John Maxwell Profiles in Leadership: Deborah – Let God Do the Unexpected

This is the eighth lesson in bestselling author and speaker John Maxwell’s Leadership by the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, tell them to sign up to receive John’s free email devotional here.

By John C. Maxwell

Judges 4

At a time when women had few rights, and the rulers, warriors, and decision-makers of the world were men, Deborah was a judge, prophet, and military commander. She is a tremendous example of the truth that God enjoys using unexpected people as leaders—especially those whom others might discount or dismiss.

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No matter how others view you, God wants to use you to make a difference. Like Deborah, you need to be willing to step up when others depend on you. Your courage becomes their courage. Your obedience is their obedience. Your victory is their victory. If you as a leader are not willing to step up, you let other people down. They cannot follow where you will not lead.

Whenever leaders rise up and fulfill their calling, the people they serve are blessed. In the case of Deborah, the people threw off the yoke of oppression and enjoyed peace for 40 years. Deborah left a fantastic legacy because she was willing to let God do the unexpected through her.

What might God do with you if you didn’t put limitations on yourself? What people might you be able to serve? What victories might you be able to win with God’s help? The possibilities are as great as God is.

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The above is adapted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible / Third Edition by John C. Maxwell (@JohnCMaxwell). Copyright © 2002, 2007, 2018 by Maxwell Motivation, Inc. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com.

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