At times, Christian women in business might move from feeling confident to needing support to move ahead in their business.

Finding a faith-based business mentor can be difficult for the Christian businesswoman, and the Bible is often not the first source a professional considers when looking for business advice.

But this timeless source of inspiration, shares stories or brief mentions of over 300 women who, regardless of their age or status in their society, walked with purpose and made significant impacts in their worlds. Their rarely known stories can provide many lessons to utilize in all areas of life, including business.

Here are brief introductions to three Bible women who have a mentoring lesson for Christian businesswomen. Learn how their lives and actions highlight an inspirational lesson to mentor women of today.

1. Deborah: A Leader of Wisdom and Courage.

Deborah was a prophet and the only female judge in the Bible. Her story is found in the Bible book of Judges 4:4-16 in the Old Testament. During her time, the Judges were similar to the president of the nation. This put her in a unique position of power and leadership. Deborah led Israel with wisdom and even led the army into battle, defeating an enemy that threatened the people and territory of the region.

Her story teaches lessons on the importance of stepping up to leadership with courage and wisdom. She provides an early reminder that leadership isn’t confined to certain people and that women possess the skills and insight to guide, lead, and inspire those around them at the top levels in business and other ventures.

Mentor Moment from Deborah: If it’s working for others or leading your own business, draw on your abilities to be a leader in your field. Step up and offer your insights and expertise to guide others as a mentor and leader of a project in your business or other situation. Just as Deborah fearlessly led Israel, you can find the spiritual and practical strength to fearlessly draw on your strengths and expertise to make leadership decisions needed in your ventures.

2. The Canaanite Woman: Faith to Fuel Persistence.

The story of the Canaanite woman is found in Matthew 15:21-18 and Mark 7:24-30 in the New Testament of the Bible. We don’t know her name, we don’t know her background. What we do know is she was a woman who had the relentless faith and persistence to reach a goal. Despite cultural rules, this woman approached Jesus, begging Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Initially, Jesus seemed to ignore, then reject her pleas, but she didn’t give up.

She continued to follow him, continued in faith to ask for healing. She wasn’t going to give up, no matter how long it took. Finally, she got what she asked for, the healing of her daughter.

Her story illustrates the power of not giving up on what you believe in, even when faced with challenges or dismissals.

Mentor Moment from the Canaanite Woman: What is a goal or dream you’ve been hesitant to pursue? To achieve a goal, you have to take the first step, then the next, and keep on stepping until you achieve it. Have unwavering faith like the Canaanite woman to persist despite setbacks or initial obstacles to reach the goal that’s ahead of you.

3. Rahab: Bold Enough to Change Her Life

The story of Rahab is found in the Old Testament in Joshua 2-2, and in the New Testament in Matthew 1:5 and Hebrews 11:21. Rahab lived in the city of Jericho. She lived with her family in a large house located on the wall of the city that served as an inn for visitors and dyed flax ropes on the roof. Some believe Rahab was a prostitute because of having an Inn, however, many Jewish historians only call her an innkeeper.

When two spies from the Israelite army came to Rahab’s establishment to spy on the city of Jericho, the King sent soldiers to capture them. Instead of turning them over, Rahab risked her life to hide them under the flax ropes on the roof of her inn. Her courage and faith later secured her family’s safety when the area was overtaken by the Israelite army. Later, Rahab married a prince of Israel and became a mother in the lineage of Jesus.

Mentor Moment from Rahab: Rahab risked everything for a new life based on her faith in God. It takes courage to make decisions that could put you in harm’s way or compromise some other aspect of your life. But to reach the levels of success that you are destined for it might require that you dare to make courageous decisions to shape your future. Reflect on areas of your life where you desire change and identify one bold step you can take towards that change. Rahab’s story encourages us to make bold choices to change the trajectory of our life, regardless of our past, or how society views us. Rahab lived with a controversial reputation but made a life-altering decision that changed the course of her life. As a result of her actions, she is one of five women the Bible listed in the genealogy of Jesus as well as among those of great faith.

Biblical matriarchs offer powerful lessons in all areas of life. Embrace the opportunity to join the upcoming membership for Christian businesswomen that will feature story of Bible women to inspire your journey to success. Together, we will uplift and empower one another, drawing strength from our shared faith and commitment to making a difference in the professional world.