HE WILL..................

Proverbs 3:5-8 has the plan that the Father created for us to follow even during the fearful moments of our lives. This rendering from the Amplified scriptures will light the way as we peer into the types of fear mentioned in Exodus chapter one.

"Lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn entirely away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones."

As we look at Exodus one, we find two types of fear. First, Pharaoh fears the growth of the the population of the children of Israel. He is concerned they will rise up against him and overthrow his kingdom. He afflicts them, yet they continue to thrive. Secondly, we see the reverential fear of the Hebrew midwives. These women refused to follow the commands of Pharaoh. They knew that man has limits to his power. In verse 21 of Exodus one, we find this kind of fear lead Pharaoh to give the midwives houses. He gave them ownership in his kingdom and left them alone. 

A midwife must show confidence in her duties. After all, she is helping a woman in the most fear-filled situation of her life. The midwife must exihibit strong confidence, calmness and care in the mist of suffering. She cannot allow herself to show fear.

I know at the deliveries of my three children, I relied on the calming presence of the nurses in the room. My husband looked panicked. So, I chose to focus on the faces of the nurses. They were smiling, talking and comforting me, assuring me everything would be alright.

Shiphard and Puah, had to be confident women. They had to be able to deal with the fear, anger and concerns of others in dangerous times. Now, image how they must have felt standing in the presence of the Pharaoh, telling him they did not carry out his command to kill the male babies of the Hebrews. They had to feel at least a little unnerved. He could kill them! Yet they chose to "fear and revere God and turn entirely away from evil." Pharaoh must have seen something in the character and nature of these two women he knew he had better not touch. Therefore, he set them apart and gave them homes in his kingdom. Wow! Let that grab your awe for a moment. He didn't put them in prison or kill them to make them examples of his power and might. The Almighty had the plan. He protected His precious ones from Pharaoh by the hand of Pharaoh.

I don't know about you, but I sure would call that a "straight and plain path." God loves us all that much. He has the plan for us even in the "fear-filled" moments of our lives. Trust Him! Rely on Him! Turn from evil and He will give health to your nerves and allow you to learn to relax in His leading.