Harriet Tubman…heroine of the faith

But be doers of the word, and not  hearers  only, deceiving yourselves   James 1:22 NKJV

During my devotion today, I learned a little bit about Harriet Tubman, who was born a slave, around 1820. Her birth name was Araminta Ross. One of the things about Araminta that truly inspired me was her strong belief that prayer for deliverance from bondage is important, but not enough. Faith must be combined with action – action that stems from abiding in the Lord and following where He leads.

After she courageously set out for freedom, and found it, she, like other former slaves, took a new name – and Harriet Tubman was born. Grateful for her freedom, Harriet still wasn’t content, knowing family and friends were living in bondage.

Rather than simply reveling in her own freedom, she once again heeded the Lord and courageously became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, escorting many into their own freedom.

She was so successful, that slaveowners posted a $40,000 reward for her capture or death! That might give some of us pause, maybe make us decide to lay low and cool it for a bit.

Not Harriet. Fear of death did not deter her, because she was confident in God, whom she knew spoke to her and directed her. She continued in the work she was called to, because she so wanted others to taste freedom.

As I salute Harriet Tubman, and give thanks for the legacy she has left behind, I find myself praying to be more like her. Fearlessly “conducting” others into freedom – freedom from addictions, and hopelessness, and boredom and death. Freedom IN Christ. Freedom into abundance.

Though I know there isn’t the threat of death for me in this particular “conducting”, and my “courage” is nothing like the fierce, active bravery that this amazing woman of God had, I also know there is the risk that others will dislike me or condemn me for speaking of Christ, the true deliverer.

Having tasted the freedom in Him, however, I can’t help but desire the same for you, can’t help but long to be a conductor, an ambassador for Christ, can’t help but talk about Him.

The following is an old blog post, written four years ago but I feel stronger than ever about it. Take a peek. But before you do, here are some questions to reflect on:

Do you take time for stillness with the Lord so He can direct your steps, speak to you of your own calling?

What fears might be holding you back from taking action? What is one SMALL step in that direction you can take today?

Grateful for this abundant life,

Marie