Shamgar had every reason to run. To hide. To shout desperately for someone else—someone stronger, braver, or better armed.
But instead, his grip tightened around the ox goad in his hand—a stick used to prod cattle. It wasn't forged in steel, nor honed in any smith's fire. It was wood, splintered and rough.
Yet in that breathless moment, Shamgar stood his ground.
Not because he was especially brave.
Not because he was confident.
But because something stirred deep within him.
The Philistines closed in, dust clouds rising with every thundering step. Shamgar’s heartbeat quickened. Breath caught in his throat. But still, he stood firm, the ox goad trembling slightly, yet steady in the grip of his calloused palms.
The battle erupted.
The impossible happened. One farmer, one humble tool—and the power of a mighty God.
Incredibly, Shamgar triumphed that day. With only his ox goad, he overcame the six hundred Philistines who sought to destroy his home.
It’s easy to dismiss ourselves, isn't it? We look at the tools in our hands—our ordinary jobs, modest talents, simple resources—and shrug.
We assume God prefers grander instruments, sharper swords, or more charismatic voices. But Shamgar’s story invites us to reconsider. He reminds us of Paul’s powerful words: "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27)
When Samuel stood before Jesse’s sons, God whispered clearly in the prophet's ear: "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).
Like David—overlooked and underestimated—Shamgar stood ready, though no one expected greatness from him. His readiness was born from a heart set on faithfulness, not glory.
Are we ready like Shamgar? Are we alert in season and out of season, prepared to respond faithfully, even if the tools in our hands seem humble, insufficient, or downright laughable?
Paul's words to Timothy echo this truth clearly: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2)
Life often thrusts us into conflict when we least expect it—an opportunity to protect our family, defend the gospel, serve the vulnerable, or confront evil head-on. Will we be prepared? Will our faith be steady, even if our hands tremble?
Sometimes, they're farmers—unexpected, unnoticed, ordinary people who simply stand firm in the moment they're needed most.
Shamgar wasn't searching for glory, but when his moment came, he stepped up courageously, trusting God to transform his humble obedience into a powerful victory.
May we all find courage in Shamgar’s story today, and faithfully wield whatever ox goad God has placed in our hands.
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