Judges 4 gives us a wealth of insight on leading a model Christian life. Today, let us focus on obedience and faith from this portion of Scripture. How often have you heard God’s promises for your life and still not stepped out in faith? In Verse 6 Deborah says, “Has not the Lord of Israel commanded you…” which implies that Barak has already received the word from God but failed to act in obedience. Are there instructions/prophecies we have heard from the Lord, yet not acted upon?

In Judg 4:6-7 we understand that God had laid out the action plan for war as in, where, how many men and whom to take for the battle. Further, God had devised the strategy the He would draw out Sisera and his men at river Kishon- and He had promised victory. All that was required of Barak was obedience.

Winning the battle with God on your side is all about obedience and proceeding in faith. Sometimes God tells you to be still and let Him fight the battle (Exodus 14:14). Even to be still and trust God requires obedience and faith. At other times, God asks us to take the first steps of faith, just as He commanded Barak to do. Either way, we need to be obedient to God’s plan, to be victorious in our Christian walk. Our obedience is the evidence of our faith. Let us examine ourselves today- do we need a nudge or an accompaniment for an assignment the Lord has already specifically called us to do?

Barak’s reply to Deborah in Verse 8 shows his lack of faith. When Barak was hesitant to proceed, God prompted Deborah. Deborah did not doubt God’s word or fear the enemy because she knew who was fighting for Israel. If you do not act, God is able to raise others to do His will, but it is His desire to use you! All He asks of you is your willingness and submission. Remember that the God of the universe, your Creator, who has called you, is with you – so why be hesitant?

If Deborah and Barak had not gone forth to battle, the people of Israel may have suffered long under the harsh rule of Jabin. Since they obeyed, there was a great victory for Israel. God-sent missions are not just to build us up but to also reach out to others in darkness and slavery (Ephesians 2:2) that they too enjoy the same freedom we have in Christ.

Are you like Barak who heard the promise but was afraid or like Deborah who knows that God who promised is faithful to bring about the victory? If you are still waiting for another sign before acting on the promise of God let this message encourage you -He who called you dear brother/sister, is faithful to accomplish that which has been promised. "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth……. so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10 -11)

God wants us to lead victorious lives, but to do that we need to be obedient to Him. The greatest battles are won, when you prayerfully submit to the Father’s will.

​

​

Prayer:  

Beloved Father, I thank You for all Your promises in my life.

I believe that You are more than able to fulfill each of them.

Today, I surrender myself in complete obedience to do Your will.

Amen