This morning, after the boys had gone to school, I prayed for strength. Looking at my calendar and to-do list, I grew weary. It's not easy being a mom. Somedays, I wear many hats...not including the baseball cap variety you can frequently see me in.
As I prayed, the Lord directed me to the Old Testament.
Judges 5---The Song of Deborah
Deborah was one of Israel's greatest judges and a prophetess.
She settled disputes between the Israelites.
Oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, the Israelites called out to the Lord. Hearing their pleas, Deborah sent for Barak. God was calling Barak to take his troops and defeat Canaan's army and it's commander, Sisera.
Barak said he was unwilling to go into battle WITHOUT Deborah. 'If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go, I won't go.' ~ Judges 4:8
Deborah agreed, but predicted that the real hero of the battle would be a woman.
After a fierce battle, Barak's army had defeated Sisera. All the troops were dead.
Except Sisera.
He fled on foot to a tent, the tent of Jael.
Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite. Heber and Jabin (the king of Canaan) were friends, so Sisera felt he could trust her for his safekeeping.
While he rested in her tent, Jael killed him in his sleep.
On that day, God allowed the Israelites to grow stronger. Strong enough to eventually destroy Jabin, the Canaanite king. Then the land had peace for forty years.
In chapter 5 of Judges, we find Deborah and Barak singing a song; praising the Lord for their victory. In verse 31, we read 'But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.'
As Deborah predicted, the real hero of the battle was a woman.
Never underestimate the power of being a woman. A mother.
With God's help, we can accomplish great things.
Lord, as I rise with the sun, bless me with Your strength to do all I must do today. Amen.
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