deborah

More than a year ago, a missionary pastor came to the youth service of our church. I never really knew his name but as far as I can remember, one of the missionaries who had been with the church invited him.

He stepped foot on the stage and started preaching. I can’t fully remember what it was about but I’m quite sure I came from the backstage and sat on the only available chair, which was on the front row, not my favorite spot.

He started calling out from the audience, giving them words of prophecies and encouragement, some from the front, some from the back.

Then, he stopped in front of me, held out his hand to me and called me Deborah. “You’re almost ready.”

Now, I’m no longer sure what specific lines were delivered next (it seems my journal has failed me today) but from how I remember the scenario, my initial response was “I hope I am.” He immediately rebuked me for my statement and told me to believe in what God says.

A week before this, another missionary told me that I was to go through something difficult that will serve as a foundation to who I will be.

After my brother’s sort-of rebellion, my arguments with the student council secretary because I couldn’t tolerate her glory seeking, going through 21 units of academic load, 15 of which are major subjects, literally going through each day at a time because of all the things I needed to accomplish, I thought I had gone through “it” already.

Sixteen months later, I come to realize that’s not it. I can’t say it was useless but what happened to me the previous year had opened the door to a much bigger arena and the battle hasn’t really started yet.

This morning’s devotion talked about Elisha’s desire for double the anointing he had witnessed from Elijah. Elijah in turn brought him to four different places so that in the end, Elisha will be blessed of what he asked.

The four places are as follows:
Gilgal – place remembered for circumcision, an act that signifies cleanliness
Bethel – place where Jacob built his personal altar when he dreamt that the heavens had opened upon him
Jericho – the very first place the Israelites had battled to claim the promise land
Jordan – usual place for baptism

Jericho is now in front of me. I know I have to put the walls down and I know just how to do it.

Now I realize what Deborah meant. Now I know what it means to be almost ready.

Deborah must now leave the tree in which she rests. She will lead the Israelites to battle, despite her being a woman. She knows what she has to do, and there is no turning back now. She must leave her comfort zone and fight the battle she was called for.