“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13
It was a time of. . .
Great wickedness and disobedience,
Rampant idol worship,
Political instability,
Reluctant national leadership,
Pending war as enemies crept closer, and
It was a time of personal challenge.
Sounds much like our world today, doesn’t it?
It was the time of the Judges. Joshua and the godly leaders of Israel were all dead. “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that He had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10b)
God’s chosen people abandoned God to worship idols; wickedness flourished. When God’s hand of blessing was removed from His rebellious people, Israel could no longer stand against its enemies. “And they were in terrible distress.” (Judge 2:15b)
In His mercy and compassion, God raised up judges to lead the people of Israel. Throughout a judge’s life, God would give His people a time of relief. But as soon as the judge died, the Israelites fell back into their sinful ways and were once again afflicted by their enemies.
It’s important to recognize that the culture of this time did not value women except for two reasons: beauty and fertility. A beautiful daughter gave her family the possibility to align with a wealthier, stronger family through marriage. A fertile wife who gave her husband strong and healthy sons contributed to the long-term prosperity of the family and ensured the continuation of the family line. Aside from those two reasons, women were of little value.
This is the context of Deborah’s story; an ordinary woman used by God to serve the people of God in an extraordinary manner.
In God’s hands, ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Judges chapter four introduces Deborah as the wife of Lappidoth and a prophetess. The spiritual leader of Israel, Deborah was God’s messenger to His chosen people.
She was also the Judge of Israel holding court under the Palm of Deborah (Judges 4:4) and passing judgment. In wartime, she became the military strategist and co-commander of the army; Deborah sounded the battle cry that led Israel’s army into war. When God gave Israel victory in the battle, Deborah documented Israel’s success in song, which she then performed!
God’s use of Deborah in roles traditionally held by men was a rebuke to the men of Israel for their failure to step up and lead as godly men. And it was a clear demonstration that when a woman or man accepts God’s call to serve, He will equip, bless, and prosper His obedient servant in the endeavor.
When I think of Deborah, the first word that comes to mind is FEARLESS.
So how did she do it? How was Deborah able to live “Fearlessly” when others around her were not? In Judges chapters four and five, three key principles stand out.
Principle 1 – Deborah was fearless because she did not allow the world or her circumstances to define her; her identity was established in God.
Deborah did not let the culture, or the traditions of her world define her or force her to conform to the roles that were approved for women. She knew that God had a job for her to do; she listened to His voice, and she was obedient to His calling.
Did Deborah ever question God and second guess His instructions? Perhaps. But the fact is, the Bible begins Deborah’s story at a time that whatever questions and doubts she may have had, they had been resolved. She stood firm in her calling, unafraid knowing that her Sovereign God was in full control. Deborah’s identity was established in God.
“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
Principle #2 – Deborah’s fearless leadership of Israel was based on her knowledge OF God.
Deborah knew God. She knew the history of her people and the stories of her heritage. The stories of Creation, Eden, Noah’s ark and the great flood, the Tower of Babel, and the patriarchs were all familiar. Accounts of Moses, the ten plagues, Israel’s dramatic exit from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, water from the rock, manna, the golden calf, Israel’s frequent disobedience, forty years in the desert, and finally the triumphant entry into the Land of Promise were all well-documented. And Deborah knew how God had mercifully provided for, preserved, and when necessary, punished His much-loved people.
Deborah’s knowledge of God calmed her fears and gave her confidence. God had proven Himself faithful in the past, and she knew that He would be faithful to give her the courage she would need to face the battles of the day and the challenges of the future.
When Israel’s army faced the Canaanite forces, Deborah was able to fearlessly sound the battle cry “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” Judges 4:14 NIV
Principle #3: Deborah’s personal relationship with God made her fearless.
Not only did Deborah know ABOUT God, she knew God in a personal way. Deborah surrendered herself fully to God’s will for her life, she communed with God, she trusted Him, she believed in her heart, and she knew in her head that her trust was in the One and Only True, Almighty God and that He would be faithful to His promises.
No doubt, the words that Moses spoke as he was turning the reins of leadership over to Joshua were of great encouragement to Deborah when she was called upon to do incredibly difficult things. . . like lead the army of Israel into battle.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (referring to Israel’s enemies), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
These words are for you and me when the task God has called us to seems impossible. They are words that speak encouragement, strength, and courage into our spirit when we are afraid, and the battles of life threaten to overwhelm.
Remember that the God who gave Deborah the strength to fearlessly face incredible challenges and capably handle enormous responsibilities, is the same Almighty God who offers you and me the opportunity to live fearlessly.
Deborah, an ordinary woman called by God to do the extraordinary.
Deborah’s story ends with these words,
“And the land had rest for forty years.” Judges 5:31
Deborah’s fearless faith was blessed and was a blessing to Israel throughout her years as a Judge. A beautiful epitaph for a life lived fearlessly.
No doubt it was not always easy for Deborah, and I can promise you that it will not always be easy for you. As difficult as it may be to consistently live a Fearless life finding your strength and courage in God, I can tell you with certainty that it is impossible to live a fearless life without God and without Jesus Christ as your Savior.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by Him (the Holy Spirit) we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15
As Children of God, we can live fearlessly.
“For I am the Lord, your God, who take hold of your right hand and says to you ‘Do not fear; I will help.'” Isaiah 41:13
Are you living a FEARLESS life? If not, remind yourself and practice these principles:
Principle 1 – Do not let the world define you or your circumstances overwhelm you; Your identity is in Christ Jesus.
Principle 2 – The better you know God the more fearless you become.
Principle 3 – The depth of your relationship with God will determine the degree of fearlessness with which you live your life.
Practice the principles and cling to His promises:
“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged…For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
My challenge to you all – Be Fearless!