Church History – Heroes of Faith: Hildegard of Bingen
In the heart of the 12th century, amid the towering cathedrals and shifting tides of medieval Europe, a woman named Hildegard of Bingen emerged as one of the most remarkable voices in church history. She was an advisor to kings and clergy, a theologian, a composer, and most famously, a visionary.
Her journey began in an unexpected way. At just eight years old, Hildegard was given as a tithe to the church — a life wholly dedicated to God from her earliest memories. Throughout her life, she experienced vivid visions, which she eventually recorded in her work Scivias (“Know the Ways of the Lord”), containing 26 revelations.
But her calling didn’t come without struggle. One vision in particular left her feeling overwhelmed and insecure. Physically ill and spiritually hesitant, Hildegard wrestled with the weight of her task. Yet God’s voice was clear:
“Speak and write as you are. Don’t worry — I will help you.”
It’s a truth we often forget: God doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called.
Hildegard’s story reminds us of the words in Jeremiah 1:4-12:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
If you’ve ever wondered if you have a purpose, the answer is yes. From the beginning, God has had a plan for your life — and even when fear and inadequacy creep in, His calling stands firm.
Three Lessons from Hildegard’s Life:
Embrace the normalcy of feeling inadequate. The gap between God’s calling and your own ability is where His power shows up. If what you’re doing for God doesn’t require God, it might be too small.
Speak God’s Word over your thoughts. Let Scripture combat the lies of insecurity.
Focus on God’s faithfulness. Like the almond tree in Jeremiah’s vision, remember that God is always watching — and for us today, that daily reminder is the cross.
Hildegard of Bingen’s life was a testament to what happens when we say “yes” to God, even when fear says “no.” She is now recognized as a Doctor of the Church, her legacy continuing to inspire generations to trust God’s call over their own limitations.