The people of Israel often got themselves into trouble because of their disobedience to the Lord. When the consequences of their sin became unbearable, they would remember the Lord and cry out for help (kind of sounds like some of us!). This is how the story of Deborah begins.

God in His great mercy had sent the people help in the form of judges. Deborah was a prophet, a songwriter, and a brave warrior. She came from the hill country of Ephraim between Bethel and Ramah and was married to a man named Lappidoth. She didn’t have a big office to consult the people of God, but rather sat under a tree providing godly wisdom and guidance to those who came to her for advice.

Even though Deborah had so many amazing qualities, she was called a “Mother for Israel” (Judges 5:7). She saw the people of Israel as her children, and just as a mother cares and guides her children, this is what Deborah did for the people of Israel. She longed for them to have a restored relationship with the Lord, and for them to experience the blessings of peace and security that come from our obedience to God. When it came time to fight, no one would go until Deborah “arose”. She was the inspiration and motivation that led the people to victory. Having such authority and influence may have not been common in Bible times, but Deborah obeyed God’s calling and allowed Him to do extraordinary things through her.

The Lord can, and will, use us when we, like Deborah, choose to be obedient to His calling. We may be pulled out of our comfort zone, but it is in these places where God can use us to have the greatest impact and be a light for others.

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the beautiful reminder that you can use anyone who is willing and obedient. Please fulfill your will in me and use me to be an inspiration and motivation for others to follow you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    Judges 4:4-5 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.