18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don’t be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 19 “Please give me some water,” he said. “I’m thirsty.” So she gave him some milk from a leather bag and covered him again. 20 “Stand at the door of the tent,” he told her. “If anybody comes and asks you if there is anyone here, say no.”
Judges 4:18-20 (NLT)
21 But when Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, and so he died. 22 When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him. She said, “Come, and I will show you the man you are looking for.” So he followed her into the tent and found Sisera lying there dead, with the tent peg through his temple. Judges 4:21-22 (NLT)
Jael wasn’t expecting a visitor that day , especially not the leader of the enemy army. Jael was brave and clever. She single handedly takes out the commanding officer of the enemy. Jael was likely inspired by Deborah who gave others courage and hope. When we have godly role models we are inspired to do things God’s ways. The final victory of this day goes to Jael, a homemaker with astonishing courage that led the next 40 years in peace for Israel.
No doubt many people knew Deborah and knew she spoke for God in her words and backed it up in actions. God gives us the ability to be influential in the environments we live. We can have this same courage to follow God when it is unpopular. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In whatever environment you find yourself-at work, at home, in the community-you can take a stand against others when we live out Romans 12:2 and have our minds transformed by God’s Word.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
When we stand for what we believe in and trust God for the outcome, it will inspire others to do the same.
Let’s Pray:
Dear God, Help us to be the Deborah’s in our day. Help us to follow closely to You and stand for what is right. Help our witness to be strong and evident to those around us. May we inspire people to be bold and courageous and live Your way. May we bring glory to You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.