She Is Strong and Courageous 30-Day DevotionalSample

Choose Courage – Deborah 

Deborah in the Bible inspires us to take a risk and choose courage! In today’s devotional, you will find action steps you can take to pursue the gifts and talents God has given you for victory in your life.

“’Very well,’ she replied, ‘I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.’ So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. At Kedesh, Barak called together the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and 10,000 warriors went up with him. Deborah also went with him.”  (Judges 4:9–10).

Pray: Lord, give me the ability to see the wondrous truth in your Word. 

Observe: How can we maintain courage even when life gets difficult? Courage is an attribute of integrity that gives us strength to make better decisions in the midst of fearful and difficult situations. 

We all need courage for something. Depending on our circumstances, there are different types of courage we need, ranging from physical strength and endurance, to mental stamina and innovation. My favorite definition of courage is “taking a risk and trusting God with the outcome.”

The first step in any new direction is always the hardest. Maybe you need to submit your application for a new job, schedule an appointment with a Christian counselor, or agree to forgive someone who has wounded your heart. No matter what God is encouraging you to do, don’t let the fear keep you from experiencing the joy and freedom God is calling you to embrace. 

God wants us to face life with courage, hope, and unwavering faith. The Bible offers numerous accounts of courageous women and men whose lives inspire us to make better choices and live more courageously. Take for example Deborah. Deborah was a wife, prophetess, ruler, and warrior. She was the fifth Judge over Israel, appointed by God to lead the people out of bondage. 

Deborah courageously led her army into battle against an enemy who outnumbered them ten-to-one. She exercised great courage, maintained confidence in God’s deliverance, and was known throughout the land as the female leader and warrior who rescued Israel.

Courageously choose courage by implementing the following steps:

1. Seek and embrace godly counsel.

2. Fast and pray, asking God for courage and guidance. 

3. Place your confidence in God’s plan and take action, even if you’re afraid. 

4. Trust God with your outcome. 

Interpret: God allows us to experience life situations that require unwavering faith and God-given courage. If we rely on him, he will lead us into victory. 

Apply: What courageous action or change is God calling you to make? Set aside your fear, embrace your God-given courage, and take your first step today. 

Pray: Father, show me the changes you want me to make and the direction you want me to go. Give me courage to take action and endurance to see it through.