How can we apply the midwives' courage to our modern-day challenges? The Courageous Choice “ The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” – Exodus 1:17 The Setting: Two Women, One Life-and-Death Order • Israel is multiplying in Egypt, Pharaoh feels threatened. • He commands Shiphrah and Puah to kill every Hebrew boy at birth. • The women choose to obey God rather than the most powerful ruler on earth. • Their fear of God eclipses fear of man, and God later “made them houses” (Exodus 1:21)—He rewarded their faithfulness. Why Their Courage Matters Today • We, too, navigate a culture that often presses believers to compromise. • Government mandates, workplace policies, social pressures, and peer expectations can collide with biblical convictions. • The midwives model steady, respectful civil disobedience when obedience to God is at stake. Principles We Can Live By • Fear God First – Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Value Every Human Life – Psalm 139:13–14: Each life is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” worth defending. • Obey Even When No One Is Watching – Colossians 3:22: Serve with sincerity “not only while being watched, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” • Expect God’s Reward, Not the World’s Approval – Hebrews 11:6: “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • Act, Don’t Just Agree – James 2:17: Faith without works is dead; courage is faith in motion. When Obedience Collides with Opposition • Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Daniel 3:18: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse idolatry, trusting God with the outcome. • Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Practical Steps for Everyday Life • Establish Non-Negotiables – Decide ahead of time where you must draw the line—biblical truth, integrity, sanctity of life. • Stay Informed – Know Scripture well enough to spot commands that conflict with God’s. • Cultivate a God-Centered Fear – Meditate on His holiness; worship reminds us whose opinion matters most. • Speak Respectfully, Stand Firmly – 1 Peter 3:15: Defend your hope “with gentleness and respect.” • Strengthen Community Ties – Surround yourself with believers who will stand with you; courage multiplies in fellowship. • Prepare for Consequences – Count the cost (Luke 14:28); trust God to provide what obedience may cost you. • Celebrate Small Victories – Thank God each time He empowers you to honor Him; it builds momentum. Encouragement for Specific Arenas • Workplace: Uphold honesty even if it threatens promotion. • Family: Teach children that God’s Word overrides popular opinion. • Public Square: Advocate for unborn life, religious liberty, and biblical morality. • Digital World: Refuse to share or endorse content that contradicts God’s standards. Remember the Reward Exodus 1:21: “And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.” God notices. He repays faith-driven courage in His timing and His way. Key Verses to Memorize |
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