Some women can give you the worse headaches.

God moved Deborah to prophesy to Barak that Sisera and the Canaanites would be defeated at his hand. Sisera had oppressed Israel for twenty years using 900 chariots of iron, so it is understandable that Barak was hesitant to go forward and attack. God’s plan designed an attack where Barak would gain the victory and have the glory of the war. However, his hesitance passed the honor of the victory into the hands of a woman because Barak wanted Deborah to go with him.

God blessed Israel in the battle and Sisera’s army was so overwhelmed by Barak that Sisera jumped out of his chariot and went and hid himself in the tent of Jael, Heber’s wife. When he fell asleep, she drove a tent nail through his head fastening it to the ground. When Barak came looking for him, he found Sisera dead.

Even though Barak had not done things perfectly according to faith, he faithfully responds to the providence of God when he and Deborah sing God’s praises in Judges chapter 5.

“Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.” Judges 5:1-3

Being all in for the Lord, and acting in faith, does not mean we will always do things perfectly and without fear. The principle of faith is not our perfection but our recognition of God’s power and His glory.