Judges 4:8-9 Not Going As Told

Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Judges 4:8-9

Sisera had brought his army up to take over the Israelites. It was a very large army and Barak, who was the leader of Israel at the time, was afraid. The prophet, Deborah, told him that he was to go up against Sisera and God would be with him and deliver Israel from Sisera. Barak refused to go without Deborah going along. Since he acted this way, Deborah did go, but he would not receive the honor for winning the battle.

There are times in life when a person needs others around in order to receive needed strength to get something done. However, there are times when God may tell a person to do something alone, on his own.

Doing something new or different that is dangerous can be scary for a person. Stepping out into a new ministry or different course in life can be nerve-wracking and most people will run from it. Others will go forward with it, if someone with more experience goes with them.

When God has called you to step out and do something, you must step out alone just as God has asked you to do, and do it. Do not fear the what may or may not happen. You must trust God to guide your steps and give you the favor to accomplish what He has called you to do.

Even though Barak did go, he did not receive the honor for doing the battle, because he chose to not do it alone as he was told to do.

God honors those who honor Him. In order to honor God, you must do exactly as God tells you to do. Do not rely on others. Rely on God and God alone. If He calls you to do something, He will be with you in it and give you His favor. Trust Him today.

I pray today that you will trust God’s calling for your life; that you will know what God wants you to do; that you will lean on God and not on others for strength; and that God will do great things through you.