Assignment, Covering & Location!

Judges 4:4-5 (NIV) Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading[a] 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. Have you ever asked God “Father, where do I begin?” when you know God has called you to an assignment? That assignment could be addressing love or kindness in a dark place with friends or family. The assignment could be to that job position, ministry or school you were trying to avoid starting due to uncertainty. The assignment could be anything you are supposed to be doing (helping, teaching, ministering, encouraging, befriending, etc..) that you know, without a shadow of a doubt, in your spirit, that God instructed you to do, whether it be a short/long term. God, who is our Father, Husband, Counselor, and Friend gives us instruction for His purpose. Each instruction is a step toward our identity or helping someone find theirs. Let me introduce to you, Deborah!

Assignment & Identity:

Prophetess Deborah was a Judge (ruler) and teacher in civil and military matters of Israel at a time of desolation for forty years. Deborah’s name means Bee. The great thing about a bee is they work hard and swarm to one leader. Deborah put all her trust in God. She was lead by the Spirit of God’s instructions. The bee sting is sharp and painful but their works produce sweet honey. What makes her so unique is not only is she the only woman judge at that time but the only one with the title “prophet” attached to her.

Covering:

Deborah is the wife of Lapidoth. The bible says she sat under a palm tree where she held court. Lapidoth is the Hebrew word for Torches. Torches hold fiery flames to burning light. Deborah’s husband is a covering and protection over his wife. Some commentaries say that Deborah was "a woman of a fiery spirit."

The palm tree has deep strong roots that help to sustain through any storm as well as the palm’s fruitfulness. The palm tree is a covering of protection. A great significance of victory and triumph.

Location:

Deborah’s Palm Tree was in the hill country of Ephraim, between Ramah and Bethel. Ramah means “Hill”. Bethel means “House of God” and Ephraim means “I shall be doubly fruitful”. These locations tell me that God will set you on high to be a blessing and it shall be fruitful.

God calls you and strategically places you in locations to be a blessing and encouragement to people. The reward for you is a double portion! You will even see the fruits of your labor be the double portion in other people you have helped.

God gives you a choice. How you accept your assignment is how you will know how to begin your journey. Do you look into the word of God and ask Him to light the path to your feet and give you strength to endure? Or do you say no thank you, it is too sketchy of a sacrifice, let me stay in my comfort zone? Do not get mad when the person you trained ends up surpassing you. Be joyful! That is the fruit of your labor! You will be rewarded as well!

Father, we thank you for the gifts that you have blessed us with. Father, we ask that we share our time, talent and treasure in the assignment you called us to, to be a blessing for your people. Draw us closer to your word for the answers we need. Let the works of our hands be fruitful. We ask in Jesus name Amen. John 14:12-14 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 13:15-16 (NIV) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.