We are saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost, so we are definitely empowered to go the distance. Tell yourself, “I have the power.” You have the power. The Holy Ghost dwells in you. You are linked with the most powerful Savior, Jesus Christ, and we are joint heirs with Him.

Today, we’re looking at a familiar scripture, Judges chapters 4 and 5. We are talking about Deborah and going the distance. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel. In Judges 4:1, the Bible says the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hands of Jabin, king of Canaan. His captain, Sisera, oppressed Israel mightily for 20 years with hundreds of iron chariots.

Sometimes, Satan comes after us mightily with a hard hand. What you’re dealing with might feel like, “God, I don’t wish this on anyone.” It’s a hard hand, just like the oppression Israel faced for 20 years. How long have you been in your trial? How long have you been dealing with your situation? Don’t give up.

Deborah, the prophetess, judged Israel and dwelt under the Palm Tree of Deborah. The children of Israel came to her for judgment. She had to be sensitive to the voice of God. She knew the children of Israel were oppressed, and she still heard God in the midst of it all.

Now, let me tell you something. The beauty in the struggle that you’re dealing with right now, as the song said, there’s beauty in the struggle and a fight that will end. Don’t give up just because you don’t see the end right now. Israel was in chaos. Their warriors were hiding because morale was low. Have you ever felt like that? Like God has forgotten or abandoned you? But He hasn’t.

Our power to go the distance comes from hearing from God. Deborah led Israel because she listened to what God told her. She had to hear from God in the middle of chaos, grief, and death. Before Deborah could lead Israel’s army, she heard from heaven. If you want to accomplish anything, you need to hear from God first.

Empowered people attract others. When Barak hesitated, Deborah told him what God had said. Barak replied, “I will go, but I’m not going without you.” She influenced him. She went with him, and Israel defeated Sisera.

“Get up! This is the day the Lord has delivered Sisera into your hands.”

Sometimes, you need to tell somebody, “Come on, pick yourself up! This is your day of deliverance.” Deborah’s courage awakened courage in others. Jael, another woman, acted courageously and killed Sisera. When God empowers you, it strengthens everyone connected to you. Your endurance becomes someone else’s encouragement.

God gives you strength for every season. Deborah wasn’t a trained warrior, but she was equipped by God to lead Israel to victory. Sometimes you may feel unqualified or overwhelmed, but God has called you for this season. He will empower you to finish.

Tell yourself, “I will finish. I will go the distance by the grace of God.” Deborah didn’t win because she was strong; she won because God strengthened her. Jael was positioned for purpose. God will place people in your path who have what you need. Don’t give up. The victory is ahead, and help is coming.

In Judges 5, Deborah praised God for the victory. Praise strengthens your faith. Praise Him before the victory comes. She didn’t take credit for the victory; she gave all glory to God. The nation rejoiced because of the victory.

So go the distance, and while you’re going, praise Him. When the victory comes, praise Him even more. Be empowered. You are empowered by the Holy Spirit in your life. You are going the distance.

Say it: “I am going the distance by the power of God.” But you can’t go alone. People trust you. They are watching how you carry yourself in trials. Live up to that trust.

I’m going the distance, all the way.