Tuesday, September 10, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

 

Consider the Source

 

Psalm 59:17  You are my strength, I sing praise to You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on Whom I can rely.

  

How do you think a decree by the ruler of our nation to kill all baby boys would impact your family? Would you simply comply or would you try to rescue the baby boys in your family?

 

There are actually two times in the Bible that decrees WERE issued to have all baby boys under the age of two killed. The first occurrence came about due to a Pharaoh's concern over the explosive growth of the Israelites during their captivity in Egypt. The second instance was King Herod's response to the birth of Jesus who was being proclaimed as the "newborn King of the Jews."

 

Through divine intervention, the lives of babies Moses and Jesus were spared. Now...what threat would the birth of a BABY boy be to a Pharaoh or a King?

 

Pharaoh recognized that one day the Egyptian babies would grow into MIGHTY men! King Herod knew that a recently born baby in Bethlehem was the One true living God...One that was greater than he.

 

Both men responded out of fear, jealousy, and hatred. Each of their goals was to take out the threat before it grew into anything significant. Sometimes, the enemy sees potential in us before we or the rest of the world sees it.

 

Even today, the enemy will use people, events, and even our own insecurities to attempt to destroy growth and success in God's people. This often occurs through the negative words of others.

 

The King and Pharaoh specifically set out to destroy the boys. Males are the species that are created to provide the seed for fertilization. Without seed and fertilization, there cannot be conception and GROWTH.

 

Sadly, individuals who are driven by passion, vision and accomplishment often encounter the critical words and jealousy of those who are acting out of their OWN insecurities. If the individuals being attacked are not aware of what is going on, they can accept the criticism as truth and cower down from the amazing destiny that God has in store for them --- the slaughtering of their God-destined potential for GROWTH.

 

I challenge you to always be a person who inspires and enriches the dreams of others. Additionally, when others say or do hurtful things producing feelings of inadequacy in you, consider the source. Most importantly, always consider the GREATEST SOURCE....our God! Through Him, you can do anything!

 

Dear Lord, help me to always see myself as YOU see me. Thank You for the amazing future that I have in You.

 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord

and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.