The Importance of Reflecting on Godly Women

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of women who displayed remarkable faith, courage, and devotion to God. By reflecting on these women, Christians today, especially women, can be inspired to cultivate similar qualities in their own lives. The examples set by these faithful women show that God values both men and women equally in terms of their spiritual standing before Him. Galatians 3:28 reminds us that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

These women demonstrated trust in God’s sovereignty, a heart of courage in the face of adversity, and a strong resolve to uphold God’s standards. By reflecting on these women, Christian women today can be encouraged to navigate their own challenges with faith and integrity. Moreover, their actions can inspire not only women but also men to adopt the same deep commitment to God and His purpose.

Shiphrah and Puah: Fear of God Over Fear of Men

In Exodus 1:15-17, we are introduced to two Israelite midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, during a time of extreme adversity for the Israelites in Egypt. The Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, commanded the midwives to kill all newborn Israelite boys. However, Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than Pharaoh and refused to carry out his command. They “let the boys live” because they recognized that taking innocent life would violate God’s laws. Their fear of God was greater than their fear of man, as reflected in Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in Jehovah is safe.”

Their refusal to obey Pharaoh was an act of civil disobedience, yet it was based on a higher moral law—the law of God. In this instance, their godly fear led them to protect the lives of countless Israelite boys, helping to preserve the future of the nation of Israel.

God rewarded these courageous women for their faithfulness. Exodus 1:20-21 states that “God dealt well with the midwives” and “because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.” God’s recognition of their faith highlights how much He values those who put His laws and principles above human authority. Their actions preserved the future of Israel and played a role in the eventual deliverance of God’s people.

Modern Christian Women and the Example of Shiphrah and Puah

Many Christian women today demonstrate the same courage and godly fear that Shiphrah and Puah showed. In various parts of the world, Christian women face intense pressure, whether from societal expectations, governmental restrictions, or cultural norms. However, like Shiphrah and Puah, they put God’s standards first, even when it comes at a personal cost.

God will reward these women for their faithfulness, just as He rewarded Shiphrah and Puah. Hebrews 6:10 assures us, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love that you have shown for His name.” Whether in their families, congregations, or communities, Christian women who act with courage and faithfulness will receive Jehovah’s blessing, knowing that He values their efforts.

Rahab: Courage Born from Faith in God

Rahab was a woman who lived in the city of Jericho, a place doomed to destruction as part of God’s judgment. Yet, Rahab showed remarkable faith in God, even though she was not an Israelite. In Joshua 2:9-11, Rahab confessed to the two Israelite spies that she had heard about God’s mighty works and acknowledged Him as “God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Despite being a resident of Jericho, Rahab aligned herself with God’s people, showing that her loyalty to God outweighed her loyalty to her own people.

Rahab’s faith was not passive; it moved her to action. She hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape safely. By doing so, she put her life at risk. However, her faith in God’s power and righteousness gave her the courage to defy her own people and take a stand for what was right. As James 2:25 notes, “Was not Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?”

God’s Honor and Blessing for Rahab’s Faith

God honored Rahab’s faith by sparing her and her family when Jericho was destroyed. In Joshua 6:25, we learn that Rahab “lived in Israel to this day.” Rahab’s inclusion among God’s people highlights the inclusive nature of Jehovah’s mercy. He does not judge people based on their past but on their faith and obedience. Rahab’s faith was so significant that she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), and her name appears in Hebrews 11:31, in the “Hall of Faith” alongside other faithful individuals.

Rahab’s example is a source of encouragement for many women today. It shows that no matter one’s background or past mistakes, faith in Jehovah and obedience to His will can lead to His favor and blessings. Rahab was transformed from being a woman in a sinful city to becoming a part of God’s chosen people—a powerful testimony of Jehovah’s grace.

Encouragement for Women Today from Rahab and Christian Women of the First Century

Just as Rahab found a place among God’s people despite her background, many women today find encouragement in knowing that Jehovah does not judge by human standards. Women who may have come from difficult or sinful backgrounds can take comfort in knowing that their faith and obedience to Jehovah can lead to spiritual transformation and acceptance into God’s family.

The first-century Christian congregation also included women who had come from various backgrounds, yet they were honored by Jehovah for their faith. For example, women such as Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) and Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 26) played significant roles in supporting the early Christian congregation. These examples serve as a reminder that Jehovah values the contributions of faithful women, regardless of their past.

Abigail: Wise and Loyal to Jehovah’s Anointed

The account of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 is a profound example of a woman who acted with wisdom and loyalty to Jehovah and His anointed one. Abigail was the wife of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man who refused to show kindness to David, Jehovah’s anointed future king. When David’s men requested provisions from Nabal, he responded with insult and arrogance, which enraged David.

Recognizing the danger her household faced due to her husband’s actions, Abigail quickly took the initiative to meet David with a gift of provisions and humble words. Her wise and courageous actions averted a disaster that could have resulted in the unnecessary shedding of blood. In her speech to David, Abigail showed not only her loyalty to Jehovah but also her recognition of David’s future role as king. She said: “Jehovah will certainly make for my lord a lasting house because my lord is fighting the battles of Jehovah.” (1 Samuel 25:28)

Abigail’s actions saved her household, and David praised her for her good judgment. He said to her, “Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you.” (1 Samuel 25:32-33) Abigail’s loyalty to Jehovah’s anointed one and her quick, decisive action made her a remarkable example of faith and wisdom.

How Abigail’s Story Ended and the Qualities She Exemplified

After Abigail’s return home, Nabal remained oblivious to the danger he had caused. When Abigail informed him of what had transpired, “his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.” (1 Samuel 25:37) Jehovah dealt with Nabal directly, and ten days later, he died. David then took Abigail as his wife, demonstrating his appreciation for her wisdom and loyalty.

Abigail exemplified qualities such as humility, courage, and loyalty to God’s purposes. These qualities are important for Christians to cultivate today. In situations where wisdom, discernment, and loyalty to Jehovah’s standards are required, Abigail’s example provides a template for faithful action.

Christian Women Displaying Abigail’s Qualities Today

In today’s world, many Christian women face situations that require the same discernment and wisdom that Abigail demonstrated. Whether in their family life, congregation responsibilities, or professional settings, Christian women are often called upon to act with discretion, balancing faithfulness to Jehovah with practical wisdom. Proverbs 31:26 describes the ideal woman, saying, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Christian women can be like Abigail by showing loyalty to Jehovah’s appointed authorities within the Christian congregation, such as elders and overseers. At times, they may also need to act with discernment to prevent conflict or resolve situations peacefully, all while remaining loyal to Jehovah and His arrangements.

The Widow of Zarephath: A Test of Faith

In 1 Kings 17:8-16, we read about the widow of Zarephath, a woman who was faced with a test of faith during a time of severe famine. Jehovah sent the prophet Elijah to the widow, instructing him to ask her for food. At the time, the widow had only enough flour and oil to prepare one last meal for herself and her son before they would succumb to starvation. Yet, despite her desperate situation, the widow obeyed Elijah’s request and used her last bit of provisions to make a small cake for him.

Her act of faith was rewarded by Jehovah, who miraculously provided an unending supply of flour and oil until the famine ended. As 1 Kings 17:15-16 states, “She went and did as Elijah said. And she and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of Jehovah that He spoke by Elijah.” The widow’s trust in Jehovah’s promise, despite the challenging circumstances, resulted in her being sustained through the famine.

Christian Women Reflecting the Spirit of the Widow of Zarephath

Many Christian women today reflect the spirit of the widow of Zarephath by demonstrating faith in Jehovah’s promises, even when facing difficult financial or personal challenges. These women, like the widow, trust that Jehovah will provide for their needs if they remain obedient to His will. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus reassured his followers: “Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Christian women who continue to put spiritual pursuits and obedience to Jehovah above material concerns are assured that Jehovah sees their faithfulness and will care for them, just as He cared for the widow and her son during the famine.

Displaying Abigail’s Qualities in the Home and Congregation

Abigail’s loyalty to Jehovah and her anointed one is a quality that Christian women today can especially benefit from cultivating. Whether married or single, women are encouraged to display loyalty to Jehovah above all else. This may be particularly important in a household where a Christian wife may face opposition from an unbelieving husband. As 1 Peter 3:1-2 advises, “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives—when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

In such situations, Christian women demonstrate their primary allegiance to Jehovah by continuing to maintain their faith and conduct in harmony with God’s standards, even if their household situation presents challenges. These sisters reflect Abigail’s wisdom by navigating their roles with care and discretion, ensuring that their relationship with Jehovah remains the most important aspect of their lives.

Conclusion of Abigail’s Life: God’s Blessings for Loyalty

In Abigail’s case, her loyalty to Jehovah and His anointed resulted in her being richly blessed. After Nabal’s death, Abigail married David, the future king of Israel, becoming part of Jehovah’s unfolding purpose for His people. This shows that Jehovah rewards those who are loyal to His arrangements and who act with wisdom and faithfulness. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that “many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of Jehovah that will stand.”

God’s Approval of Faithful Women

Whether reflecting on the faith of Shiphrah and Puah, the courage of Rahab, the wisdom of Abigail, or the trust of the widow of Zarephath, Christian women today can find abundant examples of faithfulness that make Jehovah’s heart rejoice. These women demonstrated qualities that Jehovah values—qualities that can be cultivated by all Christians, regardless of their specific roles or circumstances.

As Christians meditate on the stories of these faithful women, they are reminded of Jehovah’s deep love and appreciation for those who put their trust in Him. Hebrews 11:6 assures us, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Christian women today can be confident that their faithfulness will likewise be rewarded, both now and in the future.

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