Meet Jael, a young Bedouin girl who is now a wife to a nomadic farmer living in Canaan. She has heard of the God of Israel, and the Israelites are camped not too far from her people.
Jael probably heard of the war between Israel and the Amalekites and monitored news on how the battle was going. She may or may not have listened to the prophecy that the victory of the war would fall to a woman.
Here she was, one fateful day, by her tent on a hot afternoon, when Sisera, the captain of the Amalekite army, came to her ‘doorstep’, asking for a drink and a place to rest.
Hospitable as she was, she gave him warm milk, prepared a bed for him to sleep in, and covered him with a blanket.
Jael was probably small and frail in stature, looking unimposing and unassuming. Perhaps this is why Sisera could trust her easily and command her to stand and watch the tent’s door while he slept.
Jael may have been ‘frail’ or ‘just a woman, ’ but she knew whose side she was on. She took the tools she had always known and was good at, and drove a tent peg into Sisera’s head and handed him over to the Israelites.
No matter how powerless you may or may not be, there is always an opportunity to do good. There is a seemingly small thing that you can do that will make a huge difference.
Never be ashamed of your gifts or abilities, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. David was a shepherd boy with a harp when he killed Goliath using a simple stone and sling.
Serve your gifts at every opportunity. It could be as simple as hospitality, a calm demeanour, a word of encouragement, or speaking up for someone who cannot defend themselves.
Never shy away from a challenge or an opportunity to serve. Keep a keen eye for opportunity and learn to maximise them.
We live in a time where the ‘soft life’, ‘me first’ keep making the rounds. It may be good in some ways, but if we always think of ourselves or look for the easy way out, we will not rise to greatness or significantly impact the sands of time.
No one is remembered in history or made a difference by living for themselves or shying away from challenges or opportunities. Be brave and willing to step up when the opportunity presents itself.
Maybe you are unemployed, work from home, or are a stay-at-home mum and wonder where you will meet people to serve that will make a huge difference or impact.
You are a blessing for simply being alive and walking this earth. There is a light in you that was built to shine. Have an attitude that lights up a room, and always have a smile, a word of encouragement, or a kind word ready wherever you find yourself. The opportunity to serve your gifts and resources comes every day, even when we think it does not count.
Keep giving and serving; it will make a huge difference someday. It has probably made a huge impact already, but you may not be aware. Like a songwriter says, ‘this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine’. And like the not-so-popular song says, ‘Brighten the corner where you are’.
You are a plus; you will do great things in this world. Cheers!
