Judges 4:9-10

9 And [Deborah] said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 And Barak called out Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh. And 10,000 men went up at his heels, and Deborah went up with him.

I really like the story of Deborah and what it means for God fearing women. My only wish is that God would have told us more about her, but what he did tell us speaks volumes to us. It certainly lays a foundation for the ability of women both to lead and to teach and to minister in the body of Christ.

Barak and Sisera are the two generals of the battle that is described in Judges 4, but it is Deborah and Jael who steal the show and the glory. Deborah is a prophetess, as she knows what God calls others to do (vs. 6&7); she is a wife (vs. 4); and she is a sought after judge (vs. 5). This woman is no joke, and her presence is sought by many, meaning she was connected to God and wise. Deborah, through her communication with God, is able to be the commander-in-cheif of the Isrealite army. She may not have fought in the battle, but her directions from God were indeed followed and gained a major victory for their people. And while we don’t get much in the description of Jael, we know that she was no woman to mess with. I am sure she could have chosen many ways to kill the general Sisera, but she chose to drive a spike through his temple. This is no patsy way to kill someone, she knew there was a job to do and she did it with thought, meaning, and great power. The ladies here in Judges 4 surely saved the day for the Isrealites; not too shabby for some girls.

What this all says to me is that God can and will use women. The church has gotten this wrong for a very long time, and it is time to quit telling women that they can’t serve God unless it is a “girly” task. Women can clearly teach and counsel men, Deborah was leading the charge here, not staying home to cook and to clean. Jael was an assassin here, not just a pretty homemaker. These woman took a major part in a war, and the war was won because of their doings and their leadership. Women, if you are called to serve in a “mans” role. . .accept that call. God does not make mistakes and He does want your involvement.

Father, thank you for making me a woman. Thank you for the unique gifts and talents you have given me, and thank you that throughout your word, you show how average, even below average men and woman can follow you and make a difference for their people. Help me to be brave and to be in close communion with you so that I too can be used.