Over the past few weeks, as I have been gathering up material about the lives of great Christian women throughout history, the thought occurred to me: “what is it that makes a great Christian woman?” After all, we are not all called to the same path as amazing missionary women, such as Elizabeth Elliott. Can we not ever achieve greatness because we haven’t overcome some incredible obstacle, or spent our lives taking incredible risks in a foreign country? I don’t think so. But, if that’s the case, what does greatness look like?

One of the greatest Christian women I know spends her days at home. She’s resourceful and works hard, but her life is fairly average according to the onlooker. She is a faithful mother to her children, and always makes sure everyone else is cared for. However, she has been called to care for women who have been abused in some way or another. They stay with her in her home, and she’s a consistent mentor and friend to them. She’s faithful to love them, and show them Jesus and the gospel. She stays at home for most of the day, but she is in no way lazy or not following a very difficult calling. She’s constantly investing in others and sacrificing her own life to show them a great God who does the same.

Greatness can occur in the simplest life. It can be found in the simplest of ways: in amazing school teachers, loving mothers, sacrificial doctors, or in the nonprofit volunteer.

There is just one thing that is common amongst all those who have achieved greatness for Jesus Christ: they are relentlessly faithful to their calling.

No matter what God has called you to, be faithful. If you are faithful, that is greatness. It’s that simple. Think about the great Christian lives we’ve talked about. All of them were faced with situations in which they could either shrink away, or bravely go forward in the name of Jesus. All of them chose the latter.

Also, don’t get too wrapped up in “finding your true calling.” The Lord will guide your steps, and place you in front of what he has called you to do. All you are asked to do is exactly what’s in front of you in this moment. Don’t worry if you don’t know what your life is going to look like in 5 years, or even next year. Just do what God has placed in your life this very moment. That is faithfulness to your calling as you trust him in obedience. You are called to grow in Christlikeness, and you are given the tools of this moment in your day.

You don’t have to go to a foreign country; you don’t even have to walk out your front door. Relentlessly pursue faithfulness in grace and holiness, and you, sister, will be one of the greatest Christian women who ever lived.