By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“God has gone before us so we can walk in the future He has for us” – Priscilla Shirer 

My brother Trent is 18 months older than me, but only one grade higher than me. This came in handy a lot. We always went to the same school, rode the same bus, and knew the same people.

This especially was nice before the beginning of a new year of school.

“You want to watch out for Mr. So-and-so. He can get pretty mean if you forget to do your homework. And don’t chew gum in Mrs. Such-and-such’s class. She makes a big deal of it. And whatever you do, don’t be late to Mr. Whozeewhatsit’s class!”

You see, the fact that Trent went before me into each upcoming grade meant that I never went into any school year blind and I found peace in that fact. 

I think that Barak knew a little of what I am talking about. In Judges 4, Barak is leading the people of God into battle against the great commander Sisera. Even though the Israelites had ten thousand men, they didn’t stand a chance against Sisera’s armored chariots. 

It would be like sending ten thousand tricycles against an army of school buses! There was a clear winner. 

I’m sure that Barak was terrified and I’m sure that he felt at a huge disadvantage. But then he was reminded of something by Deborah, the female judge at that time who lead Israel. 

“Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’ So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot” (Judges 4:14-15).

Barak had to be reminded that he wasn’t going to be the first person on the battlefield. In reality, God had already been there. God was going before Barak into the fight. 

When Deborah reminded Barak that he served a God that goes before him, I imagine excitement swelled in his chest. I think that courage flooded through his veins and peace filled his heart. There was nothing to fear because God had gone before him.

I believe that we too have to be reminded of this fact. In the doctor’s office, the job interview, the unexpected phone call, the family meeting, the unknown – we don’t have to fear any of it because God has gone before us. 

We serve the God that goes before. So, let our chests fill with excitement, let courage flood our veins, and let peace fill our hearts.