Books

Most of us men tend to look to other men of history when we look for heroes. That’s precisely why I chose to read this book.

After all, in Scripture we see God powerfully using women, and His work through their lives didn’t cease when the canon closed. Michelle DeRusha has put a lot of work into a volume sure to encourage, inspire, and inform each reader. It probably may even frustrate all who read it. That’s because these 50 women all come from different backgrounds and denominations, and no reader will identify with the beliefs of every woman. Some readers may even quibble whether or not some were even saved.

But one trait each woman has unarguably: Passion for God’s work. (I would have loved for the book to include Sarah Edwards.)

Honestly, that’s what most encouraged me about the book. Forget the mystics here who heard Jesus audibly. Overlook for a moment those who sidestepped biblical commands and did what they believed God led them to do. Right or wrong, guided or misguided, these ladies clearly thought they were following God. That causes me to pause and to remember the sure words of Jesus:

I know your deeds . . . that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. (Revelation 2:2–4)

It isn’t enough that we have good deeds and right doctrine. We must also have devotion. 50 Women Every Christian Should Know was a good reminder.