09/18/2026
What happens when God has equipped us to do something—but we decide it’s “not my job”?
In this message from the book of Judges, we look at the story of Deborah and Barak and discover an important challenge for every Christian: sometimes the greatest obstacle to serving God isn't a lack of ability, but an unwillingness to step into responsibility.
The book of Judges repeatedly shows Israel falling away from God, experiencing oppression, crying out for deliverance, and then seeing God raise up a judge to lead them to freedom. In Judges 4, Israel is once again under oppression—this time from King Jabin of Hazor and Sisera, the commander of his army. Sisera had 900 iron chariots, and Israel had suffered under this oppression for twenty years before crying out to the Lord for help.
Into this situation comes Deborah, a prophet and judge of Israel. Deborah was known for her wisdom and regularly helped the people by rendering judgments. God had given her gifts that she had developed and was using for the good of others.
But the story also introduces Barak, a man who was being called to take responsibility and lead Israel's warriors against Sisera. Deborah gives him God's command and assures him that the Lord will give him victory. Yet Barak responds, “I will go, but only if you go with me.”
Barak's hesitation provides the central challenge of this message.
THE “NOT MY JOB” ATTITUDE
There are many reasons we can convince ourselves not to step up.
Maybe someone else is supposed to do it.
Maybe it's outside our skill set.
Maybe we don't find it interesting.
Maybe we're waiting for God to give us a special sign.
Maybe we're simply too busy.
But when everyone assumes that someone else will take responsibility, important things can be left undone.
The same thing can happen in the church. God has given every Christian gifts and abilities, not merely for personal benefit, but so that we can help one another.
The sermon explores the idea of discovering, developing, and deploying the gifts God has given us. Knowing what our gifts are isn't enough. Like a superhero learning to use their abilities, we need to develop those gifts and ultimately use them for God's Kingdom and the good of others.
GOD'S GIFTS ARE MEANT TO BE DEPLOYED
Deborah wasn't the person expected to lead Israel's military. Jael wasn't the person expected to defeat Sisera. Yet God worked through people who were willing to step into the moment and do what needed to be done. The victory belonged to the Lord—but God shared the honor of that victory with those who joined Him in accomplishing it.
One of the most encouraging truths in Judges 4 is that the victory belongs to God.
We don't have to possess everything we think we need before we can serve Him. We don't have to be the strongest, most experienced, most talented, or most qualified person in the room. God is the One who empowers. God is the One who delivers. God is the One who wins the day.
Scripture: Judges 4:1–10
Want to hear more? Watch the full message here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/4zIBO0FtjtY?is=RUF_rsbP8jmVV2vC
