Previously, I’ve shared a full Bible study featuring ten different women of the Bible. Some were well known; others were lesser known. I was fascinated by their stories and enjoyed learning about them. I thought I’d take that idea and create a devotional series featuring five other women of the Bible. Each one shows what it looks like to live faithfully. We can see the many ways God works through everyday courage, wisdom, and faithfulness.
Shiphrah and Puah – courage in quiet resistance
Scripture: (Exodus 1:15–21) These two Hebrew midwives were ordered by Pharaoh to kill all baby boys at birth. Instead, they chose to fear God rather than obey the king. Because of their courage, generations were preserved, including Moses.
The unthinkable
When Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every baby boy at birth, Shiphrah and Puah faced an unthinkable choice: obey the king or honor God. They chose reverence over fear. Their quiet defiance protected life and stood against injustice, even when it put them at risk.
When confronted, the midwives answered Pharaoh with courage and wisdom, and God saw their faithfulness. Scripture tells us that God blessed them with households of their own and that the people of Israel continued to grow strong.
Shiphrah and Puah remind us that faithfulness often begins with secret acts of courage. Their story shows how one brave choice to protect life and honor God can ripple outward, shaping the story of a whole people. Think of Moses! Wow!
Reflection: How do Shiphrah and Puah’s actions show faith when they had so little power? What might “quiet resistance” look like for people of faith today?
Huldah – a voice of wisdom
Scripture: (2 Kings 22 and 23) When the Book of the Law was rediscovered, King Josiah’s officials sought out the prophet Huldah for understanding. She spoke truth clearly, confirming God’s word and setting in motion a national renewal.
Are you familiar with Huldah’s story?
When King Josiah ordered repairs to the temple, the workers uncovered the long-forgotten Book of the Law. As the words were read aloud, Josiah’s heart broke. He saw how far the people had drifted from God’s ways and longed to make things right.
Seeking guidance, Josiah sent his officials to the prophet Huldah. She listened and spoke with clarity and courage, affirming that God’s judgment would come. Huldah also assured the king that his humble heart had been noticed. Because he had repented, the coming disaster would not happen in his lifetime.
Huldah’s message caught Josiah’s attention.
Huldah’s voice became the turning point of Josiah’s reign. Her faithful message stirred him to lead the nation in renewal. The people tore down idols, restored worship, and recommitted themselves to God.
Through Huldah, we glimpse how God speaks through those who are willing to listen and tell the truth, even when it is hard to hear. Her courage reminds us that wisdom and faithfulness can change the course of hearts, homes, and even nations.
Reflection: Why do you think God used Huldah’s voice at such an important time? How can we cultivate spiritual wisdom so that we’re ready to speak when called upon?
Abigail – wisdom under pressure
Scripture: (1 Samuel 25:18–35) Abigail’s husband, Nabal, insulted David and put their household in danger. Abigail quickly gathered food and supplies, met David on the road, and spoke words of peace. Her courage and humility kept violence from happening.
Words of peace are lifegiving.
When David’s anger burned against Nabal for his insult and ingratitude, Abigail stepped into a dangerous situation with courage and discernment. Without telling her husband, she gathered generous provisions and rode out to meet David and his men, determined to make peace before blood was shed.
Falling before David, Abigail spoke with humility and insight. She acknowledged Nabal’s foolishness but pointed David back to God’s purposes, reminding him that vengeance belonged to God alone. Her wise words turned David’s heart, and he praised God for sending her to stop him from acting in anger.
Abigail’s story shows the strength of peacemaking. Her calm courage and Spirit-led wisdom changed the course of events and protected many lives. Through her, we see that gentleness and discernment are not signs of weakness but powerful tools God can use to bring restoration and peace.
Reflection: How does Abigail balance humility with boldness? When have you seen a calm, wise response change the direction of a conflict?
The Samaritan woman – a witness of transformation
Scripture: (John 4:4–30) At the well, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman and offers her “living water.” Their conversation crosses barriers of gender, ethnicity, and reputation. She becomes one of the first to share the good news with her community.
Jesus meets us where we are.
At a well in Samaria, a woman came to draw water in the heat of the day. Alone, burdened by her past, and likely weary of being judged. Jesus met her there, asking for a drink and offering something far greater in return: living water that would never run dry.
As they talked, the woman’s curiosity turned to understanding. Jesus revealed that God’s presence was not bound to a mountain or a temple but found wherever people worship in spirit and truth. Then he spoke words few had heard so clearly: “I am—the one who speaks with you.”
She simply had to tell someone.
Leaving her water jar behind, the woman ran to tell her neighbors about the one who knew her completely and offered her grace instead of shame. Through her testimony, many came to believe.
Her story reminds us that God meets us right where we are and invites us into new life that overflows. Living water still springs up in those who open their hearts to be known and renewed.
Reflection: What does this story tell us about God’s love for us? How can we be like this woman: honest, open, and willing to share our experience of grace?
Closing
Each of these women lived in a world that didn’t always value their voice or their role. Yet God saw them, called them, and used their faithfulness to bring about change. Their stories remind us that influence in God’s kingdom often comes through courage, wisdom, and the willingness to trust God’s purposes.
Whether we’re leading a group, caring for a family, or simply trying to do the next right thing, God can use our everyday choices in extraordinary ways.
Prayer
Holy God, thank you for the women whose faith shaped history. Women who listened, acted, and trusted you in the face of fear or uncertainty. Help us to learn from their example. Give us courage like Shiphrah and Puah, wisdom like Huldah and Abigail, and openness like the Samaritan woman. Use our lives, in small and faithful ways, to reflect your love in the world. Amen.
Can you think of other lesser known women of the Bible? What lessons can we learn from them?
I love how the Bible can speak to us in new ways each time we read. Previously overlooked stories can offer inspiration and encouragement. I hope you’ve found something new to take with you from these devotionals. Please take a minute and comment with your insights or ideas.
Other posts you may like:
- women in the Bible: lessons on faith and courage (a full Bible study based on ten women, different from those featured here)
- 4 best devotional books: grounded and growing
- Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict: five stars!
- Proverbs 31: shared flourishing
- ninja creami sorbet excellence
- mug cheesecake: a sweet treat you don’t have to share
- wells of wisdom: exploring the metaphor of water in the Bible
- cultivate hope: a biblical perspective
- book review: The Women
- questions to ask yourself at the end of the year
- holiday traditions from around the world
Fondly,
Crysti
