Deborah: When Leadership Breaks Silence

What happens when God's people hesitate to act? In Judges 4–5, Israel is trapped in oppression, yet God raises an unlikely leader—a prophetess, judge, and spiritual mother named Deborah. Join Ric Shields and guest Sherry Jackson as they explore Deborah's remarkable faith, courageous leadership, and unwavering trust in God. Discover how her story challenges us to stop waiting, embrace God's calling, and become the people He is looking for in our generation.

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TITLE: When Leadership Breaks Silence

GUEST: Sherry Jackson

SEASON: S5, E30

SERIES: Women in Scripture

DATE: July 28, 2026

 Ric Shields (00:09):

There are moments in history when hesitation costs more than action and when the people who should lead either don't or won't. The story we'll discuss today in the Old Testament Book of Judges chapter four drops us into one of those moments. People are oppressed and crying out, but heaven isn't silent. God is speaking. The question is, who's actually listening?

(00:32):

Into that tension steps a woman. Not invited, not elected, and not appointed by a committee, but called. Her name is Deborah. She's a prophet, a judge, and a voice of clarity and a culture of confusion. While others hesitated, she spoke. While others deferred, she acted. And when a military leader stalled, she did not shrink back. She stepped forward.

(01:00):

Here's the uncomfortable truth. Sometimes the greatest obstacle to God's movement isn't the enemy. It's the reluctance of his own people. So today we're stepping into a story where courage confronts passivity and where God uses the unexpected to accomplish the undeniable. The question isn't whether God is still calling. The question is, will we answer?

(01:24):

Welcome to the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast. My name is Ric Shields and I'm happy to have Sherry Jackson as my guest today. Sherry and her husband Randy have co-pastored Fireside Church in Kiefer, Oklahoma for the past 20 years. They have a heart to see people experience real life change through Jesus. They want to build meaningful relationships, and they really want to do life together. Recently, that vision expanded with the addition of a second campus in Mountains, Oklahoma.

(01:52):

Sherry and Randy are the proud parents of four married children and the grandparents of four exceptional grandkids. She also carries a deep passion for foster care and outreach through the ranch at Fireside, helping support foster and adoptive families and reminding people that everyone can do something.

(02:13):

I'm glad you've made space to join me on this episode, Sherry. Thank you so much for being here.

Sherry Jackson (02:18):

Thank you, Ric. It's my honor and privilege to be with you today.

(02:21):

I've always loved the story of Deborah and the powerful example of faith, courage, and leadership she gives us. I'm excited to talk about what we can learn from her life.

Ric Shields (02:30):

Before we talk about Deborah, help us understand the environment of Judges chapter four. What kind of spiritual and cultural climate was Israel living in?

Sherry Jackson (02:40):

Deborah lived during a dark and troubled time in Israel's history. The nation was spiritually unstable and in moral decline. Marked by lawlessness, violence, and widespread corruption. In many ways, it reflects some of the challenges we see in our society today. Peace, security, and civility were absent from the land as Israel was oppressed by the Canaanites who was under the rulership of King Jabin. His military commander, Sisera, commanded a powerful army equipped with 900 iron chariots.

(03:10):

The people of Israel were experiencing the consequences of turning away from God, such as like America is. Because they had abandoned his ways, they found themselves living in bondage. They were oppressed and they were crying out to God for deliverance.

Ric Shields (03:25):

Deborah is introduced as a prophet, a judge, and a leader. What stands out to you about her unique combination of roles?

Sherry Jackson (03:35):

Deborah had to be one of the most multi-talented women in the Bible.

Ric Shields (03:40):

Yeah, ever in history, maybe.

Sherry Jackson (03:43):

In history. That's true. God equipped her to cast vision. She inspired people. She built teams and developed strategies that would help bring deliverance to his people. What I love most is that although Deborah served as a judge and a prophetess and a national leader, she chose to describe herself simply as a mother in Israel. I know that's Judges 5:7, but mothering is life-giving. It means mentoring, leading, guiding, encouraging, sometimes even correcting.

(04:14):

Deborah led from a heart of love. Because of that, she earned influence. Through her nurturing leadership, others were strengthened. And God eventually used her to help restore Israel's faith and devotion back to him.

Ric Shields (04:28):

Scripture says Deborah held court under the palm tree and people came to her. What does that reveal about her leadership style and credibility and how can we build that kind of trust and influence today?

