All I Need Is A Little Help From
My Friends
By Marnie L. Pehrson
Recently I've been fascinated by the friendship between Deborah
and Barak in the book of Judges chapter 4. Deborah was a prophetess
and a judge in Israel at a time when the people were in bondage
to Jabin the king of Canaan whose armies were lead by a captain
named Sisera. The time came for their deliverance from bondage,
and Deborah called Barak to go after Sisera's army and deliver Israel.
Barak said, "If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but
if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go." I think
Deborah and Barak were
friends. Barak trusted Deborah. He knew she had the gift of prophecy
and he wanted her with him if he was going to face a formidable
foe. He knew that he needed the Lord on his side and that Deborah
would see things with her spiritual eyes that he could not see.
Deborah consented to go with him, but let Barak know that he wouldn't
be getting any honor or glory out of this venture, because the
Lord would deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman. But Barak
didn't care. It wasn't about the honor, it was about doing what
the Lord wanted him to do - and he knew he could do that better
if he had Deborah at his side.
So they gathered up 10,000 men and Deborah went along. They pitched
their tents on the plains for the evening. Then the next morning,
Deborah said to Barak, "Up, for this is the day in which
the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the Lord
gone before thee?" Deborah, with her gift of prophecy, could
see that the time of their deliverance had arrived. Her spiritual
gift allowed her to see that the Lord was there, ready to lead
the way.
Barak followed Deborah's advice and the Israelites began to slay
the army of Sisera on every side. But Sisera escaped and was later
tricked by a woman who killed him while he slept. Thus, Deborah's
prophecy was fulfilled - that Barak would not get the glory for
killing Sisera. A woman received that honor.
There are two things I've found that my Heavenly Father delights
to give me - understanding or knowledge and friends. Usually they
come together in pairs. Invariably when a heavy question is weighing
on my mind or I face a challenging situation, if I turn to the
Lord in prayer for direction, in His perfect timing the answer
comes. Usually a friend delivers the answer. Either the Lord will
inspire someone I know to say or do something that addresses my
need, or He will lead someone totally new into my life who has
the answer to my question. What's even more beautiful is that
I usually have the solution they need as well - just like Deborah
needed Barak to do the work of battle and Barak needed Deborah
to see the things he could not. Heavenly Father is a "Master
Matchmaker." He brings people together who have what each
other needs. To watch Him work is a magnificent, awe-inspiring
experience.
It's been said that you never see a hearse pulling a u-haul,
but there are two treasures you can take with you when you leave
this life. These are the knowledge/experience you gain while you're
here and the loving relationships that you form. Perhaps that
is why the Lord is so generous in bestowing these on those who
ask, knock and seek. There is an old Quaker proverb that states,
"Thee lift me and I'll lift thee, and we'll ascend together."
Are you lifting those around you? Are their lives happier and
their loads lighter because you are around? Do you make it easier
for them to do the right thing? Or do you force them to choose
between what they know is right and what you want them to do?
There is no greater joy than building others up and helping them
be the best they can be. And there is no greater friend than one
who leaves you better than s/he found you.
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Marnie L. Pehrson is a wife, mother of 6 and consultant who helps
talented professionals discover, define and deliver their message
to the online world. She is the author of 10 Steps to Fulfilling
Your Divine Destiny: A Christian Woman's Guide to Learning &
Living God's Plan for Her and may be reached at http://www.pwgroup.com
or
webmaster@shelovesgod.com .