Faithful Women Serving a Faithful God

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not see. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:1,6

Today’s sermon recap is extra special, because I’m recapping a message that was given by Bible Study mama yesterday.  See, sometimes I get caught up in my own life and am guilty of half listening and not comprehending.  She told me that she was speaking at church on mission Sunday in December.  I was listening to what she was saying, but I wasn’t comprehending that she was THE messenger.  Thankfully on Friday night, I got the full understanding of why she was fretting.  Let me tell ya’ll…God used her in a mighty way!

You might think I’m a little prejudiced, because she’s my mom.  And I am.  But if you haven’t picked up on it yet, we tell the truth in our family.  If you’re singing and off key, we let you know.  If your outfit is just not right, we have no problem steering you the right way.  If you said the wrong thing, we’ll set you straight.  So, take it from me, she delivered a timely and timeless message.

On to the sermon recap.  She began the message reciting Hebrews 11: 1, 6.  These verses declare that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  They also remind us that it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith and that we must diligently seek Him.  God is always talking to us.  Are we listening and looking for his guidance and direction in our lives?

Next, she reminded us of the women of faith who are named in the Bible.  Certainly, you’re familiar with Hannah, Ruth, Elizabeth, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.  If not, you’re behind on the blog.  So, stick a pin in this and go catch up…LOL.  She went on to name the six other Mary’s in the Bible (I didn’t know there were seven Mary’s in total).  And then came Jael.

If you don’t know Jael, you’re in good company.  I have only heard one sermon be preached about her in the entirety of my Christian life.  And ya’ll know that I stay in church.  The nation of Israel was being oppressed by the Canaanites.  The two nations were at war.  Barak was chosen by God to be the leader of Israel’s army.

Deborah is the prophetess that delivered the news to Barak.  She told Barak to gather his men for the fight.  Barak responds that he will only go if Deborah goes with him.  Deborah replies that she will go.  She then informs Barak that because of his half obedience the victory against the Canaanites will come through the hands of a woman. 

Sisera is the commander of the Canaanite army.  When the two armies finally meet in battle, things slip out of Sisera’s control.  The Canaanites are losing.  So, Sisera does what any respectable commander would do.  He runs and leaves his troops to spare his own life.  (I hope you caught my sarcasm.) 

During his great escape, he happens to run by Jael’s tent.  Jael comes out and tells him not to be afraid.  Sisera asks for water, and Jael does him one better.  She gives him milk.  She gives him cream in a bowl.  She provides him a shelter.  Sisera is comforted and comfortable.  He goes to sleep.  Jael takes a peg from her tent and a hammer and drives the peg through Sisera’s temple while he sleeps.  The commander of the Canaanite army is dead at the hands of a woman.

Jael’s act took incredible faith.  Per my mother, faith should not just be a verb.  As a Christian, faith is not just something you act out.  Faith should be a noun.  Faith should embody your entire being.  I don’t know about you, but my entire life has been a faith walk.  People may never know your name.  They may look past you, but God doesn’t.  He responds to the faith that surrounds you.  We are a people of faith serving a faithful God.  #wepreach