“Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel.” Judges 5:7
Deborah was a spiritual leader as well as a political leader at a time when a woman in leadership was rare. In a man’s world, she was a judge who held court under a palm tree – doesn’t that sound like a pretty office setting? She also spoke on behalf of the Lord as a prophetess. But the description of Deborah I love the most is as a mother who chose to rise up.
The name Deborah means “honey bee”. Don’t mess with a mom on a mission and don’t stir up a beehive either! Like a mother quickly coming to the aid of her children, Deborah got a bee in her bonnet when the enemy was rising up against God’s people.
We must embrace our God-given femininity – it’s where we will be the strongest.
Not only did Deborah rise up to lead Israel’s army in battle, but she led them to victory. The fifth chapter of the book of Judges contains Deborah’s victory song.
As women, we have the awesome privilege of being life givers. We were fashioned by our Creator to be able to carry and bring forth life. Our words and actions have the ability to build up or to tear down. This applies to our self-talk as well.
As Deborah rose up she also had to remind her soul to be strong.
“March on my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21
We, like Deborah, must RISE UP, MARCH ON, and BE STRONG.
- March on when we feel weak inside.
- March on when no one else goes with us.
- March on when faced with a challenge seemingly insurmountable.
- March on when unbelief tries to stand in the way.
- March on when our flesh is weak and temptation to quit is pressing in.
- March on when our enemy looks like a giant.
We all have an area of influence – whether to thousands, hundreds or a few. We must receive our marching orders from the Lord or we will fight the wrong battles. We must employ others to join, yet be willing to fight alone in the strength of the Lord.
When women operate in their God-given roles, the Lord will use us to route the enemy. Our part is vital. Deborah played a huge role in her time of influence, and you and I have a role to play right now.
Something ceases until we rise up.
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy but God has come to give us abundant life (John 10:10)!
Rise up for it! Want it! Go after it! Don’t allow the abundant life of the Lord to cease. After Jesus rose to life, He appeared to the disciples several times and said, “Peace be with you!” When peace ceases we must look to the Lord for our marching orders and rise up to take action.
As Israel’s leader and prophetess, Deborah gave orders to Barak who was not willing to go to battle without her. Deborah agreed to go but told him because of his hesitation the honor would go to a woman. Barak is honored for his part in the battle (Hebrews 11:32), but the Lord did hand the enemy over to another brave woman, Jael (Judges 4:21).
Let’s be mighty women who believe the word of the Lord. We can press on in difficulty when He is leading the way. We can defeat the enemy when we follow the Lord’s plan. Even natural death is swallowed up in victory when we march on in the Lord’s army (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Like Deborah, we have a battle we must rise up and fight. Like Deborah, we must speak life to our souls and march on. Like Deborah, we must sing a victory song.
The Lord announces the word and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng. Psalm 68:11
