Unveiled: Rahab—Faith in the Shadows
- Kia Palmer
- Sep 20
- 6 min read
Rahab—Faith in the Shadows: The Woman in the Wall
When we open the book of Joshua, the Israelites stand on the edge of their promised land, ready to take the city of Jericho. But Jericho is not just a city of walls and warriors—it’s a city of secrets, shadows, and stories. One of those stories belongs to a woman named Rahab.
Rahab was a prostitute. She lived and worked in a house built into the city wall, a place visited by men from all walks of life. Her profession was not glamorous or respected; it was stigmatized, judged, and often dangerous. In today’s world, Rahab might be found in a club or even starring in a music video or running a provocative social media account. She would be the woman people whispered about, the one many would cross the street to avoid.
Yet, Rahab’s house became the unlikely site of one of the most important acts of faith in the Old Testament.
The Background: Rahab’s Brave Choice
When Joshua sent two spies into Jericho to scout the land, they ended up at Rahab’s house. Maybe it was a convenient place to blend in, or maybe, as God so often does, it was divine appointment. The king’s men came looking for the spies, but Rahab hid them under flax on her roof and sent the pursuers on a wild goose chase.
Why did she risk everything for two strangers? Rahab’s answer is one of the clearest confessions of faith in the Old Testament:
“I know that the Lord has given you this land… for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:9,11)
She had heard the stories—the Red Sea, the victories, the power of Israel’s God. While her city trembled in fear, Rahab believed. She asked for protection for herself and her family, and the spies promised: hang a scarlet cord from your window, and you will be saved.
The Impact of Rahab’s Actions
Rahab’s faith was not just words; it was action. She hid the spies, lied to her own authorities, and made a deal for her family’s safety. When Jericho’s walls fell, Rahab and her household were spared. She left behind her old life and became part of the people of God.
But her story doesn’t end there. Rahab married Salmon, an Israelite, and became the mother of Boaz (who would marry Ruth). Her name appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), one of only a handful of women listed. She is also celebrated in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, and in James 2 as an example of living faith.
Rahab’s legacy is not her profession, but her faith. She is proof that God’s grace is bigger than our labels, our past, or our reputation.
Rahab and Today’s World
Let’s be honest: our world is saturated with sex. Strip clubs, night clubs, swingers clubs, explicit music videos, social media influencers, OnlyFans, hookup apps—the list goes on. It’s easy to look at these places and the people in them and judge, to assume they’re beyond the reach of God’s love.
But Rahab’s story tells us otherwise.
God saw Rahab—not just her profession, but her heart. He saw her belief, her courage, her willingness to risk everything for a God she barely knew. Rahab reminds us that faith can take root in the most unlikely places, in the most unlikely people.
My Story: Faith in the Shadows
I know what it’s like to live in the shadows. For years, I was in the club scene—not as Rahab, but as someone who found excitement, identity, and escape in nightlife and entertainment. I was known for throwing parties, being in the mix, and living a lifestyle that was anything but godly.
But even in those places, I still believed. I didn’t always live like it, but deep down, I knew God was real. There was a seed of faith in me, planted long ago, that refused to die. Sometimes I felt ashamed, convinced God was angry, that He had turned away because of my choices. But that seed—the belief that Jesus is Lord—remained, waiting for the day it would be watered and grow.
If you’re in a place right now that feels far from God, know this: your belief matters. That seed is enough for God to work with. You may not feel holy, you may not feel worthy, but God sees your heart.
Judging Others and the Journey of Conviction
It’s easy for those in the church to judge—to look at someone’s lifestyle, their choices, and decide they’re too far gone. But sanctification is a journey. Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit, not of other people. Everyone is at a different place. Our job as Christians is not to judge, but to love. To express God’s love, to plant seeds, to pray, and to trust God to do the work in His timing.
Rahab didn’t clean up her life before God used her. He met her where she was, and her faith was enough. Over time, her life changed, her legacy changed, and she became a mother in the lineage of the Messiah.
I’m not writing this blog to encourage any particular behavior, but to remind you that God uses the unlikely. He sees beyond the surface. He knows the battles you fight, the shame you carry, and the faith you hold onto. He can use you—right where you are—to accomplish things you never dreamed possible.
God’s Purpose Isn’t Limited by Our Past
The Bible is full of unlikely influencers:
Moses was a murderer and a fugitive.
David was an adulterer and a conspirator.
Paul persecuted Christians.
Mary Magdalene was delivered from seven demons.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Yet God used them all. He didn’t wait for them to be perfect. He met them in their mess, planted a seed of faith, and grew it into something beautiful.
Your story matters. Your faith matters. No matter where you stand today, God can use your belief for His glory.
Reflection: What’s Your Story?
Where are you right now—physically, emotionally, spiritually?
Is there a seed of faith in you, even if it feels small?
Are you willing to let God use your story, your past, your present, for His purpose?
Can you let go of judgment—of yourself, and of others—and trust God to do the work?
A Prayer for a Closer Relationship with God
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for seeing us, loving us, and calling us—no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Thank You for Rahab’s story, for the hope it gives to every person who feels unworthy, judged, or too far gone.
Forgive us for the times we’ve judged others, or ourselves, instead of trusting Your grace. Forgive us for believing the lie that our past disqualifies us from Your love or Your purpose.
Lord, we ask for a closer relationship with You. Plant the seed of faith deep in our hearts. Water it with Your Spirit. Help us to believe, even when we feel lost in the shadows. Use our stories, our scars, our struggles, for Your glory.
Give us courage to love others without judgment, to express Your love in every interaction, and to trust You with the process of sanctification. Help us to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and that You are patient, merciful, and kind.
Lord, for those who feel stuck, ashamed, or alone, draw them close. Remind them that Your grace is bigger than their past, and that You have a purpose for their lives. Let Your light shine in the darkest places, bringing hope, healing, and transformation.
We surrender our lives to You. Use us as You used Rahab—unlikely, but willing. Let our faith, however small, be the root that grows into a legacy for Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
No matter where you stand, no matter what your story, your faith can be used for God’s glory. You are never too far gone. You are never too unlikely. You are loved, you are seen, and you are called.
If you’re ready to start your journey or need encouragement, you’re not alone. God is waiting to write a new chapter with you.
FAQ:
Q: What does Rahab—faith in the shadows teach us about redemption?
A: Rahab—faith in the shadows shows that God’s grace reaches those the world overlooks, proving that faith can grow in the most unlikely places and people.
Q: How can Rahab’s story inspire my own faith journey?
A: Like Rahab, your faith—even in the shadows—can lead to transformation, purpose, and a legacy that impacts others for generations.
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