It’s not a coincidence that we are starting this lecture series in a month referred to as the Women’s month. Flesh and blood have not revealed to the brains behind this initiative but the Spirit of the living God. Hallelujah!
We all remember we celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8th of March. Tell yourself “What a great time to be a woman. I thank God for that and I count myself privileged.”
For this lecture series, we are considering Biblical Role Models. Every week in this series, a woman model will be expounded to us by our capable lecturers. While we will be picking good and great examples from these women in consideration, it’s not a compulsion to be like one or all of them. Some of us have models and even though there are certain qualities you pick from your role model; you are not exactly like him or her. So, having said that, let’s dive into today’s topic which is “Deborah – An Example of a Visionary Woman.”
BACKGROUND STORY
It was a time in the life of the children of Israel that it was judges that was ruling them. Each time a judge dies, they go into sin and God finds another judge for them and they kept moving round a circle of rising and falling. At this particular time, the last judge, Ehud had just died and they as usual were in their evil state. As a way of punishing them, God sold them into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan whose captain was Sisera.
The 20 years oppression was too much on the Israelites and they cried unto the Lord. It was at this point Deborah described as a Prophetess and wife of Lapidoth was raised for their deliverance.
Key things we can see in Deborah for her to qualify as a model for Women of Worth:
- In the history of the judges that ever-judged Israel, Deborah was the only female judge in a male dominated culture. It was a great feat for Deborah because patriarchy was more tensed then compared to now. So, I challenge you Woman of Worth to stand up to the challenge of breaking the bias you have against yourself thinking you cannot step into some roles because you are a woman. Learn from model Deborah!
- She proved herself a woman of so much value and worth. That’s why she could make it to this amazing list. She wasn’t appointed in her mediocrity. It wasn’t an easy task that was given to that woman, it was a whole lot. I challenge you today to define and refine the value you carry. Be so much in your value that when things of worth are being discussed, your name keeps popping up. Tell yourself, “I am a woman laced with so much value and worth.” And as you are making this confession, back it up with follow up actions.
- With Deborah’s reign which was inspired by her wisdom and faith in God, she was able to free Israel from war for a ‘long’ period of 40 years. In all your doings, make sure your faith in God is intact. With faith, you can literally bring down long standing mountains. Also, Wisdom is gotten from God. James 1:5 says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Also, surround yourself with people that are value-filled because you are what you associate with. Tell yourself; “I will reign, I am a woman of faith and I surround myself with value-filled people.”
- Deborah was a compassionate leader. The children of Israel were very stubborn people. How did Deborah cope with them? She was indeed a mother to them. Very compassionate. As a matter of fact, if you are not compassionate, you’re not ready for the model Deborah kind of leadership. Everything is not by arrogance. Be compassionate! We all are leaders one way or the other in our respective spheres and we need to always wear this coat. It’s not a license to be carefree though but do not lose your ability to be compassionate.
- She was powerful to the extent that Barak (A man warrior) told her if she fails to follow him to the war, he will not go. This is the highlight of this model for me. It means a lot to a warrior for Deborah to accompany him to the war despite the promises of God that they would win the war. Think about this for a while, what consequences (good or bad) will your presence or absence cause in a gathering? Are you a woman that, others will rejoice if you’re not around in a gathering? Or a woman that her impact is missing because of her absence in a meeting? It’s not because of pride that one is being missed in an important gathering but It’s worth! It’s value! It’s esteem! Let your presence or absence speak volume (positive) in any gathering.
- Deborah was a recognized stature in her calling while being a wife. Being a woman shouldn’t tamper with your ability to be boss, to be diligent and to be in charge of your career. Same Deborah was Judge Deborah and was also the wife of Lapidoth. She was not so obsessed with her ministry that she left her home behind neither did she just sit there and settle for just being a wife, she was more. She balanced both ministries so well. Yes, you can be a wife but be more. ‘More’ is relative, so please find your ‘More’.
I hope I’ve been able to let you into the life of Judge Deborah and you’ve been immensely blessed. Thank you for paying attention. Cheers WOW.
Topic: Deborah – An example of a Visionary Woman
Lecturer’s Name: Kemi Daramola
Date Delivered: 16th March, 2022.