Just recently, I began studying the Book of Judges. Specifically, I honed in on Deborah, who, before this study, I knew little about. As I read more about who Deborah was, I began to understand how I would really like to emulate her character–as a wife and mother.
Deborah lived in a time when there was no king over the nation of Israel, a time when the head of each family was responsible to teach faithfulness to God. Because of this, the people’s faith in God and loyalty to their nation was broken.
Deborah was incredibly wise. She was a prophetess who encouraged people to follow God’s Law and reminded them of His faithfulness. She was the only female judge in Israel. Because of her wisdom, people would come to her to help them sort through disputes. She was essentially responsible for leading the Israelites in battle against the Canaanites, yet she took no personal credit in the victory. But she was humble, the wife of Lappidoth, and even after a great military victory, described herself as simply, “a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7).
Obviously she possessed great leadership skills, but her greatest character traits were her unwavering faith in God and her personal relationship with Him.
My recent study of Deborah came at a time in my life when I was contemplating making career changes – changes that would have a definite impact on my family, especially my children. Admittedly, I was longing for a type of personal achievement in my professional career and I guess also a bit of prestige – some of the things that we stay-at-home, home-schooling moms seldom receive. While I prayed about this possible change, I kept hearing God tell me, “Not now.” It wasn’t a stern voice, admonishing me for being selfish, which is what I probably deserved–and even expected. No, God, my loving Father, knew my heart. He led me to His Word, and quite perfectly, He led me to read about Deborah; a mother in Israel, who He used for His great purpose.
God opened my eyes to the current career I have been personally called into BY GOD– motherhood; educator; advocate; wife; daughter; homemaker. He reminded me about the importance of these roles. He reminded me How my daily routine, while seemingly mundane to me, actually made a difference in the lives of those I love the most.
Studying Deborah has allowed me to re-evaluate my life, my purpose, and my calling. Deborah was concerned about people not personal success. In her example, we can all learn that God will accomplish great things through the people who are willing to trust Him! Like Deborah, I hope to learn the importance of fully relying on God, and pray for His daily guidance in every decision that I must make as a wife and mother.
This week I am keeping all of you women in prayer who are called by God to work at home with your kids. May God bless you with wisdom in your daily work as mother, mediator, counselor, educator and advisor.
About the Author: Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville, TN. Follow her blog at www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com
