Have you ever really considered the blessings and benefits that take place when we unite together for God’s purposes? In the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5, we meet two people who definitely united together for God’s purposes. Their names are Deborah and Barak.
Deborah was a wife, a judge and a prophetess, who ruled over Israel for forty years. She was a wise leader, with an excellent reputation. As a prophetess, she heard from God and heeded His instructions.
At the time their story unfolds, Israel had been oppressed for 20 years by Sisera, the commander of the army of King Jabin, of Canaan. Because they had been treated so cruelly, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help (Judges 4: 1-3).
Deborah sent for Barak and said to him: Has not the Lord commanded you to go, gather an army and fight, for God will give you the victory. Barak replied, “If you go with me, I will go”. Deborah agreed, but she told him that the victory would be at the hand of a woman (and it wasn’t herself she was speaking of). So, Deborah went with Barak and 10,000 men to battle.
As Barak pursued them, the Lord confused Sisera’s army, causing his troops to fall by the sword, except for Sisera, who fled on foot. He arrived at the tent of a woman named Jael, who hid him. Sisera thought he was safe and could trust Jael, but she killed him while he slept. Deborah’s prophesy came to pass: the honor did go to a brave woman, Jael (Judges 4:14-22)!
On that day, the Bible says, God subdued Jabin, the Canaanite king, before the Israelites, who grew stronger and stronger, until they destroyed him. Deborah and Barak sang songs of praise to the Lord for His goodness and His faithfulness!
In this story, we see two very different people unite together for one purpose. Barak was willing to ask for help in what seemed to be a very overwhelming assignment from God. And, Deborah was willing to come alongside him and help without trying to take-over or take the credit for herself. Their unity brought about great blessings:
- Great strength was found for the battle at hand!
- Barak received great encouragement!
- Divine purpose was fulfilled!
- Victory was won!
- Peace was experienced for the next 40 years!
- An amazing LEGACY was left! Barak is mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11 as a man of great faith, and Deborah became known as a female warrior who rescued her people from oppression!
Their legacy continues to encourage our faith today because they chose to unite around God’s purposes! We really are better together!
This week, as you spend quiet time with the Lord, answer the following questions:
- Are you hesitant to ask others for help when you need it? If so, why?
- Do you come alongside others and encourage them when you can?
- Is there someone in your life, at this time, who could use your help in some way? What does Galatians 6:2 say regarding this?
- Read Judges Chapter 4. How did Deborah face challenges that came her way?
- Consider your legacy and how others will remember you. It’s never too late to build a strong legacy!
Unity is important to the heart of God, and He blesses our efforts when we come together with Him and for Him. Great things take place when we work together for the good of others. Let’s be strong women of God who are available to Him and to others and watch the blessings flow!