Sherry Jackson (04:43):

One of the things I love about Deborah is actually where she led from that position. The Bible said she sat under the tree of Deborah, the palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel. No sure I'm saying that correctly.

Ric Shields (04:57):

That's good with me.

Sherry Jackson (04:58):

Is that good? <laugh> Ramah can represent a place of compromise while Bethel actually means house of God. In a sense, Deborah stood in the gap between the people who had drifted from God and the God who was calling them back to himself.

(05:15):

And one thing I really loved too is Deborah had no palace or throne, yet she led a nation. That's a picture of true servant leadership. She was among the people, listening, guiding, and ministering with wisdom and compassion. Her influence didn't come from a position of power, but from a heart that served God and really, truly, genuinely cared for his people. That's how trust is built. Influences earned and lives are impacted today through our lives.

Ric Shields (05:45):

So, when Deborah calls Barak into action, he hesitates and says he'll only go if she goes with him. What do we learn from that exchange?

Sherry Jackson (05:55):

Barak's hesitation may have cost him some of the honor of the victory, but I don't believe it necessarily made him a coward. Deborah had provided connection with God and was a respected leader. She had proven connection with God. And maybe perhaps Barak recognized the importance of God's presence upon Deborah and didn't want to go into battle without her.

(06:16):

Interestingly, although Barak is often remembered for his hesitation, he's listed in Hebrews 11 among the heroes of faith. That reminds us that faith isn't about being fearless. It's about trusting God even when you're uncertain. So, I see a different viewpoint from Barak. Whether that's true or not, that's how I see it.

Ric Shields (06:38):

And Deborah doesn't shrink back. She speaks clearly and prophetically. What does her boldness teach us about confronting fear, passivity, or compromise?

Sherry Jackson (06:51):

In a culture where leadership back then was typically entrusted to man, God called Deborah to lead. And she answered that call. She was more than a national leader. She was a spiritual mother who rose up when others would not. And God used her to help deliver Israel from the grip of its enemy.

(07:10):

Modern day Deborahs must be willing to engage in spiritual battles to help preserve a generation, our generation. Don't let the condition of our nation discourage you. Rise up like Deborah and take action. Pray with this generation. Lift your voice up in intercession and ask God to break the deception and oppression of the enemy over them. Standing in the gap for our nation, our communities, our families, and our future generations, it's never accidental. It is a deliberate choice that we must make. Like Deborah, we must choose to rise, lead, and pray.

Ric Shields (07:49):

You're listening to the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast. My name is Ric Shields. I'm joined on this episode by Sherry Jackson, who co-pastors Fireside Church in Kiefer, Oklahoma with her husband, Randy.

(08:01):

Here's a little-known fact about Sherry. She enjoys a good chai, but nothing compares to the coffee Randy makes for her. Using his manual lever espresso maker, hand frothing the milk and adding in just the right touch of Stevia. Randy's coffee is more than an ordinary cup. It's an experience and one of their favorite ways to slow down, catch up and connect.

Sherry Jackson (08:27):

It sure is.

Ric Shields (08:28):

It actually makes me want to come get some too, but I don't want to interfere with your time together.

(08:34):

On this episode of "Women in Scripture - Unseen, Unheard and Unstoppable," Sherry Jackson and I are discussing the story of Deborah, a prophet, a judge, and a leader whose story is found in the Old Testament Book of Judges chapter four. From a military standpoint, Israel's approach didn't make much sense. How does this story, Sherry, challenge our reliance on logic, control, and predictable outcomes?

Sherry Jackson (09:02):

Deborah's confidence wasn't in her own abilities or even in Barak's strength. It was in the promise of what God had already spoken. Meanwhile, Sisera likely believed victory was certain. With his powerful army and 900 iron chariots, he probably thought, "Hey, this is going to be easy. I'm going to crush him." But while Sisera put his confidence in military strength and human power, Deborah placed her trust in the God who had already declared the outcome.

(09:32):

That's how we should respond to God's word as well. Not with fear, nor doubt for resilience in our own abilities, but with confidence that what God has spoken is true and that he is faithful to fulfill his promises, every single one of them.

Ric Shields (09:48):

The victory ultimately comes through a different woman, Jael and not Barak. We're going to speak about Jael in the next episode. But what does this tell us about how God uses unexpected people in pivotal moments?

