Day 09 - The Faith of Zelophehad’s Daughters

 

Tucked away in the book of numbers is an account of the faith of the daughters of Zelophehad. These were women who were about to see the promised land after so many years. What is so remarkable about them, however, is that they approach Moses and ask for a share in the land, even though their father has died (v.4)

Land was not inherited by women in the Old Testament, so this request was astonishing for the time. In fact, I think there is much that we can learn about the life of faith from these women.

They had faith for a portion for themselves

Everyone in Israel was about to enter the promised land. They were all going to receive a new home - one they had waited and prayed for - after so many years. Yet the daughters of Zelophehad were not satisfied with this. They wanted to see the provision of God personally in their lives. I believe great faith begins with a hunger to see God’s miraculous power at work personally in our lives.

They had faith beyond the miracle in front of them

The daughters of Zelophehad were about to step into the promised land and witness a great miracle. They had walked in faith for years and finally, they are about to see it in person. Yet this did not stop them having faith and boldness to ask for something else. Often, we are satisfied when God answers one prayer, but what would our life looked like if we allowed our answered prayer to encourage more bold prayers? And those bold prayers led to even more bold prayers?

Their faith changed future generations

Perhaps we think our faith only makes a difference to us. But because of Zelophehad’s daughters, other women were able to inherit land. And they didn’t have to fight for it, or even have faith for it. They just received it, because others had gone before them and had the boldness to believe for it. Our faith and boldness to pursue what God has for us can shape the generations to come. What we believe for in faith today, can be what the next generation walks in with boldness.

So, what can you boldly ask God for today?

Challenge: Write It Down

What is one step of faith that God is challenging you to take?

FaithCC Blogs