Scripture Reading: Judges 4:22
“And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.”

Reflections: It was time for Israel to overthrow Canaanite rule. Deborah, a prophetess and Judge of Israel, instructed Barak to lead the attack against the Canaanite army. However, Barak hesitated and insisted that he would only go if Deborah accompanied him. Though she agreed, Deborah warned that his reluctance would cost him the honor reserved for him.
Her prophecy came true. Barak defeated the Canaanite army, but Sisera, their captain, escaped. Seeking refuge, Sisera entered the home of Jael, a woman who lived nearby. While he slept, Jael killed him by driving a tent peg through his temple. When Barak arrived, he realized the honor of defeating Sisera had been taken by someone else—someone who had never been to war. In life, relying on others to motivate you can cause you to miss opportunities meant for you. Learn to be self-driven and claim the honor reserved for you!

Prayer: Lord, help me to stay self-motivated and claim my place of honor.

Confession: I will act on my abilities, and no one will take my rightful honor.