If you could be any character in the Bible, who would it be?
I love asking these kinds of icebreaker questions. I like to watch brows furrow as people mentally page through scripture and ponder.
Many women answer Mary, the mother of Jesus. An extraordinary lady, to be sure, but I’ve never considered her for two reasons:
- I know I wouldn’t have faced so many trials with such grace.
- Mamas aren’t supposed to play favorites with her kids. And seriously — how could Jesus NOT be your favorite child?
So I never furrow or ponder because I know my answer: Deborah the judge.
This amazing lady was the only woman to judge the nation of Israel. She was also a prophetess, entrusted by God to speak His message to His people. But she was remarkable in another way:
Deborah was the kind of woman a field general could invite into battle!
And she agreed to go! IMPRESSIVE, wasn’t she?
I wonder if any of the women in the land compared themselves to her. It seems to be something that we do – look at influential women and admire their work, then feel inferior. We reason:
High-profile women can do great things. (True)
Low-profile women can’t do great things. (False)
In God’s economy, “profile” doesn’t matter, and He proved it with Jael.
All we really know about Jael is that she lived in a tent and swung a mean hammer. We also know she was ready when opportunity came knocking at her door.
When God decided to deliver the enemy of Israel into the hands of a woman,
He didn’t bring Sisera before Deborah’s bench;
He brought him into Jael’s tent.
What a great comfort to all of us low-profile women! I’m relieved that I don’t have to be Oprah or Melinda Gates or Hillary Clinton. Neither do I need to be Beth Moore, Ann Voskamp or CeCe Winans. All I need to be is ME (the faithful version of myself, not the selfish version).
And all you need to be is the faithful version of YOU. And when it’s time for the Lord to provide our opportunity, He’ll do one of two things:
raise us up and lead us to it, or
keep us home and bring it to us.
(Tweet this)
He ordains each of our paths, and as long as we’re obedient where we are, we accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory. And THAT’S the thing that really matters, not how we compare to anyone else.
In the meantime, we should practice our hammering 
Let’s have a little fun today – furrow your brow and think:
Which Bible character (male or female) would you like to have been friends with, and why?
Click to read other posts in the series, Leaving a Godly Legacy.
I love this! I have always been fascinated by Deborah and Jael. What a great lesson to learn from them. Thank you for the reminder to just be me- me serving God. It is all that is required.
So glad you stopped by today, Shannon. Weren’t those women amazing?
You are DEFINITELY a Debra! I would like to be…well, a couple come to mind. Abigail, for her hospitality or Jonathan for his love for his friends! Then again, David DID have the heart of God….and Esther WAS gorgeous…..Darn!!! I can’t pick!!!!
Abigail got to be married to David, which woulda been pretty nice! But Esther is another good one — beautiful, royal, throws good parties, saved her people… yep, she had it goin’ on
Which is why I think YOU could step into her shoes!
I love pondering the women of the Bible. I started thinking about which woman I would like to be like, as soon as you asked the question. I’d have to say Esther, because she was willing to speak up for her people even in the face of death. I also adore Hannah, who gave her blessing to God and trusted Him with him (Samuel). I also love Ruth, who was loyal to her mother-in-law and her God, even when there was nothing left to stay for.
Such a great post, Susan. May we all be ready for the day God calls us to action.
Thanks, Alycia! Esther was such a great example, but I think it’s great that you’d consider Hannah. How hard was it to give up the baby she so desperately longed for? Another amazing woman of faith
Abraham. I’d be Abraham; ‘was called the friend of God’.
Good choice!
So glad that God made YOU just the way you are. Beautiful, stunning, God-fearing, Jesus-loving ((you))…
You’re the best, Jennifer. Thanks for always making me smile
All I need to be is the faithful version of myself…I love that!
What encouragement today. Thank you!
Thank you for allowing God to speak to me through you, Susan… Hugs to you!
Thanks for stopping by, Nikki! Yes — Faithful Susan is way better than Selfish Susan. She’s bratty
You stole my comment! I was going to say that I loved that phrase too! I’m gonna keep it!
I think I would be Ruth. Her very own love story complete with prince charming at the end. I’m a hopeless romantic I suppose.
Selfish Mary Beth is bratty too. And bossy.
Thanks for linking up!
