Harlot to Heroine

I know that the Lord has given Israel this land. Everyone shakes with fear because of you. We know that the Lord your God rules heaven and earth, and we’ve lost our courage and our will to fight.

Joshua 2:9, 11 (CEV)

A prostitute from an enemy country. Not the best credentials for starting a new life. But Rahab made a critical decision to jump on God’s side, and it saved her.

It all happened when God was bringing his people into a land where they could live and worship him in peace. Together,, they would clear out their enemies as they conquered section by section. When they neared the city of Jericho, God’s appointed leader, Joshua, sent spies to explore the place that God had said was so filled with sin it had to be completely destroyed.

But the spies were noticed, and the authorities came looking for them. They ducked into Rahab the harlot’s home, forcing her hand. She knew an all-powerful God was with the invaders, so she risked everything and chose to trust him. She hid them, lied to her authorities, and helped them escape. Because of this, they promised she and her family would be saved.

Rahab’s actions and her faith in a God she didn’t know changed the course of her life. She and her family became God-followers, and she became part of the lineage of Jesus.

People are never too far gone to follow God. He pursues the furthest outcast who desires a new life in him. Sometimes, to live a godly life, we have to go against everyone around us, but faith in God and actions to serve him will be rewarded.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Do you feel too far gone sometimes? Do you ever feel like you’re too sinful to be close to God? Tell God your desires and see how he saves you. Doodle in a journal or some paper any prayers or thoughts that come to your mind and heart as you spend quiet time with the Lord this week.

INSPIRATION

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because he loves us.”

—C.S. Lewis, British author and professor

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Joshua 6:22–23

Psalm 20:7–8

Hebrews 11:31

James 2:24–25