MAKE A BOLD MOVE
READ Judges 4: 1-7
REFLECT
I’ve been spending a lot of time lately, reflecting on what it means to be bold. During this time, I came across this definition:
“Boldness is being willing to take risks in the service of what matters. It means being courageous, speaking or acting in the face of possible danger or rebuke. Boldness doesn’t mean lacking fear or anxiety, rather it means pushing past these to do what is right.”
In Judges 4 we are introduced to Deborah, the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. In addition to her role as judge to the Israelites, Deborah was a prophet, warrior, wife and mother who provided wise counsel to those who came to her for advice.
Throughout a time of war and oppression, the people saw Deborah as a bold leader. Willing to take risks in the service of what mattered and continually seeking God’s will, Deborah called for Barak, Commander of the Israelite Army, to come to see her. After encouraging Barak to battle the Canaanites and confident that this was what the Lord was calling them to do, Barak, being rather short sighted, could only see that his army was greatly outnumbered and very under-equipped compared to the Canaanites. Refusing to go to battle on his own, Barak asked Deborah to lead them into battle. She did, and victory was theirs.
Although Deborah could also see that they were greatly outnumbered, but confident that this was what God was asking them to do, she did not hold back in the face of danger or possible rebuke. I’m pretty sure there was fear in those who went to battle… probably even within Deborah. But they chose to push through and do what was right.
Reflecting on the example of Deborah’s boldness, what do you feel you are being asked to be bolder about? What are obstacles that might prevent you from making that move?
BOTTOM LINE
When you are prompted to make a bold move, don’t let fear stand in the way. Push through and do what you know is right.
LIVE
Being willing to take risks in light of what really matters means taking risks you might not normally take. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to opportunities you might not normally recognize.
PRAY
Great God, please open my eyes to see the opportunities you want me to see and give me the courage to do what you ask me to do.
Jenn Bailey
