– Scripture:

                  Fighting Hesitation

Heber the Kenite had parted company with the other Kenites, the descendants of Hobab, Moses’ in-law. He was now living at Zaanannim Oak near Kedesh. They told Sisera that Barak, son of Abinoam, had gone up to Mount Tabor. Sisera immediately called all his chariots to the Kishon River nine hundred iron chariots! Along with all his troops who were with him at Harosheth Haggoyim. Deborah said to Barak, “Charge! This very day, God has given you victory over Sisera. Isn’t God marching before you?” Barak charged down the slopes of Mount Tabor, his ten companies following him. God routed Sisera, all those chariots, all those troops! Before Barak. Sisera jumped out of his chariot and ran. Barak chased the chariots and troops all the way to Harosheth Haggoyim. Sisera’s entire fighting force was killed, and not one man left.

                                 Judges 4:11–16 MSG

 – Reflection:

Reflecting on this story, I wonder when I am reluctant to do what God calls me to do, just like Barak hesitated. When do I hang back? When am I silent when I should speak up? Though I reject the literal reading of this text, I can be challenged to be faithful in how I respond to God’s call. There have been several things I have hesitated with in my past, and now that I know them, I try to remember when that tug or push is happening to me. If I can act when he wants me to, all will be right for me and those I am to help or receive help from.

Where do we go from here?

The story is violent, and there is the use of war and all that. Reading and finding the message in the fight for me is knowing that a Sisera was going to try and sneak up on Barak and take over, it seemed. Well, GOD had an ace in the hole named Deborah, and she had alerted Barak of the plan early enough for them to plan for it. Barak didn’t hesitate when he was told of the plans of Sisera, had he, this story probably would not even have been mentioned. Act when GOD tells us is what I pulled from the reflection of this passage.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, please honor us with grace and grant us the courage so that we can fulfill your plans and serve you faithfully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.