Lead Out PeopleSample

If you have ever seen the Tour de France or another cycling event, you might know that there is one role on the team known as the “lead out” cyclist. This individual buries themself and cycles hard out front of the team, exerting all their energy so the lead sprinter can slip behind, making the most of the wind block. When the time is right, the lead out person pulls off to the side allowing the team member behind to race through to the finish line.

In Judges, we find the story of Deborah. In her time, the Canaanites had oppressed and reigned over the Israelites for 20 years. King Jabin was in power and the commander of his army was Sisera who led an army boasting of 900 iron chariots. Deborah was a judge, prophetess and a wife. The people brought their disputes and issues to her and she would make decisions for their welfare. Deborah heard from God and called for a man named Barak to lead. She gave him instructions and affirmed God would bring him and the Israelites victory. Barak agreed to lead the Israelites into battle, but only if Deborah would go with him. God opened the heavens, the earth shook and a rainstorm came. The river Kishon overflowed and flooded so Sisera's chariots became stuck and were rendered useless. Barak's men then took the whole Canaanite army while Sisera abandoned his chariot and ran for his life.

Deborah is a stunning example of a lead out woman. Barak won the battle and became the leader he was created to be, thanks in a large part to Deborah’s role.

QUESTIONS

We all need people to come alongside us to help us become all we can be.

Identify someone in your world who has helped you and set you up for a win in life. Pray for them and consider how you might be able to express gratitude to them and to others who made a way for you.