The inspiring life of Deborah
Updated: Jan 25, 2023
How many of you know the Bible story about Deborah?
Today I'd like to share a little bit of her story with you, in hopes that her courage, confidence, and obedience will inspire and encourage you as much as she has inspired me. Especially, her obedience in answering God's call no matter how scary or stressful it was.
Deborah's Background:
She was the only female judge mentioned in the Bible
She helped military leader Barak win their battle against Sisera and his army
She was a prophet, poet, singer and songwriter
She stood out for her wisdom, courage, and faithfulness
She is the only other person with a combination of prophet and judge (like Samuel)
She is the only woman in the Old Testament who was known for taking action & her strong faith
Deborah's Qualities:
She was wise, approachable and sought after for her counsel. (Judge 4:4-5)
She had a great relationship with God. She spent time with God and knew Him, she understood what God wanted for the Israelites - his people. (Judge 4:6)
She was a leader to the military. She led Barak in his military decision-making process and accompanied him into battle. (Judge 4:14)
She was courageous and willing to go into battle. Barak would not lead without her. (Judge 4:8-9)
She understood her roll as a leader. Her leadership came from God and she was obedient to Him, she did not allow anything to keep her from following God's call. (Judges 5:2)
She cared deeply for people. (Judges 5:9)
She always gave credit and honor to God. When the battle was over she acknowledges God by giving Him praise. (Judges 5:3)
In answering her call, Deborah became an extraordinary figure in the Bible, she taught us how to be obedient.
Friends, is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone?
As Lysa Terkeurst's book "Is God Speaking To Me" says: "Whatever God says to do, do it."
Judges 4:6
She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: 'Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor.
Judges 4:8-9
Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go." "Very well," Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman." So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.
Friends, I pray that each one of us will spend more time with God in order to become proficient in hearing His voice and courageous enough to answer His call each and every time!
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Judges 5:1-3
On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: "When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves - praise the Lord! Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing; I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.
Written by: Jill Theriault
Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime
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