Judges 4:6 New International Version (NIV)
6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.
We find in this portion of the Bible, Deborah is leading the nation as a judge into battle. She was also a prophet and was given a Word from the Lord to attack the Canaanites. She was promised victory in verse 7, saying, “Jabin’s army and his 900 chariots would be given into Israel’s hands.”
Judge Deborah had a field general by the name of Barak. He was given the order to lead the attack. But, something interesting happens in verse 8. Barak will not lead unless Deborah goes with him.
In my mind, I see two things in General Barak’s life that is lacking. Where is his faith? Where is his honor? As the story unfolds, Judge Deborah simply makes herself available although her ability in war is probably limited.
All too often we see ourselves lacking ability in some situation in our lives, so we pull away from our availability. If I have learned anything, God makes me stronger.
Paul hits the nail on the head in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For I am weak, this I am strong.” Paul gives us clarity.
Men, God is far moe concerned about your availability than he is with your ability. We are always stronger when we admit and give him our weaknesses.
Strength and Courage
Michael
