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Deborah: The Prophetess

Biblical Inspiration: Deborah was called a prophet and a leader of Israel. A prophet in those days was a person who served as an intermediary between God and the people. In addition, the Israelites came to her to settle their disagreements.

At that time they were under the rule of an evil and cruel King named Jabin. Deborah asked to see Barak, one of the men. She asked him to gather an army because she had been given a plan by God to obtain freedom from the king. Barak said he would assemble an army only if she came to the battle.

Biblical Inspiration: She said "no problem, but when we win the battle the honor will go to me, a woman."

So she took the army into battle and followed the directions given by God. Every single man from Jabin's army was killed except for their leader who ran from the battle field.
He went to one of Moses' descendents and asked for shelter because he thought they were supporters of the king. Jael, the lady of the house, brought him in, gave him a drink, and hid him under some robes where he fell asleep.
Once he was asleep, Jael took a hammer and tent peg and nailed it into his head. When Barak came by looking for the man she led him to the body.
Soon after Jabin was destroyed by the Israelites and they were free.

There was peace in the land for 40 years.

We can all be prophets today. Many times you are given instructions from God when you are able to stay still and listen. Not to lead an army into battle, but to talk to a friend about your experiences, or to bring flowers to a neighbor.

Deborah's story reminds us to follow through with what God asks. You are just one woman, but you are so much more when you allow yourself to be an instrument of God.
You may not plan to lead the nation, but you know that there is evil in the world and God has given you gifts to be an example and guide other women. Then one by one we will follow our God and out number those who follow evil.
Perhaps that sounds a bit dramatic, but it just involves daily choices. When you make a decision to do what you know is the right thing, you strengthen the spirit of God in you and others. Also by resisting negative and derogatory options you take power away from evil.

It's like you are on a scale. Each step along the beam causes it to lean one way or the other.
The closer you get to God the less significant the other power becomes.

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