Sherry Jackson (10:04):

One of the things this story teaches us is that we are better together. And I know that's a saying that they say all the time, "better together." And it's so true. Deborah and Barak worked together, but God had also prepared Jael, someone no one expected to play a pivotal role in that victory.

(10:22):

God's plans are often bigger than the people we see on the front lines. This reminds us that we're not alone. Just as God raised up Deborah, Barak, and Jael for that generation, he's also raising up people today to help bring freedom, hope, and truth to this generation. The question is, when God calls, will we answer? Will we step forward in faith instead of hesitation and take our place in his plan?

Ric Shields (10:50):

Barak goes into battle, but the honor goes elsewhere. What does this reveal about obedience, humility, and God's definition of success? And how do we handle it when recognition doesn't follow our effort?

Sherry Jackson (11:06):

I believe Barak's focus may have been on the welfare of the nation rather than personal recognition, although only God truly knows his heart. What's interesting is that scripture never records Deborah rebuking Barak for asking her to go with him. Instead, she encourages him with God's promise and called him to action.

(11:26):

Barak still went into battle even after being told the honor would go somewhere else. That's humility. Sometimes we can do our part faithfully and not receive the credit. But our reward is knowing we obeyed God and helped accomplish his purpose. In God's kingdom, obedience matters. Being humble is the key.

Ric Shields (11:50):

What step of courage might God be asking listeners to take today?

Sherry Jackson (11:55):

I believe the step of courage God may be asking many listeners today is simply to arise, just like Deborah arose, and become a mother in Israel. Deborah didn't wait for someone else to answer the call. She stepped into her God-given assignment as a mother in Israel.

(12:13):

While reading this story one day, I heard the Lord speak to me so clearly and he said, "Where are the mothers in America?" That shook me to my knees in surrender and in repentance. Today, God is still looking for people who will stand in the gap for their families, communities, and this generation. He is calling us to seek his presence, hear his voice, or to pray boldly and speak his truth. Perhaps your next step of courage is to stop waiting. Step into your calling and trust God to use you to make a difference in the lives of others.

Ric Shields (12:47):

I know people who hesitate to make decisions. Sometimes it's because there's insufficient information. Other times it's because they want to be certain that others buy into their decision. But there are even those who worry that someone will be hurt and they put a great deal of weight into protecting them. I often say that no decision is actually a decision in itself. It's a default decision to go backwards or, at best, to stay where we are. So, in your mind, what is the cost of hesitation?

Sherry Jackson (13:21):

The cost of hesitation can be far greater than what we even realize. Sometimes even life or death, both physically and spiritually, and both for ourselves and others. Hesitation can keep us from moving forward when God is calling us to act. But faith requires action. When God says go, hesitation causes us to miss opportunities, delay breakthroughs, and postpone his purpose for our lives and even the lives of others.

Ric Shields (13:51):

Let me ask you something off script. Do you find yourself and Randy to be the kind of people who hesitate to make decisions?

Sherry Jackson (14:00):

I believe more so for Randy than myself. When I hear God clearly, I don't think I hesitate. For me, a hesitation is really hearing God's voice clearly. And I know for Randy, that is also because sometimes I'm like, "Randy, act on this. Move." And he's like, "I need to see." He has to see what God has shown him very clearly before he acts on it. But he acts sometimes too quickly, I think, when he actually does see that God has called him to do something.

Ric Shields (14:30):

And yet when we step back and have a chance to see how God has used the two of you in Kiefer - that's been a hard place over the years. Twenty years ago, was it that you guys went to Kiefer?

Sherry Jackson (14:41):

Yes. It'll be 20 years in November.

Ric Shields (14:43):

And how God has used you and has helped you to build something more than I ever thought or saw. But yet you guys saw it early on. It was something that really motivated you. And your decision to go - there was very little hesitation in the decision to go to Kiefer.

Sherry Jackson (15:01):

That is true. And it was honestly simply because we knew in our hearts that God said to do it. And when we hear God and we know He's spoken something, we do it. And that's the truth.

(15:13):

Randy had told me over probably a year and a half ago about the Mounds campus. He said, "I really feel like God's calling us to help Mounds," because they had been without a pastor for so long and things had happened.

