Did you know God created each of us for a specific purpose? It’s true, God designed us for unique callings in His kingdom plans. But if you are like me, you probably think, “Nope, not me. I am nothing special. I’ve never had formal Biblical training. What if I don’t know what to say?” I am not like the great women of the Bible. I am not like Deborah–called and courageous.”
I Didn’t Feel Called and Courageous
After my 1-year-old son, Stephen, passed away, I grieved and struggled with depression. However, during my season of healing, God’s Holy Spirit directed me to write my story. I had no idea why. I had never written anything before. In college, I excelled in math and science, but struggled with writing.
But one day, I decided to obey. I figured it might be God’s way of helping me honor and remember my son while helping me heal. It took me months, but eventually, I wrote the story of my son’s life. In so doing, I began to see how God had been with me every step of the way, through the magical and heartbreaking moments. I also began to see how God had started to bring good from the most painful part of my life. I had restored my relationship with the Lord, and my sister had come to know Jesus for the first time.
About a year later, our women’s ministry leader asked me to share my story at a retreat. I adamantly did not want to do this. It was too personal and hard. How would I ever get through it without breaking down? I wasn’t a speaker and even disliked making small talk at parties. However, I prayed about it and decided to try.
But God Had A Plan
But because I was obedient, God blessed me and others. Despite my fear and literal trembling, God enabled me to deliver the entire story without tears. Then, I stood back and watched the Holy Spirit sweep through the room. Women broke down, received prayer, and found healing. I remember thinking, “Only God could give my pain such a beautiful purpose.” God used the most painful part of my life as part of His plan to help heal the lives of many women.
We Are All Created For A Purpose
God created each of us uniquely, with a special purpose in mind. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). Additionally, God has given us special gifts to share so we can bring others to Christ and build up His people. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV).
Friend, we don’t have to fear following our calling, because God will enable us. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13, NIV). All we must do is pray and lean into His Holy Spirit. He will empower, teach, and remind us of all we need to know (John 14:26).
The Bible also gives us a great example in Judges 4. The story of Deborah demonstrates how to be both called and courageous.
Deborah – Called and Courageous!
Who Was Deborah?
Before Israel had kings, God appointed judges to lead His people and help resolve disputes. Deborah, whose story is told in Judges 4, was one of these judges. She was a prophet who heard and shared God’s voice and led her people to victory. As the only female judge recorded in the Bible, she continues to inspire us to walk in faith, wisdom, and courage.
Why Was Deborah Called and Courageous?
Because the Israelites had once again done evil in God’s eyes, the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin, king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Sisera, the commander of his army, had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. So the Israelites cried out to God.
So, God called Deborah to intervene and gave her a message. Deborah then sent for Barak and told him to take 10,000 men and lead them up to Mount Tabor. She explained that God would lead Sisera, with his chariots and troops, to the Kishon River and give them into Barak’s hands.
But Barak would only go if Deborah went with him. Because Deborah was courageous, she went with Barak, but warned him that the honor would go to a woman rather than himself. Sisera’s army met them. As Deborah prophesied, Sisera’s troops fell by the sword, and the honor went to Deborah. Sisera escaped. But a woman named Jael killed him.
On that day, God subdued Jabin, king of Canaan. Eventually, the Israelites destroyed the evil king.
How We Can Be Called and Courageous Like Deborah
- Listen to God’s Voice
Before heading into the battle plan, Deborah spent time with God, listening to His voice and direction. We may not hear an audible voice as Deborah did as a prophet. However, as my story demonstrates, we can feel his Holy Spirit direct us. We can also listen to God’s voice by reading His word.
“Listen to his voice, and hold fast to him” (Deuteronomy 30.20, NIV).
- Be Obedient to God’s Calling
Deborah’s obedience to God’s direction led to victory for her people. We, too, are asked to obey God out of love for Him.
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them” (1 John 2:5, NIV).
- Be Courageous Through God
Deborah didn’t hesitate to go to battle with Barak. I’m sure she was afraid, but her courage was based on God’s word and promise in her prophecy. Friend, we all have fears about stepping out into God’s calling. But like Deborah, we don’t have to step out in faith in our strength or abilities. We can step out in God’s strength and the promises in His Word.
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
With God We Are Called and Courageous
Dear one, I know stepping out in our calling can be scary. Fear whispers, “Just keep the status quo”. The enemy whispers, “You have nothing special to offer.” But friend, like Deborah, we only need to listen to God’s voice to receive guidance from His Holy Spirit or His Word. It doesn’t matter if God calls us to speak from a pulpit, a stage, a street corner, or just to one friend at coffee. God has placed His story of redemption and truth in our hearts.
When we obey God’s calling and share our stories, the Holy Spirit gives us the words. When we use our unique gifts and talents, God makes miracles happen. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is stepping out in faith, in God’s presence, trusting He will make a way, just as He did for Deborah.
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