of Moses. She is seen as decisive, fearless, strong and competent. She saved her husband Moses's life by circumcising her son when Moses did not. Even though she was of Midian origin, she took interest in her husbands’ religion and culture. She moved on Moses’ behalf and did what was seen as man's responsibility, circumcision. In this way, she saved the whole nation of Israel. We learn from Zipporah that as women we do not have to stand by and do nothing because we see something as a man's responsibility. Zipporah understood what her husband was called for, she had discernment of what God wanted, she knew the will of God. She allowed herself to be used by God for His purpose and she fully supported her husband even when the conditions did not favour her. Do we take full interest to know the will of God for those around us and support them?
This is how God used this woman to influence her generation and generations to come.
By Sister Gcina – CFC, Pta East
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED
WALKING WITH THESE GIANTS