A long time ago, the Hebrews lived in fear and oppression. They were multiplying in Egypt, and this growth stirred fear in the heart of Pharaoh. He made their lives bitter with harsh labour. In his desperation to maintain control, he issued an official cruel command that every Hebrew baby boy must be killed at birth. This strategy was designed to weaken their military power, preserve his control and display his power.

To carry out this order, he turned to Shiphrah and Puah – frontline health workers of their time (Exodus 1:15-21). As midwives whose hands brought life safely into the world, they faced ethical dilemmas that tested their faith and courage. They stood at the fragile intersection of life and death. They were asked to use the same hands they use to welcomed new life into the world to destroy it.

But something remarkable happened.

Instead of carrying out Pharaoh’s command, they let the boys live because they feared God. This simple statement carries profound weight. Their reverence for God became the compass that guided their actions, even when they stood before the most powerful man in the land. They chose obedience to God, the King of kings over obedience to a king. These two midwives emerged as heroes – not as warriors or prophets, but women whose courage was expressed in the quiet moments of their daily work.

This was no small act of defiance. It was risky. It was dangerous. It could have cost them their lives. When questioned by Pharaoh, they responded with wisdom, explaining that Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive. Whether this was strategy or divine inspiration, one thing is clear - the midwives refused to be instruments of injustice. They refused to participate in cruelty but chose instead to honor God and protect lives.

There are times we find ourselves under the shadow of authority - leaders, systems, or cultures that pressure us to act against our values. Like the midwives, we may not hold positions of power, but we always hold the power of choice. Doing what is right may not always be loud or visible, but it is always significant. Every quiet decision made in hidden places matters, for even the smallest acts of courage can shape lives and change history.

And God saw the midwives.

God saw their kind hearts. He saw their commitment to doing what was right. God saw how they chose to stand firm even when the pressure to conform was overwhelming. He rewarded them with kindness by giving them families of their own. In a society where legacy and lineage mattered deeply, this blessing was profound. It was God’s way of honoring their faithfulness.

Invitation to Reflect

Courage is not reserved for extraordinary people. It is available to ordinary people who choose to do the right thing, even when it is hard. You may find yourself in places where your voice seems small and your choices seem unnoticed. But never underestimate the impact of quiet obedience to God.

Like the midwives, you may be positioned in someone’s life at a critical moment - not to harm, but to help; not to destroy, but to preserve. And when you choose rightly, even in silence, heaven takes notice.
This story also invites you to reflect on what you would have done if you were in the place of Shiphrah and Puah. Have you faced a moment where doing the right thing felt risky? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!