But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them…  Exodus 1:17

Even in slavery, the people of God were flourishing and growing in numbers.  Pharaoh’s concern over the situation grew into a full-blown panic.  Eventually, he summoned the Hebrew midwives and gave a terrifying order:  Kill every newborn Hebrew boy!

A Life-or-Death Choice

The midwives faced a choice—a very real choice with life-or-death consequences.  Should they disobey Pharaoh and face a likely execution?  Or should they disobey God’s law?

Scripture tells us that the midwives “feared God” and refused to follow Pharaoh’s order.  God honored their choice.  He blessed them by showing them favor, protecting them from retribution and giving them families of their own.

When the World Conflicts with God

Just like the midwives, we too face choices every day.  True, Pharaoh is no longer on the throne and our choices may not lead to death.  But day by day the world bears down on us, telling us how to look, how to think, and how to act.  What the world says is often in direct conflict with what God says.

What Should We Do When We Face Hard Choices?

So what should we do when we face hard choices?

The answer is clear.  We should imitate the midwives.  We should “fear God” by reverencing Him and making His ways a priority.  Then He’ll give us the wisdom, courage, and strength to make the right choices.