Have you ever noticed how much our world loves the spectacular? We are drawn to big headlines, dramatic rescues, and flashy personalities. We applaud the loudest voices, the boldest moves, and the grandest gestures. But history—and Scripture—often remind us that it is not always the spectacular that changes the course of nations. Sometimes, it’s the steady, faithful, behind-the-scenes work of someone who simply shows up day after day, quietly carrying out God’s assignment.
That’s where we meet Tola, one of the least-known judges in Israel’s history. His story takes up just two verses in Judges 10:1–2, but those two verses represent 23 years of leadership that restored stability to a nation on the brink of collapse. Tola’s legacy is a powerful reminder that God honors faithfulness—even when it goes unnoticed by the world.
Tola’s Assignment
The Bible tells us:
“After the time of Abimelek, a man of Issachar named Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. He led Israel twenty-three years; then he died, and was buried in Shamir.”
—Judges 10:1–2 (NIV)
Tola stepped into leadership at one of Israel’s darkest moments. The nation had just endured the bloody, self-appointed reign of Abimelech, Gideon’s son, who seized power through manipulation and murder. His short rule was marked by chaos, corruption, and division. Israel was fractured, both spiritually and politically.
And then—almost without fanfare—Tola arose. His job wasn’t to win epic battles or call down miracles. His calling was quieter but no less vital: to heal wounds, restore order, and shepherd Israel back toward God. For 23 years, he led faithfully, providing stability after chaos.
Lessons for Us Today
Though Tola’s story is brief, it carries timeless truths that speak directly into our lives.
1. Faithful Leadership Is Often Quiet
Tola didn’t split seas like Moses, defeat giants like David, or call down fire like Elijah. His leadership was steady, consistent, and faithful. Sometimes, the greatest leaders are not the ones who make the most noise, but the ones who bring the most peace.
Parents raising children in godliness, pastors faithfully shepherding their flocks, teachers pouring into the next generation, mentors encouraging quietly behind the scenes—this is Tola-type leadership. Heaven applauds faithfulness even if no one else notices (Matthew 6:4).
2. Rebuilding Takes Time
Tola’s leadership spanned over two decades. Healing doesn’t happen overnight. After chaos, wounds need time to close, trust needs to be rebuilt, and people need space to turn back to God.
Maybe you’re in a season of rebuilding—after a broken relationship, a moral failure, or a season of spiritual dryness. Don’t despise the slow process. God is at work in the steady, day-by-day restoration. Just as Tola patiently guided Israel, God patiently works in your life to bring healing (Philippians 1:6).
3. God Uses the Overlooked
Tola isn’t a household name like Samson, Gideon, or Deborah. Yet God used him in powerful ways. This reminds us of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:27–28:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Your faithfulness matters—even if it never makes headlines. In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by obedience, not applause.
4. Stay Rooted in Truth
The book of Judges is summarized with this sobering refrain: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Sound familiar? We live in a culture of moral confusion and spiritual compromise, where truth is often redefined by convenience or popularity.
But like Tola, we are called to stand firm. To anchor our lives in God’s Word. To provide a steadying presence for those around us. Jesus Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
The Relevance of Tola’s Example
We live in times of instability. Nations are divided. Communities are fractured. Families are under attack. “Abimelech-like” leaders rise—those who pursue power through pride, manipulation, and selfish ambition—leaving behind division and disillusionment.
But just as God raised up Tola, He is raising up faithful leaders today. Some will lead on stages, but most will lead in living rooms, workplaces, classrooms, and neighborhoods. And just like Tola, their leadership may not make headlines, but it will make a difference.
Think about it: What if your quiet faithfulness today is the key to someone else’s stability tomorrow? What if your steady presence is the anchor that holds your family together during a storm? What if your unseen obedience creates the conditions for revival in your community?
Practical Ways to Be a Modern-Day Tola
- Be Consistent in Prayer and the Word – Stability flows from a steady heart rooted in God’s presence.
- Model Integrity Daily – Your actions may influence more than your words. Live faithfully, even in small decisions.
- Pursue Peace – Where there is conflict, be the one who heals, not divides.
- Invest in Others – Encourage, mentor, and lift up those around you. Leadership is less about position and more about influence.
- Trust God’s Timing – Like Tola’s 23 years, transformation is often slow. Don’t give up.
A Final Word
Tola’s life may only fill two verses, but his legacy lasted a generation. In a world that values the spectacular, his story reminds us that God values the faithful. Quiet obedience, steady leadership, and humble service may not grab attention, but they build legacies that outlast lifetimes.
When others chase power, may we pursue peace. When others demand recognition, may we embrace humility. When others choose compromise, may we stand rooted in truth. And when the world is shaken, may we—like Tola—be anchors of stability, guiding people back to God.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for reminding us today that You value faithfulness, even when it goes unseen. Help us to be like Tola—steadfast, humble, and faithful in the calling You’ve given us. Teach us to lead with integrity in our homes, workplaces, and communities. When the world feels divided and unstable, let us be voices of peace, stability, and truth. Strengthen us to remain rooted in Your Word and steadfast in prayer. May our lives point others back to You and create ripples of healing that extend far beyond what we can see. We commit our leadership, our influence, and our daily obedience into Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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