LOL Mary Beth, that makes me think of Angelica from Rugrats! Ohh wow, I sure hope God doesn’t look down and see me looking like her. That’ll drive me to my knees for sure!!
Thanks for stopping by today and giving me a good laugh
Most excellent post, my sweet friend!! And once again, God has us on the same wavelength! I’m reading A Woman God Can Use (new edition) by Alice Mathews. I’m on the chapter about Deborah!! How crazy is that!?! I always love your insight into the Word, love how God speaks through you! You are surely a woman that God is using powerfully!
I think of the women that I relate to…or hope to be more like, just as Sarah did, I’ve often laughed at God’s ideas and taken things into my own hands. I would like to know more about Mrs. Noah. Wow. What faith and commitment it took to stand by her man through some crazy stuff. And yes, I’d be in the area of the ark with the groundhogs.
I love dearly!
LOL Kristi, I can totally see you as Mrs Noah! Yes indeedie, she would’ve been quite a woman to have stood by and helped Noah all those years, especially as he endured so much hardship. I can definitely see you in that role
Thanks for stopping by today. You’re the BEST!
Good word Susan. I really appreciate your thoughts and our need to embrace who God designed us to be.
When we fall into the comparison game it hinders our effectiveness in ministry.
I’m still thinking on the Bible character – that is a great question for sure! I’m going to sit on that one for today.
Love, Hester
Thanks for stopping by today, Hester! You’re so sweet (I see you as a Mary). I can’t wait to see who you come up with
Susan, I loved this post! I’m constantly comparing myself to Nan…I know, I know, I need to stop! As for a Bible person, I’d have to say Mary or Elizabeth! Nan told me once that our relationship was like the relationship Mary and Elizabeth must’ve had-Mary, the younger woman seeking wisdom, and Elizabeth being the spiritual mom she needed. Thanks for this! Love you!
You’re right, Jamie – you can’t compare yourself to Nan! She’s amazing, but so are you! And I love the relationship you two have. It’s very Mary-and-Elizabeth-ish
Love you!
Susan – My heart is “swollen” at the moment b/c this is exactly where my thoughts have been, and so much of what I’ve experienced this summer as I’ve tried (not always with success) to walk in obedience. It’s refreshing to remember that God calls us to be ourselves – not anyone else. I remember a few years ago as I read the biographical sketch of a then up and coming christian author I admire “Wow…if only I’d gotten my act together in my 20s like she had…God could be using me for more right now…” What faulty thinking!
As for biblical character….that’s a hard one. There are so many I admire, and wish I could be more like. God clearly knew what he was doing when he didn’t put me in their shoes. But, I think I’d have to say, just having studied the Israelite journey with a contrast b/t Moses and Joshua, I’d have to say Joshua. He didn’t question. He simply obeyed God and lead the people, not giving a second thought to the poll of popular opinion. I love his strength and courage!
Oh wow, Jeannette – If I had a dollar for every time I’ve had that thought about getting my act together! I’m glad I’m not the only one
But the older I get, the happier I am being “me.”
Joshua was such a great man of God, and I love that he was faithful even though he was probably terrified. Did you notice how many times God told him to “be strong and courageous”? He must’ve had that “deer in the headlights” look, but he pushed past it and obeyed. What a great lesson for us.
Thanks so much for stopping by today
Be Strong and Courageous – I think I lost count of the number of times! LOL! Every one of them is underlined!!
Hi Susan,
I would like to get to know Enoch, to see why he pleased God so much that God raptured him to be with Himself. Well, in eternity, we’ll have the time and the opportunity to get to know all these heroes & heroines of the faith — what a great blessing!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace!
Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace also:
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Love in Him,
Laurie Collett
Thanks, Laurie — I’m now a follower! I haven’t given that much thought to Enoch, but you’re right — he must have been quite a guy! Can’t wait to get to Heaven and visit with everyone. How fun to hear their stories first-hand
Okay, so I wouldn’t mind being Ann Voskamp for a day, but I’m thankful I don’t need to be.
Thanks for the reminder that I need only be the unselfish “me” to be a success in God’s eyes.
My choice for a friend? David. Musician, poet, faithful friend (just ask Jonathan)…and above all, a man after God’s own heart.
