The Bible depicts Barak, a military leader during the time of the judges in Israel, as a great man of faith-so great that he is mentioned by name in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 (v32).      Barak courageously united the warriors from the tribes of Israel and led them to victory over their Canaanite enemies. He also respected the authority of the judge Deborah, setting himself apart as a man who honored the leadership of a woman-something virtually unheard of in those days.

But Barak, as courageous as he was, had a moment of doubt, and it prevented him from receiving the full blessing God had chosen him to receive. Barak had enough faith to take on the task God had set before him-but under one condition, one God never intended. Barak was willing to go to battle, but he placed his faith not in God alone, but also in the leadership of Deborah, For that, he lost some of the blessing God had intended for him.

Doing great things for God requires faith. When we place our faith in God alone, He allows us the full blessing He intend. But we must have the courage to believe Him.

JUDGES 4:8-9 NIV- Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “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.”