Two Warrior Mothers

I am going to make use of a sick day and blog about the woman/women that I am studying in my devotional.  They are Deborah and Jael  (Judges 4-5)

Something that really inspires me about this warrior woman is that she carried so many roles:
Deliverer
Judge
Prophetess
Wife
With all these hats she wore, she did not go by any of them.  She chose to hold the title "a mother in Israel" (5:7)  She also called upon a man, Barak, to lead the army to victory against the oppression of Sisera.  Barak requested that Deborah join her or he will not go.  With this, Deborah said that Sisera will be handed over to the hands of a woman because of this man's lack of confidence in himself, Deborah's instincts, his army, and God.  However, the two worked together amazingly during the battle and after the victory was won. 

Deborah's prophesy of Israel being handed over to a woman landed on one of a nomadic lifestyle.  Her name was Jael.  After Barak advanced against Sisera, the ruler fled and arrived at the tent of this peace-seeking woman.  Jael's first instincts looked as if she was in Sisera's best interest.  She played a mother role, taking care of this man injured from battle.  However, the tides turn when Sisera sleeps and Jael takes the opportunity to slay him with a tent peg. 

Both these woman could be seen as treacherous and bloodthirsty, but really they were mothers ceasing an opportunity to fulfill God's promise, whether they both saw it that way or not.  Jael's intentions could have easily been to stay on the side of the winning team so she would survive, but whatever her intentions were...the children of Israel were saved again and Deborah's prophesy was fulfilled. 

Girls:
Does this encourage us that we can play both roles of warrior and mother?  We can be a hero while nourishing those around us?  Our lives don't have to be as 'adventurous' but we for sure can be used to fight for those around us through prayer and leadership. 

Something I see here is that Deborah called upon a man to lead the army rather than herself.  Can you see something that may be significant to hold toward a marriage?  Even one of the strongest of women called a man to go before her to fulfill God's plan.  This really speaks to me.  But also, we need to cease the chance ourselves to fulfill God's plan as Jael did.  Pray for discernment so you know when each scenario is necessary.

Guys:
Are you embarrassed with Barak's story in this?  Would you be embarrassed if a woman gave you commands?  Would you be afraid, or would you be able to trust a woman's instructions as if they were from God himself?  Society today has woman taking more leadership, but men seem to be simply stubborn and prideful.  Would you break this to hear God's voice behind your wife?  Girlfriend?  Close female friend?  How much does God have to break your pride men?

After the victory, Deborah and Barak praised God in song.  Chapter 5 is all about praising and singing to God.  Do we regularly praise God through worship with everything He does for us?

I urge you to pray for discernment to hear God's voice, whether it come from man, woman, the Bible, songs...God can use anything to reach you with His instructions.  Does your relationship with God sound like you are trying to focus on two songs at the same time?  It's hard...and if other voices are getting in the way of God's, it's not any different for our spiritual ears.  What of yourself is getting in the way?  Pride?  Fear of man?  Confidence that you don't need God?   You are missing the opportunity that Jael got if you aren't ready.  I pray for your hearts to be prepared for God's calling.  Whether it be to prepare yourself for teamwork like Deborah and Barak, or individual conquering like Jael...God uses everyone and everything.  Equip yourself, and be ready.  Don't miss it when He summons you to lead an army.