When I started writing Little Faith, Big God on the men and women in Hebrews 11, I quickly realized their stories were too rich to skim over in one book. As I considered how to divide the group, Hebrews 11:34 (NLT) arrested my attention.
Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.”
Since I don’t like battles or weaknesses, I wanted to learn more.
- What were their weaknesses?
- What were their battles?
- How did they become mighty in battle?
- How does this apply to you and me?
This showed me how to divide Hebrews 11 into two books. Little Faith, Big God would cover Abel through the patriarchs (and Samson), and Little Strength, Big God would look at those whose weakness was turned to strength in battle.
Little Strength, Big God begins with Hebrews 11:23.
It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command” (Heb. 11:23 NLT).
This first story took me to the frightening circumstances surrounding Moses’s birth.
Their weakness:
Moses’s parents and the Hebrew midwives lived as oppressed slaves under a king with an ego the size of Jupiter. When this ruler commanded that every Hebrew baby boy be killed, they were thrown into an epic battle. How could two slaves resist a ruler who thought he was a god?
Their battle:
To obey the king was to disobey God. To disobey the king could mean forfeiting their own lives. The clash between right and wrong and life and death became their proving ground. Where did they find the wisdom and strength for such a battle?
They Feared God
But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too” (Ex. 1:17 NLT).
Fear of God rescued these slaves from fear of a powerful ruler. Fear of God gave them the wisdom and courage to defy their king. And God was pleased with them and gave them families of their own.
Can you think of a person or situation that threatens or intimidates you? Whose favor do you feel pressured to earn? Are you tempted to cave in fear? Or perhaps you feel justified to lash out in frustration. The Scripture shows how the fear of the Lord protects and guides us even in fierce battles.
- “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Pro. 1:7 NLT).
. - “All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech” (Pro. 8:13 NLT).
, - “Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
it offers escape from the snares of death” (Pro. 14:27 NLT).
. - “Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,
than to have great treasure and inner turmoil” (Pro. 15:16 NLT).
. - “Fear of the Lord leads to life,
bringing security and protection from harm” (Pro. 19:23 NLT).
Trust the Lord Instead of Fearing People
Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the Lord means safety” (Pro. 29:25 NLT).
Moses’s parents and the midwives lacked the personal and political influence to change their ruler or his decree. However, obeying God gave them supernatural wisdom and strength. Fearing God showed them what they couldn’t do. Knowing what they couldn’t do clarified what they must do.
Fearing God showed them what they couldn’t do. Knowing what they couldn't do clarified what they must do. #BigGod, #BibleStudy Click To TweetHow might the fear of God strengthen and guide you this week?
Little Strength, Big God releases September 5, but you can preorder your copy today! Follow this link to learn more and play the online Little Strength, Big God Matching Game.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
I love the article and used it for my morning devotion. You do a great job of explaining Scripture with application to life.
Thank you, Jimmie. I love these stories. They water my soul!
Congratulations on your new book, Debbie, I look forward to reading it!
Thank you, Lisa! I love these stories.
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of a lot of things–strength for the battles of daily life included. Thanks for bringing that out.
Thanks for reading, Natalie.
I was blessed to read your first book. The way in which you have divided Hebrews 11 as you wrote both books is powerful. Both books are encouraging and Little Strength, Big God has been timely for me. It is sure to encourage and strengthen many!
Thank you, Joanne. These stories have certainly inspired me.
Very relevant and much needed in these crazy days!
Yes! Ann, we need lots of biblical wisdom and encouragement these days.
Amen Ms. Debbie. As I read, the following thought entered my mind (It must be a good day today, I had one). The world says, “Fear means Forget Everything And Run.” The Word says, “Fear means Face Everything And Rise.” Am so enjoying the ARC of your tremendous book. Can’t wait for the published copies to arrive so I can share with others. God’s blessings ma’am.
J.D., I love those acronyms. They are new to me. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Thanks for the encouragement.
I appreciate how you brought out the characters in Hebrews and revealed how they depended upon God’s strength instead of their own. They faced their battles despite their fear and God intervened.
Thanks, Barbara. Their problems could have easily paralyzed them. What an inspiration they are.
I love how we can take a passage of Scripture we’ve heard or studied umpteen times and still learn something new! Thanks for the fresh perspective on people we consider to be faith giants — but who were fallible humans just like us that God used in incredible ways.
Leigh, I do too. It is living and active… Thanks for adding your thoughts.
Deb, this is such a great post. It spoke to me. As someone who’s grappled with fear of others, I can always use the reminder that the fear of God is the only kind of fear that will help me prevail in tough situations. When I fear God, I can live with the confidence that He’s walking with me, that He will help me in whatever circumstance I find myself.
Jeanne, I need that reminder too! Awe for our mighty God dissolves the power of all other fears.
Great message Debbie. I needed this reminder for all the times fear threatens to overwhelm me. Thanks for sharing.
We all face fear. I love how these stories show us we don’t have to let fear control us. Thank you Yvonne.
I love the verses on fearing God. I know your book will bless so many. Thanks for writing about it. I often feel the fear of the Lord is misunderstood. I’m encouraged by this post.
Thank you Sylvia!
The better we know God, the easier we can trust Him instead of fearing people. Thanks for this excellent encouragement, Debbie.
Thank you, Annie!