Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Be Courageous and Wise

Bible Reading:    Judges 4:1-9

Key verse: “Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” (Jdg.4:8)

DEVOTION

Many of us rely on the people around us for our confidence. And many times, that has failed us. We naturally choose to trust their word, and we think that if we do so, then everything will be okay. In that moment, we forget about the One who holds it all in His hands. We take their word over what God has to say. 
In Judges 4:6, we see that there is so much courage coming from Deborah. The truth is, that courage didn’t come from herself–but it came from the Lord. God gave her the strength to go up to Barak and tell him that God wanted him to lead ten thousand men up to Mount Tabor. Now imagine being Barak. All of a sudden, he’s given this overwhelming responsibility. Immediately fear comes in. And instead of focusing on what the Lord had commanded, Barak says to Deborah “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won't go” (Judges 4:8). 
Barak’s response is so human– it's something that we would've said as well. He leaned on Deborah’s presence for reassurance.  We often forget that our confidence comes from God. That God is the one that fights our battles. God is the one that gives us strength when we are weak. We just need to trust God because He will never change. 
And just like Barak, how often do we do the same thing? God gives us His word and direction, yet when the chaos of life rolls in we cling tightly to the people around us rather than to God. 

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I thank you for the courage you have instilled in me. I pray that you help me to trust that You have chosen me and I am here to do your will. When I feel weak, God, I pray that you give me strength. Thank You for creating me in Your image. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9) 

Jasalin Manoj
St. John’s MTC, New York

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