Devotional Studies on Women
Each devotional study is designed to take you beyond the surface of a woman’s story and into a deeper place of reflection. These are not just accounts of what happened, but opportunities to pause, think, and consider what God may be revealing through their lives.
As you move through each study, you will read the story, reflect on key principles, and engage with questions that help you apply what you have read to your own life.
How to use these studies
You can move through these devotionals at your own pace. Some may choose to focus on one woman at a time, while others may explore different stories based on what they are experiencing in their lives.
Each study includes:
- A retelling of the woman’s story
- Biblical principles drawn from her life
- Questions for reflection
- A short personal application
Take your time with each section. Pause where something stands out to you.
Elizabeth
Scripture: Luke 1:1–56
Elizabeth was married to Zechariah, a priest who served in the temple. Though they were elderly and childless, God told Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear a son who would be greatly honored. Zechariah doubted because of their age and was struck mute, but Elizabeth believed and soon became pregnant. When Mary came to visit, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and her child leaped in her womb as she recognized that Mary was carrying the Lord. In time, she gave birth to John exactly as God had promised.
What this study explores:
- God’s timing over human timing
- Faith through long seasons of waiting
- Obedience even when others doubt
Hagar
Scripture: Genesis 16; 21:9–20
Hagar was an Egyptian woman and a servant of Sarah. When Sarah struggled to believe God’s promise, Hagar was given to Abraham and bore a son. Tension grew between her and Sarah, and she was eventually sent away into the wilderness with her child. Alone and without resources, she faced a moment of deep desperation. In that place, Hagar cried out to God, and He heard her, provided for her, and gave her direction. He also promised that her son would become a great nation.
What this study explores:
- God’s presence in the wilderness
- Being seen and heard in desperation
- Direction in seasons of abandonment
Martha
Scripture: Luke 10:38–42; John 11:1–44
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and desired to serve Him well, but she became overwhelmed with responsibilities while her sister Mary sat and listened. Later, when her brother Lazarus became ill and died, Martha met Jesus with grief and honesty. She expressed her disappointment in His delay, yet still declared her faith in Him. Jesus responded by revealing His power, raising Lazarus from the dead, and reminding her that nothing is beyond Him.
What this study explores:
- Balancing service and spiritual attention
- Trusting God when answers delay
- Faith in moments of loss and uncertainty
Mary Magdalene
Scripture: Matthew 27–28; Mark 15–16; Luke 8; John 20
Mary Magdalene had been freed from deep suffering when Jesus cast seven demons out of her. From that moment, she followed Him and supported His ministry. She remained near Him during His crucifixion when many others fled. After His death, she returned to the tomb to care for His body, only to find it empty. In her grief, Jesus appeared to her, and she became the first to witness His resurrection and was sent to tell the others.
What this study explores:
- Transformation through Jesus
- Devotion that remains through hardship
- Being chosen to carry the message
Rahab
Scripture: Joshua 2; 6:22–25; Matthew 1:5
Rahab lived in Jericho and was known as a prostitute, yet she recognized the power of God when Israelite spies came to her home. She chose to protect them, believing it was God’s will for Israel to take the land. When the king’s men came searching, she hid the spies and helped them escape. Because of her actions and faith, she and her family were spared when the city was destroyed. Rahab later became part of the lineage of Jesus.
What this study explores:
- Faith beyond past identity
- Courage in difficult decisions
- Redemption and new direction
Take your time with each story. You don’t need to rush. One study can stay with you longer than many.
The Samaritan Woman
Scripture: Luke 1:1–56
While traveling, Jesus stopped at a well in Samaria and spoke with a woman who came to draw water at an unusual hour. She was surprised that He would speak to her, yet He revealed that He could give her living water. As they spoke, Jesus addressed her past without rejecting her. When she realized who He was, she left her water jar and went into the town, telling others about Him. Many believed because of her testimony.
What this study explores:
- Letting go of past labels
- Encountering God in unexpected places
- Sharing your story with others
Shiphrah and Puah
Scripture: Exodus 1:7–20
Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew midwives living under Egyptian rule when Pharaoh ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be killed at birth. Faced with a direct command from authority, they chose to fear God instead and allowed the children to live. When questioned, they responded wisely and protected themselves. Because of their courage and obedience, God blessed them.
What this study explores:
- Fearing God over man
- Courage in moments of pressure
- Protecting life and standing for what is right
The Shunammite Woman
Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8–37; 8:1–6
A woman in Shunem showed kindness to the prophet Elisha by providing him with a place to stay. In return, she was promised a son, though she had long been without a child. Years later, the child became ill and died. Instead of giving in to despair, she went to find Elisha and sought help. Through God’s power, her son was restored to life.
What this study explores:
- Faith through loss
- Trust beyond doubt
- Persistence in seeking God
Tamar
Scripture: Genesis 38
Tamar was widowed twice and denied the protection and future she had been promised. Facing uncertainty, she took an unusual step to secure her place and future by confronting the injustice done to her. When her actions were revealed, Judah acknowledged that she had been treated unfairly. Tamar became part of the lineage through which Jesus would come.
What this study explores:
- Responding to injustice
- Seeking God in difficult decisions
- Trusting God’s purpose in unclear situations
The Canaanite Woman
Scripture: Matthew 15:21–28; Mark 7:24–30
A Gentile woman came to Jesus asking Him to heal her daughter. At first, she faced silence and what seemed like rejection. Yet she did not turn away. With humility and persistence, she continued to ask. Jesus recognized her faith and granted her request, and her daughter was healed.
What this study explores:
- Persistence in prayer
- Faith beyond barriers
- Trust when answers seem delayed
As you move through these studies
Each woman’s life reveals something different about faith, struggle, obedience, and growth. Some stories may challenge you. Others may comfort you. Allow yourself to reflect honestly and take note of what speaks to you.
You may find that one story leads you to another, or that certain themes begin to repeat in your own life.
Share These Stories with the Next Generation
These stories are not only for personal reflection. They can also be shared in simple and meaningful ways with children. Each lesson is designed to help them understand truth, ask questions, and begin to see how these stories speak to their own lives.
You can guide a child through these studies step by step, helping them connect with each woman’s story in a way that is clear and easy to follow.