(15:25):

And I immediately said, "No, you're crazy. No way." And he didn't say anything else for a whole year. And then God just made it happen. And I know it was God that did it, or I wouldn't have said yes. I knew and felt in my heart that He said, "It's time to do it."

Ric Shields (15:44):

And I'm just thinking back to when the two of you went to Kiefer. There really was nothing there. There was a piece of property. There was an old mobile home that had been used as a temporary chapel, which probably was a good idea to begin with, but it didn't take long before you outgrew that and needed to find other places. But really, there was really nothing there. You guys in every way started from scratch. How did you gain vision for doing that?

Sherry Jackson (16:14):

Prayer. And just allowing the Holy Spirit to bring his vision into our heart. And it's his vision. It wasn't ours. He brings his vision to light. And once we saw that and knew what we needed to do, we took the steps to bring that about.

Ric Shields (16:31):

You think it was the right answer, the right decision?

Sherry Jackson (16:33):

Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely.

Ric Shields (16:36):

There's no hesitation, is there?

Sherry Jackson (16:38):

No hesitation. 100%. Now, there were times when I had to write out a decree and put it on my refrigerator that said, "God has called us here. We are walking by faith in this." But I had to read that sometimes every single day. But it's proven true. God is faithful to his promise.

Ric Shields (17:00):

So, Sherry, and I hope neither you nor our listeners will misunderstand this. Are you a Deborah?

Sherry Jackson (17:07):

I believe right now I am. I know there's always more that we can do but I'm not sure it's in the doing. It's being who God's called you to be. And for me, I feel like I am who God's called me to be. So, I feel like I am a Deborah, and I want to reach out to the young women and men that are out there and say, "Arise and be a Deborah." But the older women, I feel like God is calling the older women right now to mentor the younger women. So that's what I'm striving to do.

Ric Shields (17:37):

Okay, let's wrap this up. If Deborah were speaking into our world right now, into the church, into leadership, into everyday life, what do you think she would say?

Sherry Jackson (17:49):

I believe Deborah would say, "Arise. Be a mother or a father in America. Don't sit idly by. Be who God created you to be. Step into your calling and use your influence to make a difference in the lives around you." There's a generation that's waiting on you.

(18:05):

Psalm 68:11 says this, "The Lord announces the word and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng." And I believe that's what God's doing right now in this generation. He's calling his mighty men and women to arise and to make a difference in the world. He is the one that's announcing the word. Just like I said a while ago, we've got to hear clearly what God has called us to do. When we see that picture, then we run with it. We don't hesitate.

(18:36):

So, he's the one that announces the word and then we go out and we proclaim it. We go out and we do it. And that's what I believe that Deborah would be saying. "Arise! Arise!"

Ric Shields (18:49):

Deborah's story doesn't end with a quiet victory. It ends with a question that hangs in the air. What happens when God calls and we hesitate? Barak hesitated and someone else carried the honor. Not because God needed a backup plan, but because obedience is optional and courage cannot be outsourced.

(19:10):

Judges 5:2 says, "When the leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves, praise the Lord." And that's the invitation. Not perfection, not platform, but willingness.

(19:25):

So where have you been waiting when God has already spoken? Where have you been deferring when it's time to step forward? Because the same God who called Deborah is still calling today. And silence is not neutral. It is a default decision, and those decisions rarely go well.

(19:43):

Don't forget to comment, like, subscribe or share this episode with a friend. I believe they will be glad you did too.

(19:51):

I'd like to give a special thank you to Raymond and Dr. Aletha Oglesby for sponsoring this series on "Women in Scripture" with a generous gift. Your gift would also be appreciated and will help to touch others with the love, grace, and hope found in following Christ. Please visit our website at doorways.cc, click on the "Give" tab at the upper right, and help us to keep sharing this podcast at no charge to any listener regardless of where they are in the world.

(20:17):

Next week, I will speak with my daughter, Tara, about a follow-up on Deborah's story. In a world dominated by violence, fear, and oppression, one woman stepped out of the shadows and changed the course of history with a tent peg and a terrifying amount of courage. We're going to talk about that woman, Jael, and I hope you'll join us.

(20:39):

And I hope you'll appreciate this scripture from one of my favorite verses from the New Testament book of Romans. It's found in [Romans] 15:13. The Apostle Paul writes, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

(20:58):

Grace and peace to you. Thanks for listening.