God Uses the Unexpected: What Deborah and Jael Teach Us About Purpose and Power

“And she said, ‘I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.’” —Judges 4:9
When you think of someone bold, obedient, and on fire for the Lord, Deborah checks every box. In Judges 4, we read how God appoints her as a temporary leader over Israel during a time of great turmoil. She faithfully commands the troops to go and claim the victory God has promised, saying the battle will be won because the Lord will deliver it into their hands (Judges 4:7).
But what makes this passage so powerful is what comes next.
Deborah’s Bold Prophecy—and Our Expectations
Deborah, full of faith and courage, prophesies that the honor of defeating the enemy commander, Sisera, will not go to the general Barak—but to a woman (Judges 4:9). Naturally, we expect that woman to be Deborah herself. After all, she’s already leading with confidence and has the ear of the Lord. She seems like the obvious choice.
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us of God’s promise to uphold His people with His “righteous right hand”—and surely Deborah seemed the best fit for such a task.
But God had different plans.
Enter Jael: God’s Unlikely Instrument
Instead of Deborah, God chooses Jael, a pagan woman who lived on the outskirts of the story—until she became the centerpiece of God’s providence (Judges 4:17–24). Sisera fled from the battlefield and ended up in Jael’s tent, where she drove a tent peg through his temple while he slept, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy in the most unexpected way.
We don’t know much about Jael. Maybe she had barely begun a journey of faith. Maybe she didn’t know the God of Israel at all. Either way, God used her.
That’s the beauty of divine grace and sovereignty—God doesn’t need the most visible, polished, or “qualified” person. He uses the willing.
You Are Not Too Far Gone to Be Used by God
Whether you're burning bright for Christ or feel like a smoldering wick, you are not unusable, not invaluable, and not unlovable. Your story isn't disqualified because it doesn’t look like someone else’s. In Christ, you are “most blessed” by the wonder-working Redeemer of your weary soul (Judges 5:24).

God can use a woman in hiding.
God can use the overlooked and underestimated.
God can use you.

Reflection Questions

Are you on fire for the Lord, barely burning, or somewhere in between?
Can you recall a time when God worked in a way you didn’t expect?
What might He be asking you to say "yes" to—even if it seems outside your comfort zone?

A Prayer for Surrender

Lord, thank You for being beyond my understanding and for using me even when I feel too far gone. Please help me draw closer to You and discover a fiery passion for Your kingdom. Teach me to trust that Your ways are higher, and Your plans are always good. In Your holy name, I pray and praise, Amen.

Scripture for Further Study

Isaiah 41:10 – A reminder of God’s strength and help in every circumstance.
Judges 5 – Deborah and Barak’s song of praise, celebrating the victory God gave through Jael.