Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30. (NIV)

There are a number of exceptional female role models in God’s Word. They exemplify qualities of character that are pleasing to God. Consider their testimony and how you, like them, can be all that God intended for you to be.

Abigail was an intelligent and beautiful woman who used her wisdom to plan quickly and provide instantly (cf. 1 Samuel 25).

Anna had a special ministry of prayer and, together with fasting, cried all night to the Lord. She was one of the first to be privileged to meet Him (cf. Luke 2:30-38).

Dorcas is known for “always doing good and helping the poor” Acts 9:36-43.

Elizabeth, along with her husband Zechariah ”were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly” Luke 1:6.

Esther was an exceptionally beautiful woman who saved her nation from disaster by bravely intervening on behalf of her people, the Jews (cf. Esther 1-10).

Eve was a woman of unique distinction because she was fashioned out of man to become man’s counterpart and companion. Created by the very hands of God she reflected the divine perfection (cf. Genesis 2; 1 Timothy 2:13).

Hannah was a woman of unblemished character. Piety reigned in her heart. She found refuge in God through prayer (cf. 1 Samuel 1:2-28; 2:1-11).

Joanna supported Jesus by giving liberally and sacrificially out of her own means (cf. Luke 8:3; 23:55-56; 24:1-10).

Jochebed was the devoted and daring mother of Moses who did everything in her power to look after her son (cf. Exodus 2:1-10; Hebrews 11:23).

Lydia was the first convert on European soil and time and again provided necessities for Paul (cf. Acts 16:12-15,40;).

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had her heart right with God and was highly favoured. She was obviously a humble and obedient woman as well as a devoted mother (cf. John 19:25; Acts 1:14).

Mary Magdalene, after being delivered of seven demons became one of the most devoted woman disciples of Him to whom she owed so much. She was reliable, loyal, and loved Jesus to the limit of her capacity (cf. Luke 8:2-3; 23:49,55-56; Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47; John 20:1-2, 10-18).

Mary of Bethany was a devoted scholar and worshipper of Jesus. She showed her love for Jesus by anointing His feet with spikenard, a perfume worth almost a year’s wages (cf. John 11:45; 12:3-7).

Martha is the practical woman who, although remembered for her failure to get her priorities straight, is also remembered for her graciousness and generosity (cf. Luke 10:38-42).

Miriam gave up all prospects for her own life to follow her brother and serve God. She was a prophetess who praised God in song (cf. Exodus 15:20-21).

Rahab placed her faith in God and this, mixed with repentance, became her redemption and reward (cf. Joshua 2:1-3; 6:17-25; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:2).

Sarah, another beautiful woman, remained faithful to her husband and to God throughout her entire life. She became the mother of the Hebrew nation (cf. Genesis 11:29-30; 12:11-20; Romans 9:9; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:6).