BARAK PURSUED – JAEL NAILED IT! HA…HA...

Judges 4:16 Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim, and all Sisera’s troops fell by the sword; not a man was left. 

Pursue means to follow, chase, or hunt someone, an animal, or a goal with the specific intention of catching, capturing, or attaining it. Well, pursuing a goal or target is not going to be comfortable, smooth, cozy, easy or safe.  Sometimes, it would be hazardous, strenuous and exhausting; nevertheless, we need to push ourselves and move on.  Remember always – God is with you! He has not moved an inch away from you!

When we were conducting 3 days fire camp titled ‘Making Soldiers for God’ up to 2019, that is up to the time COVID invaded the world, I would be preaching on all 3 days very vigorously. Besides the preaching there were lot of other challenges to face as well. I sometimes felt, ‘even if my very close friends or relatives do not want to attend the meetings but they can come to help me.’ Such was the pressure on our family! We handled them, though it was extremely tough and now those experiences are helping us handle the pressure of Abide School and various other projects. The armour of faith was given to you by God not to wear it as a show-piece but it is for you to boldly go and claim victory!

Imagine Barak going inside Harosheth Haggoyim the home town of Sisera, where there were gentiles who did not know of the true Living God, idol worshippers who were oppressing the people of God.  Entering a zone of God-haters must have been really gutsy; however, Barak did not want to return with half-victory, he wanted to now to destroy the source.  Say Amen.  Barak took a great risk, he did not depend on muscle strength but totally depended on God for victory and the prayers of Deborah.  Hallelujah! Stay connected with godly people!

Illustration: Praying mothers are a great influence in the life of their children.  Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, was known for her strict discipline and commitment to prayer while raising her children.

The "Apron-Over-the-Head" Signal: Because she had no private room or quiet place to pray, Susanna would sit in her chair and pull her apron up over her head. This served as a "Do Not Disturb" sign to her children, signalling that she was in direct, focused prayer with God and was not to be interrupted except in dire emergencies.

Daily Prayer Routine: Despite having 19 children (of whom 10 survived to adulthood) and managing a household, she faithfully scheduled two hours every day for prayer and Bible study.

One-on-One Time: In addition to her personal prayer time, she scheduled specific time each week to sit down with each child individually to discuss their spiritual lives. 

HELP AND DIVINE ENCOUNTERS HAPPEN WHEN YOU OBEY GOD.
When Barak entered Harosheth Haggoyim  God stepped in too! Ah, I am thrilled to write this portion, God stirred the heart of a gentile woman Jael, the Bible says:” verse 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera!” Hallelujah!