Scripture is full of stories of forgotten lives - unsung heroes whose actions and sacrifices failed to win them worldly renown. Yet, these great lives reveal significant people who God was able to use, and whoe lives counted for something great. They may not be on the rolls of the rich and famous, yet their lives are still significant because they illustrate what is possible when ordinary people remain faithful to an extra-ordinary God. Despite what the world tells us, we do not need to be powerful, prominent, or rich to have influence.

Questions to Ponder:

1. Judges 4 says "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, now that Ehud was dead. So the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Sisera, the commander of his army, was based in Harosheth Haggoyim. Because he had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help." What do you think conditions might have been like for a family in Israel at this time?

2. Read Judges 4:4-8. What was Barak afraid of? Why would having Deborah along alleviate those fears?

3. Which of Deborah's characteristics would you most like to have? What can you do to develop that characteristic?

4. Read Judges 4:9-10. How do you think the Israelite men felt about the honor for this victory going to Deborah and Jael?

5. Read Judges 5:7. What does Deborah call herself in this verse? What does this tell you about Deborah?

6. Describe a time when God helped make clear something you were called to do. How are you working to change the world now, and where might God be calling you to more action?

7. What an awesome story of a confident woman of God! Why do you think Deborah's story is included in the Bible?