Strong Women

There are many great examples of powerful women in the Bible. They did some amazing things despite the cultural attitudes of that time.  They simply want to be able to use their abilities and strengths to make a difference and glorify God. They loved  the  men who encouraged them, stood up for them, fought for them and appreciated their strengths. Today, I am not sure we fully understand 'woman power' in terms of what gets accomplished in our culture today.

The book of Judges has a wonderful record about a woman who was directly involved in a great victory for Israel.   It is the record about Deborah who judged in Israel during the era of the judges. She was the wife of Lapidoth. She engaged military leaders who depended on her judgement and believing to dispel the enemies of Israel. She was a remarkable woman who sang God's praises when she accomplished what God had her to do.

In Genesis 1:28-29 is additional understanding of how women of God were an integral part of God's community:

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

The image of God  is 'spirit'. The presence of God was with them. God expected them to have dominion over the earth. This authority did not end with the New Testament, it only became greater. Women have authority as well as men.

Godly authority is not competitive. That is where the word 'submit' fits in. It refers to a properly ordered arrangement. As relationships grow, maturity and confidence drive 'together' decisions. In today's fast-paced culture where both mom and dad work, a lot of active communication and mutual respect are  required. It takes time to weave these elements through a marriage. Hearing the truth in love is as important as speaking the truth in love. 

There is no question in my mind that Deborah and husband had a lot of pressure to work through as did Barak who led the army. Barak asked Deborah to go with him into the battle or he would not go. Barak was not a weak man and his respect for Deborah is inspiring. Deborah knew God and trusted and relied on him to save her people. Her strength and love for God is a strong motivator.