The Danger of the Safe Harbor

Judges 5:13-18

The survivors came down to the nobles; the LORD’s people came down to me with the warriors. These with their roots in Amalek came from Ephraim; Benjamin came with your people after you. The leaders came down from Machir, and those who carry a marshal’s staff came from Zebulun. The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; Issachar was with Barak. They set out at his heels in the valley. There was great searching of heart among the clans of Reuben. Why did you sit among the sheepfold listening to the playing of pipes for the flocks? There was great searching of heart among the clans of Reuben.  Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger at the ships? Asher remained at the seashore and stayed in his harbors. Zebulun was a people risking their lives. Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.

Deborah describes the army she led into battle. Barak took 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun up Mt. Tabor. She rallied troops together in Ephraim and led them into the Valley of Jezreel, where she threatened Sisera’s allies. With Barak’s climbing the mountain and Deborah’s threatening allied territory, the enemy was thrown into confusion over which battle to handle. Sisera turned to pursue Deborah’s army, and Barak’s troops caught him from the rear.

Not everyone wanted to participate in the battle. There was great searching of heart among the tribe of Reuben, who chose to be temporarily entertained. They appear to have been counting the cost of going into battle. While there is some wisdom in this, know that remaining in bondage is never better than moving at God’s command. Gilead remained in their comfort zones, as did Dan and Asher. They chose to remain in their safe places and not to take risks. Zebulun and Naphtali, however, were willing to risk their lives. They’d had enough and were willing to fight for freedom. Somehow, they could smell victory awaiting and decided to take God at His word! Fear and unbelief are often the greatest threats to our success. 

Consider today what is preventing you from achieving success. Perhaps, it is because you’ve never made the first attempt at something. I once went to a grant writing class where I learned the top 10 reasons schools do not get money needed to fund their projects. It is certainly not because the money is not out there! The number one reason grants are not awarded is because the proposal requesting the money is never written! You do not have because you do not ask.

You cannot defeat the enemy in your life if you are not willing to fight him. Playing it safe can be the very thing that keeps you in bondage. The choice is yours. Overcome your insecurities to defeat your enemy, and walk forth in victory in Christ!  He wants your victory even more than you do, and He went to the cross to insure it.   

Have a blessed day!