Until I Arose

 By: Joanne Viola

This past year has been a challenging one for most people; many would even call it difficult. Every aspect of our daily lives has in some way been affected and altered.

As women we are facing many emotions in managing our homes, our children, our jobs, and ourselves. But right there in the Old Testament book of Judges, we can find hope and take strength.

The people of Israel were constantly waging battle as they were oppressed by the kings and peoples of other nations. In the middle of one such battle, we encounter Deborah, a woman.

Deborah was a prophetess and a judge who encouraged a general (Barak) of the Israelite army. One would think as a commander, he would have had all the know-how and strength needed for battle. Yet it was Deborah  who spoke and commanded Barak how to move forward in one battle which brought victory.

In her own song Deborah states what had occurred:

“Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose,
until I arose, a mother in Israel.” (Judges 5:7, NIV)

It was when she spoke words of encouragement and instruction that Barak invited her to go into battle along with him. He may have had the stamina and the will to fight, yet he needed her words to gain the courage to go into battle.

During these challenging days we find ourselves living, may we realize the power of our words. They can build up as easily as they can tear down. They can bring hope and strength as much as they can bring defeat and discouragement.

As wives and mothers, we can’t just sit back and leave our families to the wiles of the enemy. We must arise and speak words of wisdom in our homes, in our conversations, and over our families so they, too, will arise and fight for good.

Never underestimate your worth as a woman –
“They held back, until I, (insert your name), arose,
until I arose, a mother in (insert your town).”

 Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash