The Bible offers some insight into how she developed this confidence. In John 8:47, Jesus says, “He who is of God hears the words of God…” But Rahab did more than just hear God’s words. Rahab did something that the Apostle Paul wrote about in first Thessalonians 2:13, “For this reason, we also constantly thank God that when you receive the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

Rahab’s confidence did not come from personal experience with God. God did not visit her and talk to her as He did with Abraham. She did not have a physical “burning bush” experience like Moses, but she heard about Him and believed what she heard. She not only accepted it but believed it, AND it worked in her. Others heard the same stories and were filled with fear, but Rahab responded with faith. 

She teaches us that God can awaken faith in any heart, even in someone with no religious background, no moral record, and no personal history with Him. The Holy Spirit worked in Rahab and helped her respond to the prevenient grace God had instilled in her, so that when she heard the words of God, she was willing to LISTEN, and she believed.

AND because of her faith, Rahab was “blessed” by God in several ways. First, her life was spared when Jericho was destroyed. While the walls fell and the city was judged, Rahab and her family were rescued. Second, Rahab was given a place among God’s people. She was not only rescued but—she was welcomed into the family of Israel. In fact, Joshua 6:25 says that “she has lived in Israel to this day.” This was a woman who had once been an outsider, a Canaanite,  yet she became a part of God’s covenant. Third, Rahab received honor in Scripture. 

The Holy Spirit inspired the author of Joshua to remember Rahab as an example of faith. Think about that for a moment—how God ensured that she would be remembered throughout eternity—for her faith, and the author of Hebrews names her among the heroes of faith. And James praises her for demonstrating her faith through her actions.

Beyond this, God gives Rahab a prominent place in the family line of Jesus. Matthew tells us that Rahab married Salmon and became the mother of Boaz (Matt 1:5). God not only rescued her from destruction, but He also gave her a future, a family, a place among His people, and a role in His redemptive plan for the world.

Rahab’s story reminds us that God’s blessings are often a matter far greater than simple survival. Rahab shows us that we, too, can take the next step in our faith journey. Faith often requires leaving our comfort zone. One reason stepping out in faith is difficult is that we naturally prefer comfort, predictability, and control.

• We like knowing what will happen. 
• We like guarantees. 
• We like certainty.

But faith often requires us to let go of control and trust God instead. We find written in Proverbs, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6).” 

Notice that the verse does not say to trust in the Lord with part of your heart. It says ALL YOUR HEART. 

Jumping ahead about 1400 years, in Matthew 8, Jesus encounters a Roman centurion whose faith amazes Him. The centurion does not demand proof or signs. He simply trusts… that Jesus’ word is enough. What amazed Christ here was not his status or the centurion’s religious heritage—it was his faith that moved before certainty.

And in speaking of this centurion, Jesus says to those around Him, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” When we look at Rahab and the centurion, side by side, we see that both trusted God. They did not ask for signs and wonders, proof of His abilities. Rahab hung a scarlet cord in faith, believing in deliverance she had not yet seen. 

The centurion trusted Christ’s authority before Jesus ever set foot in his home. Their faith was a response to God’s character. This reminds us that faith is not reserved for spiritual elites or those with flawless reputations. Faith often rises in the most unexpected places and situations. We do not walk in faith with Christ with blind emotion or reckless optimism; Our faith is a steady conviction that shapes our hearts and guides our actions.

This is part one of an edited version of a message I presented in church on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Be sure to return next Thursday for part three.

©2026 Clayton Moore | mooreofclayton.com