Spiritual Cheerleader

Spiritual Cheerleader

Deborah

Read: Judges 4:12-16

I slumped over my computer, fighting the panic that welled up inside me. What was I thinking—me write a book? Where would I find enough ideas for a whole year’s worth of devotionals? How would I finish in six months with all the other stuff going on? Who thought I could write well enough to—just then, the phone rang. I told my friend all about the project, including my doubts. “Dianne,” Julie stated firmly, “I can’t believe God would give you this tremendous blessing just to let you fail.”

Everyone needs a little encouragement sometimes, and Barak was no exception. In spite of his doubts, Deborah wanted to see him successfully carry out the task that God had assigned to him. As Barak and his forces faced the enemy’s nine hundred iron chariots, Deborah spurred him on to the attack: “This is the day the LORD will give you victory over Sisera, for the LORD is marching ahead of you.” With her steady faith and encouraging words, Deborah ignited Barak’s confidence and filled him with the courage to lead his army to victory.

We all need a spiritual cheerleader sometimes. When we face a formidable challenge, our faith can be shaky. In our own eyes, we seem small, weak, and powerless. At those times, we need someone to remind us of God’s goodness and his promise to give us the power we need to accomplish whatever he assigns us. When the odds seem stacked against us, the right encouragement can make all the difference in our perspective. When I had panicked at the thought of writing a book, my friend’s words immediately energized me and lingered in my mind over the next six months. Her encouragement helped me win a victory over my insecurity.

Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11