Use The Tools You Have
Friday, May 17
Judges 4:17-21 (NKJV)
“However, Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; do not fear.” And when he had turned aside with her into the tent, she covered him with a blanket. Then he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a jug of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him. And he said to her, “Stand at the door of the tent, and if any man comes and inquires of you, and says, ‘Is there any man here?’ you shall say, ‘No.’ ” Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.”
Devotion
We may or may not have an opportunity to save a nation by recognizing the moment to act within our sphere of influence. But there will be opportunities to act, at critical moments and over time. Recognizing them will pave the way to victories.
Jael was married and the keeper of her home. When children are in the home, parents’ hearts should be for the children, in prayer and in practice. In daily life, opportunities will arise to point our children and others to Jesus. Take them. Sometimes these are mess-ups that require us to show mercy or to be humble and apologize. These are opportunities to point to our perfect Savior and seek Him together.
The actions of Jael in this passage are not “nice.” If God has given you children, or responsibility over others, ask God to help you recognize when you need to step up on their behalf and take definite action. Be careful not to be subject to the whim of your own emotions, but do recognize that the right thing to do may not be the polite thing to do. Lord, help us know the difference.
Like Jael we are to use the tools we have been given. There will be times when warfare, especially spiritual warfare, is needed. We may fight on our knees in prayer on behalf of our children, a friend in need, an issue that comes to our attention, ourselves, and our enemies. Remember to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6, for example). Do battle with prayer and worship. Plead the blood of Jesus over the situation. The word of God is living and active, a sword that we are to use. Don’t misuse Scripture, but do use appropriate verses to pray the word of God over the situation, to declare to the enemy and to yourself, “It is written …” If you are praying on behalf of your children or others put under your authority, you can claim them in the Name of Jesus. Rebuke the evil influences that would tempt, deceive, and steal them away. The battle is the Lord’s, but He has equipped us to participate.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for all the spiritual gifts that are available for the parenting task. I pray that You would give me the gifts of prophecy and word of knowledge so that I can see evil and danger coming and stop it, just as Jael stopped Sisera with a tent peg through the head. Show me when my spiritual or natural children are tempted or indulging in destructive behaviors like drugs, witchcraft, porn, or immorality. By Your Holy Spirit, help me to expose and effectively bring correction for the sins that war against my children's souls. Help me not to close my eyes to such evil or to take the easier path of pretending I don't know about it. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
It is a way of God to support parents and those in authority. If God brings something to mind this week regarding a child, an employee, or someone within your responsibility, do not ignore His prompting. Pray, and look into the matter appropriately. Let’s be on the Lord’s side in truth and love.
Resources:
- As you watch this short clip, "You Can Put Faith in Your Kids", be encouraged to consistently give your children the One whom they need most.
- Read Deuteronomy 6:5-9 and allow God’s Word to remind you of the importance He places on us training our children according to His ways.