Understand Your Role!

SHIPHRAH AND PUAH

Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: ¹⁶ “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.^[a] If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” ¹⁷ But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.¹⁸ So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?”¹⁹ “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,” the midwives replied. “They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time.”²⁰ So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful. ²¹ And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.²² Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.” Exodus 1:15-22

What a beautiful picture of understanding our role in life! When Pharoah gave the midwives a decree to kill all the Hebrew baby boys under the age of two, the move of the Spirit -transitioned the midwives position- so that they could use the authority they carried to accomplish His will. When we believe in something wholeheartedly, there’s no hesitation because we already know what we need to do! These kinds of decisions are history-making! Their stance was that abortion and murder were wrong no matter the cost! They valued the sanctity of life over their own! This position gave them the opportunity to stand against the tyranny of unethical ruling. This reveals to us that true courage happens when people move forward despite fear. Joshua 1:9 states, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The interesting part about this is that they all (midwives) had to be fully invested in this decision. If one midwife disagreed, the outcome could have changed. Yet their faith and unity gave them the courage to take a stand for what they knew was right, together. God protected and blessed these women for saving the lives of innocent children and for refusing to violate the higher law of God, which forbids the senseless slaughter of innocent lives.

This is why our role as women of God is essential. We live in a culture that tells us we should be able to have whatever we want in life. What we do not understand is that we begin to lose a part of ourselves as we slowly begin to question our purpose in life. When we become distracted, we begin to want, desire, and feel entitled to have other people’s roles, positions, or possessions. Yet, nothing—I mean nothing—will fulfill us more than the will of God for our lives. If we each take ownership of our role and embrace our individual mission, over time, our voice will make a greater impact than trying to force things until we get what we think we want or need. The real question is: are you influencing others, or are others influencing you?

I challenge you to begin your day by becoming intentional in allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal the “role you play,” like Shiphrah and Puah. They choose life! What are you choosing? Whether you know it or not, saying or doing nothing is still doing something.

Have you encountered Christ so deeply that even if it cost you your own life, title, position, and status quo, He is worth it all? James 1:2-4 states, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

What are your stances regarding what you value that is non-negotiable? Do you understand the calling within your role as a woman of God? Stop believing the lies of this world—that woman of God is less then! This reveals the root of our heart, regarding how we see ourselves. It’s time to understand our role in who God has called us to be. It’s time to pause and ask God to, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalms 129:23-24.)

Let’s Pray:

Father, I thank you for the testimony of those who have gone before me. Teach me how to live an unwavering lifestyle of obedience. Scripture tells us that, “…If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7) Use me to be “the one” that creates an environment that changes history.

2 Timothy 2:21-22 tells us that “if we keep ourselves pure, we will be a special utensil for honorable use. Prepare me so that I can become ready for the Master to use us for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”

Teach me how to hold fast to your voice when challenges come my way. I repent of my rebellion, lack of trust, and independence. I choose to no longer allow my fleshly desires to distract me from you. Galatians 5:16-18 reminds us that, “… let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.”

Psalms 86:5 states, “…you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” Remind me of who you created me to be, “before you placed me in my mother’s womb.” (Jeremiah 1:5) I choose to begin understanding my role in the kingdom of God today! I choose to progressively become more like you. Remove the veil off my eyes! In Jesus Name, Amen!