Sadly, people in power, both inside and outside the church, can abuse their authority. Sometimes they persuade others to do things they know are wrong. This happened when Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill all the baby boys. He was a powerful tyrant, and the midwives knew violating his order would be extremely risky.

If someone in authority abuses power, how can you stand firm and not do what is wrong? The answer is the fear of the Lord and a knowledge of His goodness.

The midwives’ fear of the Lord was greater than their fear of Pharaoh. This fear is akin to being near something incredibly powerful, like a stormy ocean or an erupting volcano. The midwives knew that God was all-powerful, infinitely more so than Pharaoh. They also trusted that God, unlike Pharaoh, was good.

Obedience to the Lord under the threat of retaliation is scary, but it is always right. God provided for the midwives, using His power to triumph over Pharaoh and rescue His people. This is what our Father is like: infinitely worthy of our trust.