Jane Grey was born in October, 1537, to parents who had royal blood: Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, and Lady Frances Branden, daughter of Henry VIII's sister, Mary. However, being born into a wealthy home did not mean that Jane was born into a happy home. Her childhood was marked by bad treatment at the hands of her parents, and she was used by them as a puppet in their schemes to become the king and queen of England. In an effort to prepare Jane for such a life, much of her childhood was spent in the royal courts to ensure that she learned the proper etiquette and manners suited to palace living.

However, what is most important for us to note is that Jane was a godly girl who loved her Bible. She learned to trust in the God who never changes, and who showed His loving kindness to her. While her parents were greedy and sought after their own interests, Jane found solace in the love and constancy of her Saviour.

After Edward VI was crowned king, he became ill, and it was clear that death was imminent. The chief councilor to King Edward was John Dudley, and it became clear that he had his own interests at heart. He knew that if Edward's half sisters, Mary or Elizabeth, became queen, he would lose his influence. It was at this time that he devised a plan with Jane's parents for Jane to marry his son, Guildford Dudley. This ensured that Jane would be the next in line to ascend England's throne.

Soon after, Edward died, and Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford Dudley became the king and queen of England. She did not wish to be crowned queen, for the throne rightfully belonged to her relative, Mary Tudor (better known as Bloody Mary, the staunch Catholic who persecuted and killed many Protestants). The people of England rallied in favour of Mary, and when Mary triumphantly ascended the throne, Jane and Guildford were condemned to death for treason.

On February 12, 1554, Jane waited through the morning as her husband was beheaded and then carried past her in the Tower of London. Upon her arrival at the execution place, she made her way up the scaffold and addressed the people present with these words:

Good people, I am come hither to die, and by a law I am condemned to the same. The fact, indeed, against the Queen's highness was unlawful, and the consenting thereunto by me: but touching the procurement and desire thereof by me or on my behalf, I do wash my hands thereof in innocency, before God, and the face of you, good Christian people, this day.

This sad piece of history is not meant to make us feel sorry for Lady Jane. From a young age she feared the Lord. She held strong to her faith in Christ, even when she was told to forsake her Protestant faith. Even in her death she recited Psalm 51 and forgave those who were going to kill her. Her life ended with these words: "Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit."

Lady Jane Grey found peace and hope in her Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let us be challenged by Lady Jane's courage and her hope in Christ. Do you have this hope?

For a more detailed and captivating account of Lady Jane Grey's life, read The Nine Day Queen of England by Faith Cook. This book will captivate you from cover to cover, and the story of the unwavering faith in this young girl is an example from which young and old can learn.