I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands. (Judg. 4:7)

At age five, Ann Dunwoody, like many young girls and boys, wanted to grow up to become a doctor or nurse. However, her life began to take a very different course during her junior year of college, when she attended a four-week US Army introductory program, followed by a Women’s Officer Orientation Course. In 1975, Dunwoody made an initial two-year commitment and followed that up with more than 35 years of distinguished service. A trailblazer, she retired in 2012 as the first woman in US military history to attain the rank of four-star general.

While the topic of women in the military can elicit a wide variety of opinions and emotions today, the Bible gives us an inspiring example of a respected female military commander in Israel during the time of the Judges. In today’s verses, Deborah very confidently and competently tells Barak to muster ten thousand troops and lead them to Mount Tabor. Meanwhile, she would personally lead Sisera, the commander of the opposing army into his hands. This sound strategy was delivered from the Lord’s mouth through Deborah to Barak. It was clear that Deborah was in command.

One needn’t be a four-star general or the leader of Israel in order to be useful in God’s kingdom. Like Deborah, a heart that is faithful and listens for God’s voice will help you accomplish more than you can imagine.

Seek a faithful heart that’s attentive to God’s voice.

Kevin R. Scott is a pastor and author of ReCreatable: How God Heals the Brokenness of Life. He lives with his family in middle Tennessee.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.