9 She (Deborah) said, "Of course I'll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, there'll be no glory in it for you. God will use a woman's hand to take care of Sisera."
– Judges 4:8-9
C'Mon Man!
Deborah, a prophetess/judge over Israel has just told this guy Barak that God clearly told her that He (God) commanded him (Barak) to take ten armies and prepare for battle and that He (God) would make sure the enemy was in the right place at the right time, and that He (God), would win the battle for him (Barak).
Pretty awesome huh? God is going to take care of things, and Israel will once again get to see the mighty power of God through the obedience of one man!
So what does this knucklehead do? He tells the prophetess that the only way he will go is if she goes with him. WHAT?! Are you kidding me? C'mon Man! I mean God is going to do all the work! All this guy has to do is show up and be obedient in order to get the victory, but he'd rather show his passive, insecure, non-beieving side and draw strength and courage from the woman delivering the message.
Now while we shake our heads in disbelief at Balak's spineless and faithless actions, the truth, if we're completely honest with ourselves, is that we all have been there, and we all have done that, and some of us are probably right smack-dab in the middle of this very same behavior. "No Way!" you say? "Not Me!" you shout? Hmmm. Do you want to take a minute and reflect on your willingness to do whatever God says, even if it's clearly outlined and spelled out, and written in red letters so they can't be missed?
God's Word, the Bible, is His guarantee to us that He is in control and that He has taken care of all the details. He's even given us countless examples of the stuff we have gone through, or will ever go through so that we can identify with and learn from the mistakes of people like Balak. But most of the time, we only believe a little bit, or we find the stories and examples that justify and fit our rebellious behavior, neglecting the rest of the story that points out and condemns our actions and attitudes.
Things like lust, addictions, laziness, passivity, anger, foul language, bitterness, and pride, are all behaviors and attitudes that keep us from realizing the victory God has already prepared for our lives. None of those in your wheel-house? Hmmmm . . . OK, what about unforgiveness? There's one I think we can all say we've had to do battle with. My point is, what it all boils down to is that all of these things are results of unbelief and disregard for the Word that has been given us, straight from the mouth of God Himself. And I'm not saying that any of us should be perfect, because we can't be.
All I'm saying is that if we really believe, I mean really and truly believe, down to the deepest core of our being, those attitudes and behaviors should be falling off of us like huge oak leaves in October. We should be leading the charge, carrying God's Word and standing firm in the face of battle and not hiding behind It, weakly and meekly pulling it off a dusty shelf when the enemy has us pinned to the ground.
As Christians, examples and representatives of our Risen Christ to this lost and hurting world, it is imperative that we stand on our belief in God and His Word to us. No wavering, no if's, or but's, no doubts or concerns. Just belief – 100% of every word, all the time, and in every situation. If we don't, God will find someone who will . . . someone willing to say, "Yes! I Believe! I will go! I will serve!" The plain and simple truth is that God will be glorified with, or without us. Wouldn't you rather be the leader He designed you to be, than the one picking through the leftovers after everyone has gone?
Prayer
Father, thank You for already winning the battle. Help us Lord, to have the strength and the courage, and the conviction, and the trust and belief in Your Word to stand with You when You call on us. Please forgive us for the times when we are timid and unsure. We need You Lord. We say "Yes" to You today!
Have a blessed day everyone!
– Richard
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