Grace And Grit

Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. Judges 4:4-5

I SAT WITH a young woman recently who asked how women with big personalities could fit into the “gentle and quiet spirit” category that Peter says is precious to God (1 Peter 3:4).

Here’s the bottom line: A gentle and quiet spirit is a heart posture, not a personality trait. Take the prophet Deborah from the book of Judges for instance. She was the only female judge in all of Israel’s history. She was married to Lappidoth, but he was not the judge. She was. And in this role, she not only settled disputes but had a front seat in Israel’s military decisions as well.

Deborah had never seen another woman do her job. She had to be the pioneer. She had to be proactive. She had to confidently use her voice and live out her gift as a prophet. And as far as personalities go, Deborah’s seemed anything but quiet and gentle—at least in the way we traditionally understand this verse. Instead, her life and narrative show us her heart posture. Deborah was faithfully devoted to God and used her voice to command an army and bring peace to Israel.

Some of you are standing in Deborah’s shoes. You are a woman in a man’s world, living out your calling and using your gifts as best you can. You may be leading, pioneering, and developing places that only men have touched. Deborah and other women from the Bible show us we can have strong personalities and still have a gentle spirit. We can have a humble and soft heart even if we laugh loudly, express ourselves creatively, and are energized by others.

Your heart is key. Are you listening for God in your decision making? Are you seeking Him in the midst of your emotions and loud laments? Are you honoring Him with your words and actions?

Cleary, Deborah’s spirit was pleasing to God. He honored her, put her in a prominent place of leadership, and wrote her name in history for us to see. She used her voice just as Miriam used hers to lead Israel in worship, Esther used hers to save a nation, the Samaritan woman used hers to boldly proclaim all she learned from Jesus to the men around her.

These women had grit. They were determined. They were strong. They may or may not have had a quiet personality, but their hearts were aimed at God and His Kingdom. Their spirits were fighting to know the King. Their actions showed a humble spirit of trust in their God. And this heart posture—this strength and grace—looked amazing on them.

GRACE REFLECTION: How have you struggled with having a gentle and quiet spirit? What prevents you from leaning into this heart posture? Ask God to show you the areas in which you can better depend on Him.