Women of the Bible Series Part 2

Reference: Judges 4,5

In our previous post, I shared the story of Deborah and Jael found in Judges 4 and 5. Today I would like to share 5 lessons that I learned from the story of these two brave women.

#1. Be comfortable being the FIRST and ONLY.

Deborah was the FIRST and ONLY female judge in Israel. Her story is found in Judges chapters 4 and 5. She was leading Israel at a time when they were under the oppression of the cruel commander Sisera. This must have been hard and challenging for her to establish authority and respect among her people. However, there is not one text describing her feeling incompetent. She is presented in the text as a wise prophetess and judge who was confident in her position assigned by God.

Relevance:

We are living in a revolutionary time of “FIRST and ONLY.” This title comes with its own pressure because now you’ve got the world’s attention, and the light is all on you. As you climb the social ladder remember to keep God as your number one reference. You need to rely on someone who knows you inside out to help you navigate all the challenges of your success. God will never steer you wrong.

#2. Communicate with Confidence.

Deborah did not waiver when commander Barak told her, she needed to take the lead on the battlefield. She responded with confidence and certainty.

Relevance:

Be a leader who can confidently communicate even with those who undermine your authority. You’ve been established in your position because, in the process, you were found deserving to fill that seat. Let your confidence shine forth. Speak like you were born for that seat.

#3. Let Your Actions Match Your Words.

Deborah was not a soldier, she was a judge and a prophetess. The commander tested the strength of her words by asking her to come along for the battle since she prophesied that God guaranteed victory. Deborah willingly joined him because she believed in God’s revelation.

Relevance:

Deborah taught that commander, once and for all, that a battle can not only be prophesied by a woman but it can also be won by one. And God backed her up on that prophesy, though God never initially planned for the commander enemy to be killed by a woman.

God saw the discrimination, the subtle jab at your character, the numerous attempts to put into question your reputation. God will never guide you to the top just to abandon you to the wolves. Sometimes, just to protect you, he will accommodate your actions even if that wasn’t part of his plan because he knows you are representing his glory on earth. God has your back, sis!

#4. Give Better than Expected.

It’s easy to focus on the crude part of Jael’s plan, but we missed the part where she disarmed her enemy by giving more than expected. She gave him curdled milk instead of water and a blanket to sleep on.

Relevance:

This was not a gesture of kindness in that story because Jael knew she was at war, though she was not on the battlefield. However, we could learn something about how she disempowered her enemy. When you’ve been offended, your offender is expecting your anger and resentment, your best revenge is kindness because they’ll never see that coming.

Disclaimer: Don’t give to the point of self-destruction. The goal is to move on to better.

#5. Do Not Hold Grudges.

Deborah celebrated her victory with the commander Barak when the battle is won. It was all one big happy family celebrating freedom and peace.

Relevance:

Sometimes, people who are supposed to believe in you question your abilities, skills, or talents because of their own fear of your bold vision. They cannot see what you SEE. They cannot step into the dream with you, so they project their fear and discourage you from following it. They may say things to second-guess your plans, but rest assured, their fear had nothing to do with you.

Instead of holding your little bag collecting deeds of the past, focus on the change you want to see in the world around you. Focus on the mission, like Deborah did.

If God revealed it to you, no matter how grand and daring, he will guide you through it.

If you have to roll up your sleeves, get in the trenches, and lead the way, rest assured that God will never leave you on the battlefield on your own.

He will be right there with you, fighting and assuring your victory. So when you are finally proven right, avoid all sorts of gloating, choose peace, and spread joy. We can all use a little more light in our lives.