"'Certainly I will go with you,' said Deborah. 'But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.'"—
Judges 4:9 (NIV)
The Divine Summons
The Spirit of God is speaking to His daughters in this hour: **"Hold your position."** You have been called, positioned, and anointed for such a time as this. This is not the season to retreat, second-guess your calling, or shrink back from the authority God has placed upon your life.
Deborah: The Woman Who Held Her Ground
Deborah sat under her palm tree as a judge over Israel—a position of authority, wisdom, and spiritual influence. When God gave her a prophetic word for Barak to lead Israel's army against their oppressor Sisera, she delivered it with clarity and confidence. But when Barak hesitated and refused to go without her, Deborah didn't waver. She didn't apologize for her leadership. She didn't defer to his insecurity.
“Instead, she declared: Certainly I will go with you."
Deborah held her position as prophet, judge, and spiritual mother of Israel. She understood that her presence carried the presence of God. She knew that her calling wasn't dependent on a man's courage—it was anchored in God's command. And because she refused to abandon her post, an entire nation was delivered from 20 years of oppression.
What Does It Mean to Hold Your Position?
1. Recognize Your Divine Appointment
You are not in your position by accident. God has strategically placed you where you are—in your family, your workplace, your ministry, your community. Like Deborah under the palm tree, you have been appointed by the King of kings. Your position is not up for debate, negotiation, or approval by those who don't understand your calling.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10
2. Lead with Confident Obedience
When Deborah said, "Certainly I will go," she wasn't asking for permission or validation. She was moving in obedience to what God had already spoken. Confidence in leadership doesn't come from your own abilities—it flows from knowing you are walking in divine assignment.
Women of God, stop apologizing for the authority He has given you. Stop shrinking to make others comfortable. Your obedience to God's call is more important than people's opinions.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."— Proverbs 31:25
3. Stand Firm When Others Falter
Barak's hesitation didn't disqualify Deborah's calling. When the men around you doubt, delay, or disobey, that is not your cue to step down—it's your cue to stand firmer. Your steadfastness may be exactly what inspires others to find their courage.
But know this: when you hold your position while others hesitate, God will honor your faithfulness. The victory may come through unexpected means, but it will come. Deborah prophesied that the honor would go to a woman—and it did. Jael, another courageous woman, struck the final blow against Sisera.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."* — 1 Corinthians 16:13
**4. Carry the Presence, Not Just the Title**
Deborah's greatest strength wasn't her title as judge—it was that God's presence rested upon her. When she told Barak she would go with him, he accepted because he recognized that where Deborah went, God went. Your authority as a woman in leadership comes not from your résumé or your charisma, but from the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon your life.
Hold your position not because of what you can do, but because of who goes with you.
“The LORD replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"— Exodus 33:14
5. Expect the Battle, But Know the Victory
Holding your position doesn't mean it will be easy. Deborah led Israel into battle. There was risk. There was opposition. There was warfare. But she knew that God had already declared the outcome: *"The LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman."*
Sister, the enemy wants you to abandon your post because he knows what God is about to do through you. The attacks, the criticism, the discouragement—they are all tactics to make you quit. But God has already decreed your victory. Don't retreat now.
"No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”— Isaiah 54:17
Biblical Women Who Held Their Positions
Esther held her position as queen and declared, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Her courage saved a nation.
Abigail held her position as a woman of wisdom when her husband's foolishness endangered their household (1 Samuel 25). Her discernment brought deliverance.
Mary Magdalene held her position at the empty tomb when others fled. She became the first witness of the resurrection (John 20:11-18).
The Proverbs 31 woman held her position in business, ministry, family, and community leadership. She was a woman of influence because she refused to compartmentalize her calling.
These women understood that their positions were divinely ordained. They didn't wait for permission. They didn't apologize for their strength. They stood firm, and God moved through them.
Your Call to Action
The prophetic word over your life today is this: “Hold your position.”
Declare these truths over yourself:
- I am called by God to lead in the sphere He has given me.
- I will not shrink back because of fear, insecurity, or opposition.
- The authority I carry comes from the presence of God upon my life.
- I am clothed with strength, dignity, and the full armor of God.
- No weapon formed against me will prosper.
- I will not retreat; I will advance with faith and courage.
- Like Deborah, I will say, "Certainly I will go"—because God goes with me.
Now take action:
1. Identify your position.
Where has God placed you? Name the assignment, the leadership role, the influence He has entrusted to you.
2. Repent for any retreat. If you've stepped back out of fear or discouragement, repent today and return to your post.
3. Speak the Word over your calling.
Find Scriptures that affirm your position and declare them daily.
4. Move forward in obedience.
What is the next step God is asking you to take? Do it with the confidence of Deborah.
5. Encourage another woman.
Speak life into a sister who is under attack. Remind her to hold her position.
The Prophetic Promise
The Lord says to you: "Do not abandon the place I have given you. I have positioned you strategically for My glory. The enemy wants you to leave because he knows what I am about to do through you. But if you will hold your ground, stand on My Word, and trust in My presence, you will see the victory I have promised. Hold fast to what you have, that no one may seize your crown (Revelation 3:11). This is your hour to rise, lead, and watch Me move on your behalf."
Hold your position, daughter of Zion. The Lord of hosts is with you. The nations are waiting for you to rise.
"So may all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength." — Judges 5:31