It’d be kinda fun to be Ann, except that I’d probably break a camera. And since I’m not a farm girl, I’d probably do something stupid. I think I’ll just stay here in my VA mtns and be happy
Ahh, David. He WOULD be a great friend, and handsome too — I picture him looking like Ryan Lochte
I have a that book “Women of the Bible” but I haven’t really seriously started reading it, thanks for your post reminds me of it
. I would love to be friends with Esther, I am person who thinks of my limitations most of the time and Queen Esther had several big limitations that made her perfect for the role God wanted her to fulfill. She was an orphan adopted by Mordecai; she was a minority, a Jew living in a Persian country; and she was a single woman. And God used all of these things, along with the gifts of her beauty, brains, and personality, to fulfill her destiny. Sometimes what looks like a disaster in our lives is part of a much bigger plan, she inspired me so much not to think of my limitations. Great post Susan and thanks for your visit God bless
Hi Ann! So glad you stopped by today and shared your thoughts about Esther. Wasn’t she a courageous woman? And you’re right – her life wasn’t easy, but she was ready “for such a time.” She’s a great example for all of us.
Susan, since I am embracing a new season in my life…autumn years, I would choose Naomi for two reasons. First reason, I had a grandma Naomi who chose not to let the events of her life make her bitter, a wonderful godly role model for over 50 grandchildren. The second reason, I wrote a bible study once on the book of Ruth. Again, Naomi, though bitter at first from her losses, lived to see her kinsman Redeemer who restored her joy through the birth of grandson…who was in the lineage of our Redeemer, Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thanks for stirring us to be godly women and role models.
Hi Glenda! So glad you stopped by today, and I can see you being a “Naomi.” I’m thankful for the all the ladies “a generation ahead” of me. I’ve learned so much just watching them deal with life issues. I turn 50 soon, so some of those younger gals might be watching ME deal with life. Thanks for the reminder to be a godly role model!
That’s a tough question since there are so many great persons described in Scripture. My top choices would include: Daniel, Peter, and Joseph (Abraham’s son).
Their humanity is seen but it is out-shined by their faithfulness and devotion. They falter, but they get back up and trust in Him.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Dusty. I’d love to have known Daniel, too. So faithful, and I would’ve loved to be sitting with him when he had his “aha” moment. When he figured out that the period of captivity was coming to an end, can you imagine the joy? I’m excited to meet him someday.
I LOVED this post. Such an encouragement to this “low profile” woman! Thank you. And I’ve always had great admiration for Abigail, a woman who was brave, decisive, quick on her feet, and beautiful and wise to boot! She’s my kind of gal!
So glad to see you, Kay! I love Abigail too, and I’m glad God gave her a better husband the second time around
And hurray for all of us “low profile” women! I think we feel like a lot of what we do is hammering at the same old stuff, day in and day out. But I truly believe He sees our faithful hammering, is honored by it, and has a plan. He is good!
Great thoughts today Susan! All he needs us to be is exactly who he created us to be! No one else. That’s a reminder I always need to hear
Thanks, Celeste! I want to be the best “me” I can be, regardless of my profile! So glad you stopped by today
Hmm.. There are SO many Bible characters I would love to have known. An uncommon one would be Priscilla. I think I would probably gain much from her example of serving God with your husband.
Hi Jenni! Thanks for stopping by. Priscilla is a great choice – strong in the Spirit and active in the fellowship. She and Aquila made a great team!
Susan: I’m writing to ask if you’re interested in reviewing on your blog and on Amazon the just-released book, The Mormonizing of America: How the Mormon Religion Became a Dominant Force in Politics, Entertainment, and Pop Culture by New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield (Worthy Publishing, 2012). If so, please contact me: jpetersen AT somersaultgroup DOT com. Thanks! Jonathan Petersen
Thanks, Jonathan. I’ll check it out and get back to you!
Hi Susan…what a great question! I would choose Hannah most of all because, to this day, at 55 years of age, I still have that deep ‘mother’s heart’ for my two brats. Giving them over to God has been a major theme more than once…like so many other Moms out there.
Esther,too, has always intrigued me. Another great woman after God’s heart. Saving her people…she certainly DID “have it goin’ on!”
LOL you chose two good ones, Jillie! Once a mama, always a mama
Thanks for stopping by!
