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SCRIPTURAL EXPRESSIONS
Women of the Bible
The Story of DEBORAH:
Deborah was different from most of the women in Israel and different from most women today. Deborah was different but she was different for God. She was committed to God and to doing His will. Deborah was an Old Testament Prophetess and a Judge who ruled over Israel during a very chaotic time in their history. A WOMAN... but a strong women submitted unto God. For women in Bibical times life could be considered hard, unjust and unfair. To an extent, a woman was her husband's property and she owed him her loyalty and her fidelity. The husband was generally accepted as her lord and master. Her honor rested in her chastity and her submission to her husband and her father.
Although many women reached a level of some prominence she had to do so with strong character and determination. While Israel originally esteemed women higher and honored the laws that were designed to protect women, their associations with pagan nations deminished that. (see Deuteronomy 21:10-14; 22:13; 22:28 for Israel's laws) The heathen cultures subjected women to inferior and degrading situations. This was the case when Jacob's daughter, Dinah was raped by a man (Shechem) in the land of Canaan that did not honor the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 34)
Deborah was one of those women in the Bible who through her devotion to God's will was elevated in to prominence. The period of the Judges was from around 1380-1050 B.C.; where the Judges served as the leaders of the nation of Israel. During Deborah's reign the people were in rebellion and again were worshiping idol or false gods. Judges 17:6; 21:25 gives a description of these times. "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes". Because of the children's rebellion, God would send foreign nations to oppress them and the job of the Judge was to rally the children of Israel to fight and defeat their enemies. Each time they would again enter into idolatry and God would again send their enemies to attack them. Of the list of Israel's Judges (Othniel, Ehud, Jephthah, Gibeon and Samson), Deborah was the only woman and is called the most courageous.
"God doesn't call the qualified, the qualifies the called." Never a more true statement could be made about Deborah. This statement also can apply to each woman today. Your resume' is not the criteria that God uses to appoint or to call. While our backgrounds serve us well in ministry it is not the qualifier for ministry. God equipped Deborah with the leadership skill and the abilities needed and placed her inthe position to use those gifts. "Your gifts will make room for you", is another statement that through time has been proved true. Through Deborah's hearing the call of God and her chosing to answer His call, the children of Israel were delivered. The same can apply to women today... when you hear the call of the Lord, answer that call and the Lord will not only equip you but He will also prepare the way for you to be victorious or effective.
We may never be called into battle as Deborah was. We may never be appointed leader of a nation as she was. Our call to serve may be through our everyday roles or in our church ministries. Regardless to the position God is calling you to whether it's minister, teacher, mother, professional, or homemaker or missionary... accept it. Deborah dared to be different and made a lasting difference and you too can make a difference today. You could make the difference that could change the lives of many or the life of one. Always remember it is God who makes the difference not us. He uses us, but it is His will that we must accomplish not our will. We are but the vessels He choses to use to accomplish that will.
Ask yourself this question..."Am I a WILLING Vessel that God can use to do HIS Will?. Jesus said... "Not my will but thy will be done!
(Reference used: Women of Faith Bible Study Series on Deborah. For more information on this and other subjects you can log on to their website by chosing the Women of Faith link on our Links Page)
BEAUTIFUL STRONG WOMEN
Beautiful, Strong Women
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up for injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better
solution.
They go without new shoes so their children can have them.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get
awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong
when
they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care
about
you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!
Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope.
They give compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
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There's a Calm After the Storm
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,
sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day,
comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
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