In a time when Old Testament stories seem foreign and alien to our technologically advanced, screen-glued selves, God remains unchanging. His Word holds treasured truths that never expire or become outdated—a striking contrast to the temporary and disposable society we’re used to.
If you’re not familiar with the biblical boss-lady, Deborah, I encourage you to read Judges 4 and 5. Given the climate of strong political stances on feminism today and the ongoing push to break down inequalities, I was a little nervous to write about her. But when I read her story, I was presented with the undeniable beauty of how God uses us in ways that are so naturally already part of our character. And how absolutely, irrefutably dependable He is! My, oh my, how beautiful are His works (thank you, Psalm 92:5, for backing me up on this).
Let me elaborate.
Deborah was a wife and a mum who used to sit under a palm tree. People would come to her for wisdom, guidance and help in resolving disputes. I see this as such a beautiful picture—a forming story. A mother sitting under a tree, helping settle disputes between her kids . . . and then, over time, her natural talents and tendencies are noticed. Soon, her clientele expands from just her kids to the general public. She is recognised for her wisdom, and the community acknowledges that her gift is not her own but from God. She is, in fact, a prophetess and a leader for the Israelite people. Because Deborah is fully confident in God and the gifts He has given her, the people are confident in her too, and she is used greatly for the benefit of a whole nation.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like there’s a lot of pressure to recognise our gifts and calling in life with a sense of “don’t mess it up because you’ve only got one shot”. Or, even the other extreme, where too much importance is placed on them that they become our identity and existence.
But something I’ve learned (and no doubt will continue to learn) is that it’s less about us and more about Him. Nothing is too difficult for God or takes Him by surprise. If He wants something done, it will happen. I mean, He’s the same God who spoke the entire world into being.
When I reflect on a time of younger version Ellice, juggling two barista jobs (one making up 80 per cent of my work), I remember being offered a management position with sugar-coated perks from my main employer—an opportunity that ticked all the “sounds ideal!” boxes. Holiday pay upfront? Who could resist?
But something didn’t sit right. And taking the job meant I’d have to leave the other role with only a few days’ notice. Since it seemed like a good opportunity, I prayed about it. But it still didn’t feel right. In short, me declining a shiny promotion meant I was out of a job within a week. Hurt and baffled, I was left with a mere six to eight hours of work per week in a beachside coffee van.
Fast-forward a month or so, and I was in a chapter of life where I was presented with a silver platter of freelance work opportunities I had only ever dreamt about and pondered. Graphic design, floristry, allied health assistance, wedding photography and more. And nearly all of them arose from that “meek little coffee van”. I can confidently and gratefully say I wouldn’t be where I am today without that chapter.
If we desire to walk the path God calls us to—if we speak to Him and listen—He can and will lead that journey. What an exciting adventure it will be if we’re so bold and willing to be a part of it.
But let’s get back to Debbie.
Something I deeply respect about her is her certainty in God. Rather than approaching Him as a likely or probable notion, she is assured, confident and convicted. She holds a position of utmost certainty.
Certain He is powerful.
Certain He is good.
Certain He is true to His word and will lead them into victory, just as He promised. Even when the circumstances look dire and suggest otherwise.
Utmost. Certainty.
That. Put a double portion of that on my Christmas list, pretty please and thank you.
Because she was confident in Him, she walked confidently. She was a sold-out woman for God, fully aware that He was with them—even in the face of danger. And if that was the case, then nothing else mattered. To the point where she walked straight up to the head honcho military commander and told him what to do:
“The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.”
His response?
“If you will go with me, I will go [to battle], but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judges 4:6-8).
Now, I don’t know about you, but I picture military commanders as being big, tough guys. I’m thinking Jack Nicholson, A Few Good Men, veins bulging in his neck as he screams, “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!” Granted, it also mentions the enemy was big and strong, with lots of tanks (or Old Testament equivalent). Probably fairly intimidating. But still—he wouldn’t go without being led by this woman, Deborah. And (if I may state the obvious), this wasn’t no 21st-century gender equality time. So, thank you 11th-century BC Deborah for gently showing us that defying odds and norms is possible with God.
It seems Deborah herself was the one bringing the “You can’t handle the truth” energy. And the truth was that God was with them. So, she was fearless and led the army into battle. What a woman.
How does this apply to our current fast-paced, information-age selves? For me, it has felt like an ongoing wrestle to keep up with the Joneses (sorry, Kardashians), to fulfil the subliminal pressure to meet societal expectations: work this much, study . . . something, fill all waking moments with . . . something else.
But then, I finally stopped and thought, Hold up. Pause.
Lord, what do You want me to do?
What characteristics have You given me, and how can I use them for You?
Irrespective of how it looks or makes sense to those around me?
This is still a buffering notion for me, but the resounding word is “Trust”, with the gentle follow-up of “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Proverbs 3:5; Matthew 6:34). Just as a strong, yet nurturing-natured mother led an army, so too is my loving Father leading me. And in that, I can stand confident—because my confidence is in the One who made me. And I’m fairly certain He who made me knows exactly who He made me to be.
So, I am left to ponder, as I encourage you to do also. What intricacies has God given you that make you different from Billy Bob next door? He has put us all here for such a time as this (Esther 4:14), and He makes no mistakes. He is intentional with every detail—from the wisdom gained through motherhood to a simple moment sitting under a tree, to even the meaning behind a name (five stars, would recommend a deep-dive into the Hebrew word “Deborah”). And I didn’t even touch on the singing part! (See chapter 5. Belt it, friends!).
Who are we to limit how God wants to use us?
Let’s not overthink it. Let’s do the opposite. Let’s just let go.
He is with you.
Sure enough, that’s precisely what Deborah said to Commander Barak: “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14)
Likewise, He goes ahead of us.
The Creator of all things, Himself.
I’m excited about the unique adventure He has for each of us. I’m still learning and figuring it out—or perhaps, undoing my figuring and learning to trust instead. But I’m comforted by the truth that He is always with me in the process (Matthew 28:20). And I have a feeling it’s only going to get more exciting from here.
Bring it, I say.
Enjoy the trees! Sing! Draw! Speak, build or write.
Watch where our Creator steers the ship, calms the storm and opens the doors.
In Deborah-esque fashion, I’ll end with:
Who’s with me?
Ellice Cook is an occupational therapist and writes from the Gold Coast in Queensland.
