Shamgar was able to save Israel from the Philistines. The Bible tells us that ‘he once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad’. This suggests that he didn’t have a sword or spear, but just had to use what he had. And that was an ox goad, which was used to guide animals. What’s our ox goad? What has God given us that we can use to grow His kingdom? What gifts and skills do we already have that He can use? The Bible says: ‘God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another’ (1 Peter 4:10 NLT). Maybe our gift doesn’t seem to fit the calling. Shamgar had to use something that would normally be used to guide animals, to kill 600 Philistines and save Israel. The things we have available to us may not seem like the natural things to help us do what God’s calling us to do, but God can still use us. Even if we feel like we don’t have anything to offer, or we can’t do what God’s calling us to do, God promises to equip us. Whether that’s with the words to say or the strength to use what He’s already given us. He just asks us to hear His call, step out and obey Him. It may take us a lot of effort, but God never said it would be easy. The Bible tells us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (take a look at Philippians 4:13). So when we hear the call, let’s use our skills and give it everything we’ve got, relying on His strength.

What Now?

Write a list of all the gifts and skills you think you have. Ask God to help you use them in whatever He calls you to do.