Key Scripture: Judges 4
Meeting Deborah
I n a world dominated by men, Deborah stands out as a beautiful example of strength, leadership, collaboration, and humility. The judges during this time in Israel’s history were political and military leaders whom God called to lead His people for a season of revival and revolution. Each judge led the people of God as they fought against their oppressors and turned their hearts back to Yahweh, their Maker and Savior.
- Deborah was called to lead during a time that seemed hopeless for God’s people.
The Israelites were being crushed under the military heel of Jabin, the king of Canaan. His commander, Sisera, had a military machine that was unrivaled at that time and place. For two decades, Jabin and Sisera dominated their part of the world, and the people of Israel were an occupied and oppressed people.
Into this environment God called a new judge, a fresh face of leadership. Deborah was a married woman as well as a prophet of God. She was gifted with wisdom to guide people, situations, and the nation of Israel. In addition to all this, God called her to take military leadership and fight back against the overwhelming and occupying Canaanite forces.
Deborah called a man named Barak to come alongside her in battle. She understood the power of partnership and not doing everything on her own... as all the best leaders understand. Deborah not only partnered with Barak in leading the troops into battle but also collaborated with him on writing a victory song of celebration (see Judges 5).
Deborah’s life, leadership, and legacy should inspire all of us. She loved and followed God. She heard the call to lead and followed. When God brought victory and deliverance to His people, she was quick to give Him the praise and glory.
May God raise up more and more leaders like Deborah.
Introduction
The church is filled with women who are leading in ways that surprise even them! Consider these three stories.
God is bigger than your history and more concerned with your destiny. ~ Bianca Juárez Olthoff
Ann dealt with fear and anxiety for much of her life. As a young girl, she faced deep loss and emotional turmoil when her little sister was killed in a tragic accident. As a mother of six with a passion for family, she was happy staying out of the limelight. But God had other plans. Ann took a journey of counting her blessings and ended up writing a book called One Thousand Gifts. Now, in addition to being a mom, wife, and follower of Jesus, Ann Voskamp speaks to women around the world, blogs, and stands in the gap for children in poverty as she partners with Compassion International. God has called her to lead in surprising ways, and she has followed faithfully.
We need to stop seeing the things we are NOT and start believing in a God who IS. ~ Bianca Juárez Olthoff
Bianca could not read until she was eleven years old. She grew up in a setting that was dangerous, challenging, and sometimes discouraging. Nothing in her childhood would have pointed to her becoming an influential leader. But God turned her life upside down. The Holy Spirit captured her heart and called her to action. Now, Bianca Juárez Olthoff not only invests in her two wonderful stepchildren and her marriage but also travels the world as the chief storyteller for the A21 Campaign. She is a powerful voice in the anti–human trafficking movement globally and an author and blogger.
Sherry grew up in a quiet town in West Michigan. She loved Jesus from her childhood and dreamed of being a schoolteacher, wife, and mother. But God surprised her with additional callings. After teaching second grade for three years, she felt a call to go to seminary and pursue a degree in theology. Today she is a wife, mother, and teacher as well as the cofounder of Organic Outreach International, a ministry that trains church and movement leaders to mobilize the church outward with the gospel of Jesus. She is also a writer who partners with authors like Ann and Bianca, writing studies like the one you hold in your hand.
If you were to ask any of these women if they saw this coming, they would humbly chuckle and say, “No way!” But each one was willing to follow God’s surprising call.
Excerpted with permission from 12 Daring Women by Lisa Harper, Margaret Feinberg, Bianca Juarez, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Karen Ehman, and Courtney Joseph Fallick, with Sherry Harney, copyright Lisa Harper, Margaret Feinberg, Bianca Juarez Olthoff, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Karen Ehman, Courtney Joseph Fallick.
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Your Turn
Are you willing to follow God’s call and direction for your life? What if He’s calling you out of the life you anticipated into one that is entirely new for you? In order to do what He’s called you to do, you need to hear His voice and follow Him! ~ Devotionals Daily