Taking God At His Word And Being Victorious

-March 22, 2023-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Ahinoam from Kedesh of Naphtali, and said to him, ‘Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and the sons of Zebulun; and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand (Judges 4:4; Judges 4:6-7)?’”

Deborah was the only female judge spoken of in the Book of Judges. She was a godly prophetess, leader, warrior, wife, and mother. She accepted God’s call to deliver the Israelites from the bondage of the Canaanites. During this time period in Israel’s history there was the constant cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation. Desperate times call for desperate measures; God promised Deborah the victory. She solicited Barak to be her commander in the battle. He agreed to do it if she went with him. His army consisted of 10,000 and he was going up against the enemy forces composed of about 100,000.

Deborah had faith in God and trusted in Him. She told Barak that he would win the battle but there would no glory for him. The Lord brought about the victory and every Canaanite soldier was killed. Sisera alone escaped but was killed by a woman of Israel named Jael. Two brave and God fearing women and one courageous general did their part and used them mightily.

When we heed the call, take up the challenge, and take the Lord with us and do His will, He gives us the victory. Deborah wrote a song giving praise to the Lord. She said, “Thus let all the enemies perish, O Lord! But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength” (Judges 5:30). God raises up whom He chooses, to do what He chooses to be done, and all the glory goes to Him. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Let us remember we are His people and when we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He wins the victory through us. Have a blessed day taking up our responsibilities to serve the Lord.

Victorious in Jesus alone,

Dean