I think I would like to be Mary and sit at Jesus feet and listen to him teach. This was in the past a strength in my relationship with Jesus. Journeling was a means of helping me be more like Mary and having a consistent time to read my Bible and journal what I thought God was telling me. Also, writing helped me turn my concerns over to God
I want re-establish this kind of consistency in my life. Please pray that I do. When we talk together, Susan, ask me what God is teaching me.
Thanks for stopping by, Judy. I can see you as a “Mary” and sitting at His feet. Looking forward to visiting with you soon!
You should chuckle, Susan, even though you hardly know me. YES, Deborah would be a perfect example for me among the women. However, when I am describing myself compared to Bible characters I am “related” to two men. Elijah is one of mine. The reason: when he runs away from Jezebel, afraid he’ll be killed, even after doing all those amazing miraculous events, depression slammed him. Has happened to me so often. The good part? The Lord gave him rest, dropped an angel onto his path to feed, and then stepped in and just touched him with very kind teaching. And, Elijah jumped back into the “serving God” mission that was in his heart.
Then, the other one is Jeremiah. Why? He saw things so clearly and had to tell those around him, and, b/c it didn’t make them happy, they went for his throat. Sometimes Jeremiah was sad, sometimes angry, sometimes stepping intensely forward to speak the Word, willing to take the consequences. A spiritually flexible time of guy. And the last 25-plus years of his life were in Egypt, having been captured by the ungodly and forced. I honestly don’t know when/if that can happen in our present culture. But, Jeremiah was thoroughly sold out to the Lord. I will do that, too.
Sorry if this is too long, but it’s your fault for opening this door for me and letting me yammer and share my heart. Bless you.
LOL I loved reading your thoughts! So glad this post made you think
I love Jeremiah too.
Imagine God calling you to something, and then telling you that you wouldn’t be successful. How hard would THAT be? God commanded him to preach to the people, but then told him they wouldn’t listen! I think it’d be so easy to lose heart. Jeremiah was certainly sad and discouraged, but just like you said – he was sold out and obeyed, willing to take the consequences.
I want to sit near him at the marriage supper of the Lamb
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Joanne!
Maybe we’ll sit next to him together. Sounds like fun to me!!
Great post! So much to think about… I’m not sure who I’d be. Joseph is my favorite character, but I’m not sure I’d want to be Joseph. I guess the character I want to be is Lois- someone fully devoted and able to pass her faith on to her children and grandchildren.
I’m with you, Jennifer. I love Joseph, but he had so many struggles. I love that you chose Lois – what a great legacy!
Thanks for stopping by today!
I love the insight you give on Deborah and Jael. God’s use of each woman was purposed according to who He made each one to be and where he placed her. Okay, so I thought about it, and being the mother of Moses – surrendering your baby and then having God return Him to you to get paid to care for him – WOW! Of course, she had to relinquish him again, but God had already proven how good He was. I’d like to be friends with Martha and Mary. What woman can’t relate to those two?
Thanks, Jeanette! Weren’t Deborah and Jael remarkable? So different, yet God had a plan for each. I love that!
The mother of Moses – yes, another amazing woman of faith! And I’m with you about Mary and Martha. I can relate to both! So glad you stopped by
Hi Susan, I’m new to your blog here (thanks for “introducing” yourself…your blog is quickly becoming one of my favorites!) and am always moved by how you so succinctly take Biblical stories and truths and relay them so eloquently and precisely to women’s hearts. God is certainly using you to reach women…thanks for taking the time to step out to encourage us…
Blessings, Lisa Littlewood
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Lisa! I’m passionate about God’s Word and it’s so exciting when He shows me a fresh application. It’s especially thrilling to uncover it in OT passages.
I’m so glad you stopped by today. I saw your post about praying for your niece, and I’m adding her to my Monday journal.
Hugs and prayers from VA,
Susan
I loved this! I am so glad that “me” is just perfect for God. Thank you for linking up at Leaving A Legacy. I hope you have a great week.
Blessings~
Shari
Thanks for stopping by, Shari – hope your week is fabulous!
Thanks for a most encouraging message: Love these words: “all you need to be is the faithful version of YOU. He ordains each of our paths, and as long as we’re obedient where we are, we accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory.” God Bless!