Happy Saturday FAMily! We are still on the journey that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.
What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.
Today we will explore the story of Deborah, who was a judge and prophetess over Israel. That had to be a walk in faith, as leaders in that time were primarily men. She is introduced in Scripture in Judges 4:4 during a time of oppression. Judges 4:4-5 states: “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. … And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”
The verses immediately after give greater context and show she was under the leadership of Barak. During a tumultuous time she encouraged Barak and reminded him that God called them to lead Israel in a war against the mighty armies of Jabin and his general Sisera, by utilizing only a very small army of Israelites to do so. God was planning to defeat these foreign armies and deliver Israel.
Deborah saw Barak’s lack of confidence and reassured him that she would surely go with him. Then she also prophesied that the glory of killing Sisera, God’s enemy, would not go to Barak, but “the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (Judges 4:9).
Deborah’s strength, confidence, and encouraging words to Barak and her simply her presence made a difference. Barak did take 10,000 Israelite troops down from Mount Tabor as commanded. “And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak” (Judges 4:15). Barak then pursued the fleeing chariots and army of Sisera and killed them all. Sisera fled away and ended up being killed by a woman named Jael. God’s prophecy had come to pass, as He had spoken through Deborah.
By faith Deborah led the people of Israel during a crucial time. Her faith in God, true servant leadership and service was exemplary during a time when faith was seriously lacking.
Application
Are there times where you are surrounded by others who are lacking in faith? Have you provided them the words of encouragement they need to keep pushing? Be that Deborah in the corner of your friends, family, marriage, church and community to take things to the next level and obtain God’s promises.
Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Sarah!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
