Earnestly Seeking.....

Have you ever spent time getting to know Deborah, in the Book of Judges? Her story begins in Judges chapter four. After the Israelites moved into the Promised Land, they still had issues with disobeying God and worshipping idols. Therefore, God appointed Judges to try and keep them in order. Deborah was a prophetess who became a judge in Israel. 

What is a prophetess? The Hebrew word is nebiah, which means, “a representative or purveyor of God’s word to others.” A judge was someone appointed by God (Judges 2:16) to settle disputes among the people, to keep the people following God’s laws by teaching them the Word of God and to lead their people in war.

So what made Deborah unique? Deborah was the fifth Judge to try and help the Israelite nation. They had been under the control of King Jabin of Hazor for 20 years. Deborah had gained the respect of the nation through her strength of character and her integrity. I am by no means an advocate of women in leadership. I believe that men and women rise to the position to which God has called them. As we see with Deborah, even in a male dominated society she was able to rise above and have a tremendous impact.  

She was so respected for her leadership and faith that when it came time for battle, Barak, who was requested by God to go and lead the battle, said that he would only go if Deborah came with him (Judges 4:8). Together they won the battle and there was peace in the land for 40 years.

That, my sisters, is what God has called us to be as women of God ~ that we stand apart and earn respect for the gentle and quiet spirit that only comes from earnestly seeking and obeying God. 

Do you think that Deborah would have moved to that place of leadership if she had been a pushy, arrogant, selfish woman?

 Judges 5:7 says, “There were few people left in the villages of Israel—until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel.”   This is proof that Deborah was a highly respected follower of God.

Being a woman of God is a privilege. Here are some reasons why you should be proud to be a woman of God. Look up these verses and see for yourself:

• You are one of a kind. In Luke 12:7 Jesus says, “The very hairs on your head are numbered.” You are so special that He cares about the number of hairs on your head!
  
• You can do anything! Philippians 4:13
  
• You are loved. John 3:16
  
• You are forgiven. 1 John 1:9
  
• You are complete. Colossians 2:10
  
• You are a friend. John 15:15
  
• You are a work being perfected. Philippians 1:6
  
• You have been chosen. John 15:16
  
• You have hope. Romans 15:13
  
• You are a child of God and the Holy Spirit lives with you. 2 Thessalonians 2:13