Picture yourself in the middle of a busy day—emails, errands, and endless to-do lists pulling at your attention. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s a quiet longing in your heart for something more, something eternal. What if the greatest treasure you and I could ever seek isn’t success or comfort, but the presence, the Word, and the life-transforming relationship with Jesus?

Three women in Scripture, often overlooked, show us how to pursue God wholeheartedly. In Exodus chapter 11, we will find the story of Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives. They defied Pharaoh’s order to kill male babies, risking their lives out of fear of God. While we may not face such extreme commands today, their example reminds us that standing up for justice and obeying God, even in small ways, can have a powerful impact on His plan and it demonstrates a pursuit of His righteousness. (15 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; 16 and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, and let the boys live. 18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them.” 20 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very mighty. 21 Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. Exodus 1:15-21)

The story of Anna, a prophetess, is found in Luke chapter 2. She devoted herself to prayer and service, worshiping God day and night in the temple. When she saw Jesus, she recognized Him as the Messiah and shared the good news. Anna’s story highlights a life of persistent faith and worship, showing that wholehearted devotion to God is lived out in prayer, service, and in expectation of His promises. (36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38)

As Christians, we can begin pursuing Jesus by first prioritizing prayer as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to pray without ceasing. Prayer is not just a routine; it’s a way of life. Then we can seek God’s Word as spiritual nourishment as Jesus described in Matthew 4:4. God’s word is our tool; it is our lifeline. If you and I desire to pursue Jesus, we must desire the tool that tells us all about Him. (“… ‘It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4). Finally, you and I must serve others. Galatians 5:13 highlights that, as Christians, our freedom in Christ is not meant for selfish gain but for loving service to others, showing that serving one another is a fundamental part of living out the Christian faith because by serving others, you and I draw closer to the heart of Jesus. (“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13)

So, let today be marked as a renewed commitment, a fresh start, like a do-over to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly through prayer, Scripture, and service.