S)"8 Then Barak said to her, 'If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.' 9 She said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh."
Judges 4:8-9 (NASB)
O) I just preached about this :) As I wrote yesterday, we've been talking about character development at church this month. This was a clear test of Barak's faith and obedience. Deborah told him that the LORD would give him the victory if he went with the army to defeat Sisera, but he let his fear get to him. It's worth noting that the last part, about God giving Sisera into the hands of a woman, that's adding insult to injury. Not only had God held an honor back from Barak (testing precedes promotion from the LORD), but He also gave that same honor to another person. Not only was it to another person, though, it was to a woman; in that day, if a woman received honor that could have been yours, I imagine it was very embarassing/humbling. What's more, this is all we see of Barak, too. After Sisera is defeated and Israel is delivered, there are no more stories about Barak. I don't know if the LORD would have done anything else through him anyway, since Israel usually received peace once a Judge (Deborah, at this time) delivered them, but who knows?
A) I don't want to miss opportunities with the LORD. Sometimes, though, it's easy to forget that my character development is ongoing. In my day-to-day life, I don't always feel like I'm fighting or being tested, or anything like this. So, it's easy to get lazy or lose focus. When I play an RPG for the first time, I'm very cautious and diligent, because sometimes there are items and weapons that, if missed along the way, you can never get later in the game. On subsequent playthroughs, it's easy to zone-in and be sure you pick up those "missables." This is another example of how videogames and life are similar, yet disimilar. I believe there are absolutely missed opportunities with the LORD. The biggest problem is that I don't get subsequent playthroughs. I do have a strategy guide called The Bible and I have a walkthrough guide named The Holy Spirit. I just need to be sure I'm consulting both as often as possible ;)
P) Father, I thank You for the good plans You have for my life. I know that might include struggles, even tremendously difficult times. In the end, though, I know that You intend good things for me, however that looks. I trust that, with each struggle I face, You're trying to teach me something; You're trying to get me to level up, get stronger, gain experience, and be ready for tougher fights when more is on the line. Holy Spirit, continue to guide me and talk to me and walk with me. Help me be very alert to Your instruction and direction. Help me consult You more often throughout the day. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, especially when I'm reading the Word. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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