Lessons from Deborah


My Walk Monday

Yesterday, I was reading about Deborah in the book of Judges. I got curious as to what others thought about this story. So, I searched and read some blog posts about her.

It was very interesting to see so many different interpretations of the story. One post even said........ Deborah led, but only to promote male leadership. She actually wanted to keep herself in a subordinate role. Deborah's leadership role isn't portrayed as a good thing to be imitated by women later in history. (I'm not saying who said this, because I don't want to cause trouble.)

Hmmm. I didn't get that same message out of this Bible story. I think that God could have promoted male leadership through a man if He wanted to. Instead, God chose this woman to be a prophetess and a judge to the Israelites. Deborah made herself available to God and He used her. It was part of His will. It doesn't matter whether He chooses to use a woman or a man. If He is calling you to step into a Christian leadership role, then you'd better do it.

There is a lot of Christian work to be done, many leadership roles that aren't being filled. Is it possible that God has called Christians to fill these roles and they are not obeying? Why would He leave these important church and ministry positions vacant? I'm thinking that there may be a lot Christians ignoring the calling of the Lord.

Deborah was a good example for us. She yielded herself to God. As Christians, we just need to make ourselves available to Him. We don't need to be perfect, because He can do wonders with us when we are weak and ordinary. When God uses an imperfect nobody, He gets all of the glory for what is done.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul tells us - Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The story of Deborah is found in Judges 4 and 5.


Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

8 comments:

Melanie said...

Great post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this great woman from the Bible.

Jamie {See Jamie blog} said...

Just stopping by a few homeschooling bloggers to say HI! I'm going to check out this "My Walk" meme, too - thanks!

Addicted to Beadz said...

Shari,

I came over to thank you for praying for my sister, Jan. We are so thankful for all who are praying for her. But, in return I also was blessed by your post on Deborah. It is so true, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." He is sufficient. He suffered and died for us. I've thought a lot about that lately.

Thanks for sharing this message and thanks for praying for my sister and our family. Though this has been a difficult journey, I wouldn't trade it. We have been blessed beyond anything we could have imagined. Our God has done some amazing things. We want the world to know this, especially nonbelievers.

Cheryl

Pfingston said...

Yes, this one can be a touchy subject for some. I'm a sociologist at heart, so I tend to just look at the "as is" aspect of it when at such a point. Deborah was married, she was a judge for Israel, and a fellow was punished by having his victory given over to the hands of a woman. (I just love Jael, by the way.) I think from there the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us.
Deborah speaks of herself as "a mother in Israel" (Judges 5:7)
hmmm

Anonymous said...

My parents named me after Deborah! It's great to have a heroine of the Bible to look up to!

Amrita said...

This was good Shari. Deborah is my middle name.

Anonymous said...

Nice post... tfs... I love Deborah and think it's great that you shared on obedience, that is what God to working in me A LOT lately.

there are definitely a lot of disobedient Christians and I am one of them ;o(

Anonymous said...

Oh, and thanks for the blog post on depression, I'm sure my post next Monday will touch on it a bit also.