FEARLESS STRENGTH ON BEHALF OF CIVIL JUSTICE, STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD - THE STORY OF DEBORAH
By Synthia Esther
8/16/2014
Scripture reference: Judges chapter 4, 5
We meet few people in life who have the courage to stand up to their convictions, inspiring others to do the same. Such is the story of Deborah in the old testament (Judges 4, 5), which provides us a testimonial account of a woman who was a “leader, not a follower.” Deborah was a political visionary, and a sensitive, creative artistic, who exemplified the belief in the power of one. By faith, Deborah knew she could make a difference in the world when we face our fear and trust in God's loving care and sovereignty.
Deborah was a prophetess and Judge who listened to people's problems, and settled disputes. Wife of Lappidoth, she used her God given wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration, to lead the people placed in her spear of influence to achieve humanitarian justice. She was a civil leader of sensitivity, as she also wrote poetry, “The Song of Deborah”, a song of praise proclaiming, “God works on our behalf!”
On the political scene, Deborah saw the gross injustice of her time as the Israelites were suffering ongoing, torment, abuse, and trauma caused by surrounding oppressors who had new, vast technological armory. High powered chariots, knives, fused metals, which gave them a diabolical, evil advantage to rule in savagery defying all who would oppose them. Abuse is never justified, with God being swift to take action on behalf of his elect, which is all of humanity who accept and call Him Lord. We serve a great and mighty God, who hears our prayers and supernaturally gives us both the answers and providence to achieve our goals and leave a legacy of trust and hope to all who know our personal journey.
Deborah held her court under the “Palm of Deborah”, between Ramah and Bethel, under the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites came to her to decide disputes. Of course, we know she did so by God's inspired unction. Deborah sent for Barah from Kedesh in Nephtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you; 'Go, take with you ten thousand men....and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I will lure Sisera...with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.”
So trusted was her God inspired wisdom, that Barak would not go into battle without Deborah, who warned him that he would receive no honor in battle because God would hand Sisera over to a woman. Barak and Deborah summoned 10,000 men to Kedesh and then marched to Mount Tabor. Heber, the Kenite, was camping near Kedesh. His tribe told Sisera the news, and Sisera led his army to the Kison River. Deborah then told Barah to Go! At Barak's advance, the Lord routed Sisera with his many chariots and army by the sword, as Sisera, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite.
Jael, invited him in, gave him comforting words “not to be afraid”, provided him drink and covered him as he laid down to rest for he was exhausted. When Sisera was fast asleep, Jael drove a nail peg through his temple into the ground and he died. Just as Deborah had said, the battle was won that day by the hands of a woman, who took action against oppressors of injustice providing for God's lasting peace in the Land for forty years.
Moral of the story? God rescues his people from their oppressors by influencing people, places, and things, to yield forth the fruit of peace in a troubled world. In the case of Deborah and Jael, dedicated women of courage and strength, as opposed to Barak and Sisera, who were weak, we see God use fearless, faithful women for His purpose and plan.
Facing fear is a problem we all face in life at one time or another. God goes with us as we take our battle stance, like Deborah, in order to defeat our enemy, Satan, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). When we face our fear and by faith depend on God and His Holy word, we have powerful spiritual weapons at our disposal.
TAKE THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD – EPHESIANS 6:17
Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights. Satan knew Jesus was weak in body and therefore vulnerable. “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread,”- Matthew 4:3. “If you dare the Son of God, throw yourself down for it is written that angels are commanded concerning you, they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (Matthew 4:6).
In response Jesus used “the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word” (Ephesians 6:17), to defeat the many spiritual attacks Satan sent his way. Jesus could have called upon twelve legions of angels to contend with these attacks. Instead He took up the word of God to defeat the enemy, which is always Satan himself!
When we stand strong on the word of God against fiercest attacks against our body, mind, soul, and spirit, we stop Satan in his tracks. The word of God does not come back void. Like Deborah, we face our fears, lean on the everlasting words of Jesus to defeat the foe, the oppressor of our soul. For we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us (1 Corintians 2:12). The Holy Spirit of God is ushered into our trails and tribulations by the power of God, which is the living and breathing word of God (John 1:1).
When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25). The Holy message since time immortal has been a light to the lost and the spirit of truth to all who believe. Renewal, healing, and spiritual maturity often come through our suffering. We are stronger and better equipped to face our fear when we trust in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
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Are you facing a looming battle?
Do you desire God's help in defeating the enemy?
Our battles in life are God's stepping stones towards spiritual growth. We are each born for a reason, yet many never gleam knowledge of what that reason is. Which is to become more like Jesus Christ each and every day, a process of sanctification. As we learn to lean on Jesus, we grow to trust Him more. Praying scripture is built on God's power to transform our circumstances ushering forth power from on high.
God gave me this prayer for special sister in Christ who is going through a very difficult time. Because of her desire to lean on the everlasting words of Jesus Christ our Lord, God has used circumstances to provide yet another prayer for those in need. Let us remember, all prayer is built on a relationship with Christ. Just talk to God as you would a friend, for that is what He is, a friend upon whom you can depend. - Synthia Esther
A PRAYER OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY, SECURITY, AND STRENGTH
By Synthia Esther
8/16/2014
Dear Holy Father and Lord, Jesus Christ,
I claim you as the only begotten Son of God, who lives and reins in my heart. Though trails come my way my faith is genuine, for I know I am being tested, and by endurance I will yield forth spiritual growth and maturity (1 Pet. 1:7; James 1:3; Gen. 22:1). All supreme lover and ruler of my Soul, I know you stand by your word. King of KINGS, and Lord of LORDS, I faithfully stand on your promises.
I will not be afraid nor terrified, knowing you will never leave me nor forsake me (Deut. 31:6). I know you uphold my right hand, and calm all my fears (Is. 41:13). Even though I walk through the valley of darkness, I know you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4). I know by your Spirit which rest in my heart, that I do not have to contend with a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a strong mind (2 Tim. 1:7). For you Lord are my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? You Lord are my strength in this life, therefore, I will not be afraid (Psalm 27:1).
Fear does not consume me, for you are my helper (Heb. 13:6). You fill me with peace, not as the world gives, but by supernatural providence provided by your Holy Spirit. You fill me with your love, which provides spiritual security, and strength, fought and won by the power of your blood on the Cross of Calvary (John 14:27; Eph. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 12:11; Col. 1:20). My faith in these promises does not rest on human reason but by your power (1 Cor. 2:5).
No weapon formed against me will propser, for my salvation heritage and vindication is from You (Is. 54:17). I will not tire of doing good for I know at just the right time I will reap a harvest of blessings if I don't give up! (Galatians 6:9), being in this life or life eternal which you have provided. You are my strength on this journey (Habakuk 3:19), therefore I stand on your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). I have great joy, knowing that my faith being tested has a chance to grow towards perfection, needing nothing but you, Lord (James 1:2-4).
I give thanks for You are good! Your faithful love endures forever, providing victory over sin and death through Lord Jesus Christ my Lord (1 Chronicles 16:34; Luke 17:16; 1 Corinthians 15:57). I stand devoted to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2). I desire to learn more of your righteous word and regulations, which is a light on my path (Psalm 119:105), so that I might live as I should (Psalm 119:7).
I praise you, Lord, with all my heart (Psalm 9:1; 104:1), for you are good. Your faithful love endures forever! - (1 Chronicles 16:34). I know my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24). Whatever I do from this day forth, I desire to do for Your glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Fully carrying out the ministry you have given me (2 Timothy 4:5), which is to claim your name and tell of your wondrous grace, mercy, and love.
In Jesus Christ Name I Pray,
Amen.
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