March 23 – Reading 82

MARCH 23 – Reading 82

by Albert Rosado | March 23

“GOD USES THE UNEXPECTED”
(Judges 4:1-5:31; Judges 17:1-18:31)

“Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’ So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him.” – Judges 4:14

Reflection:
Judges 4 tells the story of Israel’s deliverance from the oppression of King Jabin through the leadership of Deborah, a prophetess and judge. While Barak hesitated, Deborah confidently trusted God’s promise, leading Israel to victory. God also used Jael, another woman, to defeat Sisera, the enemy commander. This account reminds us that God works through unexpected people to accomplish His plans.

God’s power is not limited by human expectations. In a time when leadership was often male-dominated, He raised up a woman to guide Israel. Deborah’s faith and obedience paved the way for victory, showing that God equips those He calls.

This points us to Jesus, the ultimate deliverer. Like Deborah, He calls us to trust in God’s promises and step forward in faith. But unlike Deborah, He doesn’t just lead us into battle—He secures the victory for us through His death and resurrection. No matter how unqualified or unexpected we may feel, God can use us for His purposes when we trust in Him.

Simple Truth:
God uses unexpected people to accomplish His plans—our job is to trust and obey.

Applications:

1. Trust God’s Calling: Like Deborah, step forward in faith when God calls you to lead, serve, or take action.
2. Overcome Fear with Faith: Barak hesitated, but Deborah reminded him that God had already gone ahead. Trust that God is fighting for you.
3. Look to Jesus: Just as God raised Deborah to deliver Israel, He sent Jesus to deliver us from sin. Our ultimate victory is in Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas in your life where you hesitate to trust God’s calling?
2. How can you develop a stronger faith like Deborah’s, trusting that God goes before you?
3. In what ways can you point others to Jesus, our ultimate deliverer?

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us that You can use anyone for Your purposes. Help us to trust in Your calling, step forward in faith, and rely on Your strength. Just as You delivered Israel through Deborah, remind us that our ultimate deliverance comes through Jesus. May we live boldly for You, knowing You go before us in every battle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.