DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Unlikely Make a Difference
By Todd Marti
This week’s readings show multiple examples of an undeniable truth: God works powerfully through seemingly weak, seemingly insignificant, people to address seemingly insurmountable dysfunction. We see that again today. Although not immediately obvious from the text of today’s reading, the reading’s backstory provides another example of that dynamic.
That backstory is found in Judges 4. Israel had been oppressed by a pagan king through Sisera, the commander of the king’s powerful army. Israel “cried to the Lord for help.” Judges 4.3. God raised up a female judge to deal with that king, the king’s seemingly invincible army was destroyed, and Sisera fled the battlefield. He took refuge in the tent of Jael, a non-Israelite woman, who dispatched him by luring him into a false sense of security and killing him. That effectively ended the king’s power and Israel “had peace for forty years.” Judges 5:31. In sum, God used two very unlikely people—women in a male dominated culture, one of whom was not even an Israelite—to answer His people’s prayers and deliver them from oppression.
So what does that mean for us, thousands of years later? Several things come to mind.
One is to remember that nothing is impossible for God. Luke 1:37. We should not despair even though the dysfunction in our world, and maybe in our personal lives, seems overwhelming. God can and will overcome it all. Psalm 37, John 16:33, and this powerfully uplifting song affirm that reality. That may not happen in the way we expect or on the schedule we desire, but it will happen.
Another is that we too should “cry to the Lord for help.” God responds to our heartfelt prayers. Sometimes He changes our circumstances, sometimes He changes the way we approach those circumstances, but He always gives us peace in one form or another when we bring our problems to Him. As Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7 tell us, we should bring all our anxieties to him. See also Philippians 4:4-7. And don’t worry if you can’t fully articulate your concerns, Romans 8:26-27 assures us that He’ll get them. Just go to Him.
Finally, open yourself to the possibility that you will be a person God uses to deal with some of the dysfunction around us. As this week’s readings show us, God works through all kinds of folks, and you are likely one of them. So follow Psalm 37:3's direction to “trust in the Lord and do good.” (Emphasis added). That will position you to be one of the instruments God uses to deliver His healing, as unlikely as that may seem. This link will connect you with some great ways to start doing that.
God’s peace to—and through—you.
PRAYER
Lord, draw us to you, especially when things seem bleak. Help us to remember your perfect love, your perfect wisdom, and your ultimate power. Help us to bring our problems to you. Open, position, align us with you so that we can be instruments of your healing. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TODD MARTI
I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.
Todd, I really needed your devotion today. I needed reminded that God can and will overcome all the overwhelming things in my life. I've cried to him for help and I needed the reassurance you stated that God will give me peace. I know this, but reading what you wrote really brought it home. Thank you for hitting my heart today. God bless.
I love this, and it is so very timely for me. Keep writing these insightful devotions, we need to hear this encouragement.
Very insightful - thank you.