If ever there was a supremely capable and confident leader in Israel, it was Deborah (whose name means "a bee"). She was blessed by God to be an astute prophetess and honoured judge. In an era of fear, she was courageous. In an era of godlessness, she trusted in God (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
God used Deborah as a prophetess to deliver messages to His people. God gave her good judgment, fairness and authority to dispense wisdom in civil matters to the people who came to her (Jud. 4).
Because of Israel’s godlessness, God would allow other nations to oppress them. In Deborah’s day the oppression came from Jabin, the king of Canaan. Israel cried to God for help so God revealed to Deborah a military plan to overthrow the Canaanites. She summoned Barak, a military leader, and gave him the plan but Barak baulked. Barak wouldn’t go unless Deborah went with them.
Deborah didn’t hesitate to go on such a dangerous mission, such was her faith in God to do what He said He would do. The Canaanites were subsequently routed and Israel had peace for 40 years under the guidance of Deborah and Barak.
You may never be given a battle strategy to defeat a whole nation. You may never be required to go into a war-zone. You may never need to sit under a palm tree listening to endless problems and dispensing godly counsel. But you are required to live the life that God has given you and if you diligently keep God’s commandments, He will bless you and bring success in all of your endeavours.
Deborah’s life demonstrates the possibilities God has in store for us when we don't hesitate to let the Spirit of God take over our lives so that we can come to use all of our God-given potential. Trusting fully in God enables us to courageously and in full confidence tackle life’s experiences. You are not alone in the battles of life but you can be reassured that God is with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:7-9).
God has a plan for your life. Are you going to let God embolden you so that you can shape the world around you?
Thanks, Georgia.
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit are we made courageous.
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses".. (Acts 1:8)
I think this is a very good devotion. Deborah went where others feared to tread. She gave victory where a man should have done the work. Nothing new, happens everyday but today women are expected to get up and be counted.