Another interesting thing is that 10 times “do not be afraid” is followed by “do not be discouraged.” Have you stopped to consider that being afraid and being discouraged are related? After all, the opposite of “discouraged” is “encouraged.” And encouraged means to be filled with courage!
Why should we be filled with courage? Because as Christians, the Lord is with us and in us. And He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.
Finally, notice that “do not be afraid” is not a suggestion. God doesn’t say, “If you don’t want to be afraid, that’s an option. Either way. Be afraid or don’t. It’s up to you.” No, it’s a command. He is giving an instruction on how to approach the circumstance.
Capture this picture in your mind’s eye: a tiny child floating in the Nile and an older sister perhaps fifteen or twenty yards away keeping watch. The setting has an inherent beauty all its own. If the infant Moses could have spoken at this point in our story, he probably would have spoken of the miracle of an older sister who loved him and who stood watch over his basket in the river. This is a heartbreaking but beautiful example of a mom's love for her son.
One day the daughter of the pharaoh (the princess of the land) came to bathe in the Nile. She heard the baby crying. Moses’ sister was assuredly alarmed at this development. She probably thought, “Oh, no. We’re done. We are discovered!”
But the baby Moses captured the heart of the princess. In one special moment, a daughter of Pharaoh broke the pattern of cruelty that had been ordered in Egypt. The princess knew the edict of her father. But she also knew the innocence of this small child. Her heart claimed him. She would take him home.
Next comes what may be the most fascinating part of the initial story. Moses’ sister went to the princess and asked, “Would you like me to find someone to nurse and care for the child?” The princess was delighted. Miriam left at once to get her mother. She brought her back to the princess.