I think Deborah may be one of my favorite women in the Bible. I’ve read her story (Judges 4) many times, and I read it again today. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge. Few women held positions of leadership in the Bible, and Deborah was the only female judge. And she is one of just a handful of prophetesses in the Bible. She was truly set apart by God.
But what made Deborah so special?
God chose her. She was elevated to the high position because of her faith, wisdom, discernment, confidence, strength, and courage. She proved that she was a leader called by God.
In this story, Deborah gave Barak a command from God. Judges 4:6-7 (ESV)“Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand’?”
Barak says that he will only go if Deborah goes with him. For a military leader like Barak, does this sound strange? Maybe, but I wonder if it was because he had faith in her because of her faith in God. I think this speaks a lot for Deborah’s character.
I love the message bible translation of Judges 4:9, “Of course I’ll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, there’ll be no glory in it for you. God will use a woman’s hand to take care of Sisera.” Barak needed to change his attitude because God wanted Barak to have faith in Him, not in someone else’s faith.
As the story continues, we find out that the victory goes to Jael, another woman that God called for this specific purpose. Jael single-handedly defeated Sisera because she gained his trust.
Deborah was a true leader. She had confidence and spoke boldly. She was fearless because of her faith. She was a woman of influence.
Her story reminds me that I too am a leader. God has specifically called me to be who I am. And God has called you as well. Wherever you are in life, whatever situation you are in, have confidence because of your faith in Him. Be a woman of influence and let your faith shine so that others will see it.
Deborah was bold enough in her faith that a military leader would not go into battle without her. How bold is your faith? Do others see Christ reflected in you?
Be a Deborah; be bold and courageous. Be strong in your faith. And have confidence that God has chosen you to lead where He has placed you for this season.
Journal prompt: Where has God placed you? In what ways are you or are you being called to be a leader?
Lord Jesus, thank you for the calling you have given me. Help me to stand up and be a bold leader for you in any situation I am in. Help others see you in me. And help me to have bold faith as I live my life for you. Amen
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