This is the third post in a series we began last week, devoted to great women of faith from the Bible. Not only is it devoted to those incredible women, but also to the amazing women in my life and yours, who have helped pave the way for a life of faith.

My daughters love Wonder Woman. I have to admit, she’s a pretty cool superhero. But characters who are a figment of our imagination can only do so much. What we need are real-life examples who demonstrate the same qualities. That way, our inspiration can be rooted in reality. When it comes to a real-life Wonder Woman, I think of Deborah. Now there are no stories of her using a magical lasso or leaping over a building, but Deborah was a warrior. According to the Book of Judges, Deborah was a prophetess of God, the fourth Judge of pre-monarchic Israel and the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. She was awesome! Let’s jump into the story.

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’” Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”

Judges 4:4-8 NIV

Deborah led a nation, commanded armies, and was the source of men’s courage. She rallied God’s people to victory. She instituted justice. Deborah was the mouthpiece for God to a nation floundering to find their way. She was the voice for faith among a people battling with faithlessness. She was so beloved that the entire next chapter is devoted to a song about her. She is one of few in all the Bible who were extended this honor. In one of Israel’s dark moments, her astounding faith brought the people together to overcome a formidable foe.

Jesus said that faith can move mountains. Deborah proved that it can certainly move nations to accomplish great feats. Her faith captivated a people because she believed God was Who He said He was. She showed Israel, and us today, that faith can be fierce and powerful. Thank you, Deborah, for standing in faith, even when others wouldn’t. Thank you for inspiring women warriors of the faith who came after you.