The Power of One Person

And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel. Judges 3:31 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked through byways. Judges 5:6

  

If you want to make an impact for God, I encourage you to keep reading.  The information below has been gleamed from the book entitled Kingdom Man by Dr. Tony Evans.      

  

The story of Shamgar takes place in the times of judges. The time of judges was a time of chaos followed by peace followed by chaos. Much like our contemporary culture of today, the book of Judges recorded that "everyone did what was right in his own eyes"Judges 21:25. 

 

Shamgar was a farmer who became a judge and third minor prophet of Israel.  He started in an ordinary existence, an honest man trying to provide for his family. The text indicates he possessed a farming tool called an ox goad.  He was neither a military man nor a politician, however he was a man that did not wait until things were easy to do something on behalf of his nation. He did not wait unto he became great to do something great. Shamgar saved the entire nation of Israel and he did it as a farmer. There are several lessons we can learn from the life of Shamgar. 

  

1. Stop making excuses. No more delaying what needs to be done until you feel you are in the right position to do it.  I understand life is hard,  not enough education, you made mistakes, money funny, self-esteem issues, etc..  Jesus said, He who believes in me, the works that I do, he will also do; and greater works than these will he do. Jesus is talking about you.  I am sure you believe in Jesus. What are your excuses?    

  

2. Use what you have. Shamgar used what he had, an ox goad to deliver the nation of Israel. He did not wait for a bigger tool, a bigger weapon, a bigger name or bigger Army. He did not make excuses for not having any of that. He saw a need and met that need with the resources he had. Don't wait for the perfect situation, God wants us to be faithful with what we already have. Never let limitations limit what God can do with you. Moses had a staff and parted the Red sea, David a slingshot, and killed the giant; Samson, a jawbone and killed the Philistines. We all are in possession of something.  What do you have?    

 

3.  Advance one step at a time.  If you read, Judges 3:31 too quickly, you might not stop to think about one man killing six hundred men.  It does not make sense, it is illogical and also does not seem possible. Even if he had a machine gun in his hand, he would hit a few, but eventually go down. So how did Shamgar kill six hundred men and remain standing? He took them down one man at a time.  You lose one pound at a time, write a book one chapter at a time, live your life one day at a time?  Shamgar saved a nation simply because he didn't attempt to save it all at once.  Remove the excuses, use what you have and take the first step.  Are you ready to take your first step?

    

Love, Peace and Blessing,
Pastor Eric