As I deconstructed Mark Batterson's book "Chase The Lion," I stumbled upon a fascinating revelation. In the Bible, there are four women who are hailed as THE MOST BEAUTIFUL women in its history. These women are Sarai, Abigail, Esther, and Rahab. Being a makeup artist, I couldn't help but wonder - what did they look like? Unfortunately, the lack of Google back then meant I couldn't search for a visual reference. So, I turned to their stories in the Bible for insight.
To save time, I'll give a brief summary of their tales, though I urge you to explore them in detail at your leisure. Each woman's journey is truly transformative. Sarai, the matriarch and wife of Abraham. Abigail, King David's first wife and a queen. Esther, a young Jewish woman who rose to become a Queen. And lastly, Rahab, a prostitute who sheltered two Israelite men while they scouted the promised land, and through her Jesus was born.
Initially, I pondered, "What do three royal women and a prostitute share in common?" How did Rahab, a prostitute, earn her place among the four most beautiful women in the Bible? It was then that I heard God's voice whisper, "your today isn't your tomorrow." He also assured me that he is the author of my story, and as long as I allow him to lead me, I too can impact future generations. Though their stories varied greatly, these women shared a deep fear and love for God, willingly following his guidance even at great personal risk.
In my imagination, I envisioned these women conversing, sharing stories, insecurities, and struggles. Rahab resonated with me the most, seemingly the underdog among the four. Despite her scarlet letter and infamous reputation, she stands alongside royalty as one of the most beautiful women in the Bible. I can almost hear her wonder, "How did I get here?" And once more, God's voice reassures me that he can redeem, restore, and rewrite my story if I trust in him.
If you've been feeling low, comparing yourself to others in various roles, and feeling discontent, remember - your story is unique, and God is the author. Your current circumstances do not limit God's ability to redeem and transform your tomorrow. All it takes is listening to God and acting on his word. Rahab's pivotal moment was when she chose to hide the Israelite men - a simple act that forever altered her story and placed her in Jesus Christ's lineage. What is God speaking to you in your life? What is he asking of you that you hesitate to give?
My prayer for you today is that you heed God's guidance, surrendering whatever is necessary for him to redeem your story. I hope you realize that your today does not define your tomorrow, and just as God redeemed Rahab's story, he can redeem yours too, placing you among royalty and influencers.