“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

You have heard it said that heroes are made, not born.

It is in the secrecy of the heart that true courage and nobility are formed, though one may not be sure of their substance until their mettle is tested. Unsung heroes make brave decisions every day, and no one knows. Others are less noble and act out of desperation, or for some other cause, and they are elevated because others benefit.

My husband is a descendant of Hobab, the brother in law of Moses.  Our people are herdsmen who live out of tents, just as Jethro lived when he gave his daughter Zipporah to be Moses’ wife.  We live apart from Israel, yet within their lands.  My husband is also a metal worker, as his name, Heber, implies.  Our lives have been tumultuous because Israel’s wickedness brought the Caananite king and Sisera, his commander of 900 chariots, down on our heads.  My husband did what he thought he had to do to preserve our way of life.  He made a peace treaty with the enemy.

But we have entered different times. I know that Yahweh honors those who honor Him. And He has set Deborah as a mother over Israel. She seeks the Lord, sitting under that tree in the hill country of Ephraim, and she directs the people according to His ways… things have been changing, and Yahweh’s people have been praying for deliverance.

I heard the war cries when battle broke out to the south. I had head the rumors that Barak was assembling an army. On this day, Yahweh’s people were not silenced by the iron horses as in the past. Instead, their cries became stronger and, as the day wore on, they seemed closer. I went out to watch for my husband when I saw Sisera. Instead of leading his men, he was running like a coward. I gave him shelter and a blanket, and he asked me for a drink. I gave him milk, and he told me to guard the door while he lay down, closing his eyes as though he was willing the world to fall away for just a little while. I wondered who was waiting at home for him to return.

I am just a woman, but I also can see what I must do to preserve my family. I did not have to go in search of the fight. Yahweh had brought his enemy to me. My hands were strong from hard work. My husband had taught me how to defend myself, using the tent stakes if necessary… and I picked up my hammer. I trembled in dread, but my resolve only strengthened. Positioning the stake above Sisera’s temple, I looked away, but I did not miss. I felt the stake hit the ground and knew it was done.

The room closed in on me. I felt hot, and my stomach turned over. I crawled back to the door of the tent and opened it for air. I saw Barak then, in pursuit of his enemy, so I called to him and I showed him inside. “Come, I will show you the man you are seeking.”

Yahweh delivered His people that day. Deborah and Barak sang a song. They called me blessed. They honored me, but it had not meant for me to kill the enemy. It was Yahweh’s desire to give Barak the glory, but Barak refused to go out to battle without Deborah. Yahweh’s word had not been enough for him, and so Yahweh gave the victory into the hand of a woman—me.

Who am I??

I am Jael. My story is in Judges 4 & 5.

No one knows what Jael was thinking and feeling throughout this ordeal, but we do know who she and her husband were, and the action she took. I drew from the scripture, study notes, and information in the Bible Background Commentary, and I used creative license in filling in the blanks. Please read Jael’s story in scripture.

Jael was honored as a heroine, but the tragedy is that she was given the opportunity by default because the man God chose only trusted God conditionally—if and when Deborah accompanied him. Deborah was also a hero because she was willing to support and encourage Barak toward accomplishing the task God had given him.

Women of God, we need to learn from Jael. So often, we are doers. We see something that needs done, and we think, “I can do that!” But we need to take time to ask God if that is what He has for us FIRST, and we need to wait for His answer. Just because we CAN do something doesn’t mean we SHOULD. So often, women comprise the greater portion of leadership roles in churches and ministries when there are capable men who would do the job. Sometimes, that means we neglect something or someone at home. God does choose women for leadership, as we see He did when He made Deborah a judge, but there are times He asks us to be the support. As we find ways to encourage men in rising to their call, I believe we will see God bless our families, churches, and ministries with growth. That growth will multiply the work, and we will have plenty more jobs to fill!

Whether at home or abroad or somewhere in between, more than anything, God is looking for people who are available to partner with him when, where, and how he asks…

Points to ponder.

Image of tent by StockSnap from Pixabay.

Image of sheep by Frehner from Pixabay.

Image of tree by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay