Hi girlfriends! My name is Michele, I am a leader in Young Professionals & our women’s ministry, FAME. This summer, reading and listening to the FAME devotions about women in the Old Testament is truly redirecting my heart towards desiring the qualities that God created in each of us. 

Today I get to share the story of two women with you: Shiphrah and Puah (SHIFF-RAH & POO-AH). These two women were midwives in Egypt, dedicated to helping babies to be born. Threatened by a growing Israelite population, King Pharaoh commanded the midwives not to allow male Hebrew babies to live. The Bible tells us that Shiphrah and Puah were devoted to God over the king and they decided to save the babies from losing their lives. Their story in Exodus 1:15-21 says:

“Now the two midwives respected God so they didn’t obey the Egyptian king’s order. Instead, they let the baby boys live. ...The king of Egypt called the two midwives and said to them, “Why are you doing this? Why are you letting the baby boys live?”

The two midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because Hebrew women aren’t like Egyptian women. They’re much stronger and give birth before any midwives can get to them.” 

So God treated the midwives well, and ...because the midwives respected God, God gave them (families) of their own.”

So bold and creative, right? I see 3 things that God gave these women to get to the other side of this intense situation:

1. Supernatural wisdom & strength to stand up to the King and honor God.

2. Favor with the King -  their reasoning was accepted! 

3. Blessings & rewards - the midwives were blessed with families of their own and their story is in the Bible...inspiring us today to elevate God’s desires above the demands of the world.

Shiphrah and Puah lived lives driven by a love for God that overruled the command of the day. Maybe you can relate to these ladies in a similar way with me: I want to be a woman who calls on God for creative and peaceful ways to bring life into situations where there is tension and heaviness. 

Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing, especially when passionate feelings come up. I had a hard time navigating the intense emotions that arose when I would scroll through social media during those months of staying at home last year. Disconnected from many of my in person relationships, the opinions shared online were louder than ever. At times I wanted to fight back for what aligns with love and the Bible. Sometimes, I just wanted to feel offended and hurt. A few times I turned the phone off. 

Ultimately, God gave me the idea to “mute” my exposure to social media and delete it from my phone during my work week and then when I did use it, not to look at accounts that would possibly trigger wrong thinking or offense. As I made this decision, little blessings appeared - girls from FAME or my small group would invite me for a socially distanced walk and suddenly I was refreshed with positive conversation, friendship, fresh air and a better perspective that everything online does not total everything that is in reality. 

The Holy Spirit is helping me differentiate between doing what is easy and desirable versus committing to the things in life that He has designed for me to participate in that will share the unconditional love of Christ. Getting creative with how to obey God in a highly emotional time helped me let go of fear and keep my faith in the good things God has promised. 

Would you join me in praying to be a woman who stands up for God with boldness and faith in the middle of a world that is loud and can be harsh? Here is what I am praying and we can apply these points to any tense situation you might be facing, in your family, your career, with friends or in any area that your heart needs some more courage:

1. Supernatural wisdom & strength - God, give me the discernment to know when to pray silently and when to boldly speak the truth in love. Give me a perspective that focuses my heart and mind on what you can do in your strength. Use me to bring your power and miracles to the things going on in my life that I cannot control.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge & understanding. Prov 2:6

1. Favor - God, thank you that as I obey your Word your peace comes in and soothes every concern and hurt. When I walk with you, men and women supernaturally come into agreement with the Word that I carry everywhere I go. I have favor with people and with God.

For those who find me find life & receive favor from the Lord. Prov 8:35

1. Blessings & rewards - God I praise you for the good things you have prepared for me. Thank you that you fulfill the desires of my heart and bless me as I devote my mind, my heart and my tongue to you. God is pouring out miracles, rewards and blessings greater than I have ever imagined.

May he give you the desire of your heart & make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

Amen

Thank you for being a friend in FAME. Together, we can celebrate victories in our lives as we depend on God in every area. I would love to hear how the Holy Spirit is speaking to you through the story of Shiphrah and Puah - please comment on the blog. Thanks for being my friends, love you.