Thrive Moms: Warrior StudySample

“The Strong Warrior” 

 Go through and read today's scripture. Tucked away in the book of Judges is the story of a mighty warrior named Deborah. She is Israel’s judge at the time of this story in Judges 4-5. There was a commander of the Canaanite army named Sisera who was oppressing the Israelites. Deborah was well known as a prophetess and speaker of wisdom for her people. She called out to a leader named Barak to go out into battle against the Canaanites -- but he would only go if she came too. These few things we know about Deborah speak volumes of her character. For the Israelites to look to a woman as their leader and a military general to insist she leads the army, it’s obvious that Deborah was a woman of incredible character and leadership. This battle was not an easy one -- it’s another “David & Goliath” type of story. The Lord brought victory to his people through the leadership of Deborah. Her story stands out in the Bible for her wisdom, courage, leadership, and most of all, faith in God. Under God’s calling, she took a giant step of faith to face unimaginable odds. God was faithful in her battle just as he is faithful in yours and mine each and every day. In this story another woman rises out of the leadership of Deborah, named Jael. She brought Sisera, that Canaanite leader, into her tent. She fed him and once he was asleep, she killed him. Sisera’s death brought the Israelites victory and made these two incredibly brave women change the course of history for God’s chosen people. Maybe you are a strong leader for your community or maybe just in your household. Whether you are leading an army of 10,000 or a family of three -- you are a leader. You have the ability and strength to face unimaginable odds because you have the strength of God on your side. God made it very clear in his word that he believes and trusts in women as leaders. Let’s be a culture filled with Deborahs who are not afraid to lead our armies to battle. Let’s be women who are known by such strength of character that our husbands simply can’t go into battle without us by their side. It’s time we rise up as leaders and put our full trust in a God who can defeat even the strongest of enemies.