First StationThe First Station
God's Plan B
一、 Tips for the Guide：
(1) The existence of the Book of Judges is indeed a “chaotic mystery” for the entire Old Testament. Why does the revelation of the Bible record so many flawed leaders? To answer this question, perhaps we can try to find possible reasons from the first judge with a complete record of ministry, Deborah. In Deborah’s journey of service, we see God extending an invitation of certain victory to a leader who might reject Him. Although the invited “Barak” initially refused to fully obey God’s invitation and instead made a conditional counter-request, just like all Christians invited by God to serve. However, God always has a way to complete His work, and He accomplishes His promise of sure victory through many seemingly insignificant minor characters/Jael.
(2) When leading your companion, you need to help them overcome the anxiety syndrome of free will, which is the phenomenon of fearing failure, hesitating to make choices for fear of choosing wrongly, and ultimately being unable to make decisions. In fact, regardless of whether Barak was ultimately willing to respond positively to Deborah’s invitation, and regardless of how Jael joined this plan of salvation midway, all the changes in history were already part of God’s plan. Invite your companion to share the most difficult and frightening decision they are currently facing, and pray together with them for this matter.
二、 Tips for the Companion：
(1) Do you often feel that your current work and family situation is not the combination you truly desire? The dreams of your youth have long since vanished without a trace due to the realities of the workplace environment. However, in Deborah’s ministry, we see that for God, the true “Plan A” is not a closed answer or a single either-or option, but a journey with Him by our side. Share with your mentor a few plans and dreams you had when you were younger, and reflect together on what subtle connections might exist between those dreams and your current life. Perhaps this reflection will require a few days to process and may not immediately yield a direct analysis of the relationship.
(2) If Deborah, as a leader greatly used by God, did not “independently complete” a story of salvation, but rather “collaborated” with Barak and Jael to accomplish it, how might you re-evaluate the many companions around you who have different personality traits and even varying beliefs and values? If the plan for ministry is not directed towards “one outstanding leader,” but towards “a group of cooperating companions,” are we willing to shift our focus from ourselves to the many partners serving alongside us? Are we willing to invite others to join us on this journey of companionship?
