WOMEN IN GOD'S PLAN

WOMEN IN GOD’S PLAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 4
Judges 4:4-9, 21 (KJV)
“And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam… And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go… Then Jael Heber’s wife took a nail of the tent, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.”

Supporting Texts: Galatians 3:28; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 21:9; Romans 16:1-2

Description: God can raise women as vessels of deliverance, wisdom, and courage for His people.

INTRODUCTION:
Judges 4 presents two remarkable women who played critical roles in Israel’s deliverance: Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Jael, a courageous woman who defeated Sisera. Their stories remind us that women are not excluded from God’s plan, but are often placed in strategic positions to fulfil His purposes.

Deborah provided leadership, wisdom, and prophetic guidance at a time when Israel was oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan. Her courage and faith inspired Barak and the nation to rise up and fight. Jael, on the other hand, demonstrated boldness and decisiveness by killing Sisera, the enemy commander, with a tent peg.

The lesson is clear: God can and does use women as mighty instruments of deliverance. He values their faith, courage, and obedience, and includes them fully in His redemptive plan.

1. GOD CALLS AND EQUIPS WOMEN FOR HIS PURPOSES
Women are not second-class in God’s kingdom.

a) God’s Spirit is poured on all flesh
(Joel 2:28–29) Sons and daughters shall prophesy.

b) In Christ, there is equality of value
(Galatians 3:28) Male and female are one in Christ Jesus.

c) God gives spiritual gifts without gender limitation
(Acts 21:9) Philip had four daughters who prophesied.

d) Women can be leaders and deliverers in God’s plan
(Romans 16:1–2) Phoebe was a servant (deaconess) of the church.

Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4:14–16). She was raised to save her people from destruction.

2. DEBORAH: A MODEL OF PROPHETIC LEADERSHIP
Deborah shows that women can carry wisdom, courage, and prophetic authority.

a) Deborah was a prophetess
(Judges 4:4) She heard God’s voice and gave divine direction.

b) Deborah was a judge
(Judges 4:5) Israel came to her for wisdom and counsel.

c) Deborah was a motivator of courage
(Judges 4:6-7) She sent for Barak and declared God’s word of victory.

d) Deborah’s presence inspired faith
(Judges 4:8-9) Barak refused to go without her, showing her influence.

Biblical Example: Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22:14-20) confirmed God’s word to King Josiah.

3. JAEL: A MODEL OF COURAGEOUS ACTION
Jael’s boldness shows that God can use women to defeat mighty enemies.

a) Jael acted with discernment
(Judges 4:18) She welcomed Sisera, but with wisdom.

b) Jael used what was in her hand
(Judges 4:21) She used a tent peg and hammer—ordinary household tools.

c) Jael struck decisively
(Judges 4:21) She smote the nail into Sisera’s temple.

d) Jael fulfilled God’s prophecy
(Judges 4:9) The Lord delivered Sisera into the hand of a woman.

Biblical Example: Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21). She courageously hid the spies and aligned herself with God’s people.

CONCLUSION:
The stories of Deborah and Jael remind us that women are vital instruments in God’s plan. God calls, equips, and empowers women to lead, prophesy, and act with courage in times of crisis. They are not limited by culture or circumstance when the Spirit of God is upon them.

Every believer—male or female—must recognise that God is no respecter of persons. What He requires is faith, obedience, and availability. Women in God’s plan are vessels of wisdom, strength, and deliverance.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for including women in Your great plan.
2. Father, raise women of faith and courage in our generation.
3. Lord, fill women with the Spirit of prophecy and wisdom.
4. Father, let every Deborah in the church rise and lead with boldness.
5. Lord, give our daughters and sisters courage to stand for You.
6. Father, use women as instruments of deliverance in families.
7. Lord, silence every culture that limits women from fulfilling Your call.
8. Father, let the gifts of the Spirit flow through both men and women.
9. Lord, raise Jaels who will bring down the enemies of Your people.
10. Father, make our homes and churches full of women filled with divine strength.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. God has included you in His plan, whether male or female.
2. The Spirit of the Lord will empower women in your family.
3. God will raise Deborahs and Jaels in this generation.
4. No cultural limitation will stop God’s call upon your life.
5. You will walk in wisdom and prophetic authority.
6. God will give you courage to face mighty enemies.
7. Women around you will become vessels of deliverance.
8. The Lord will honour the faith of women in your lineage.
9. Every woman God has called will fulfil her divine assignment.
10. You will see God’s power displayed through unlikely vessels.