New Series: Destiny Decisions: One Decision Can Change Everything

First week in this series: Start Where You Are.

There are many Bible characters who receive lengthy, detailed stories, chapters that recount the miracles, failures, victories. Then there are others who show up briefly. No genealogy, no recorded speeches, no detailed backstory. Yet their action, through their obedience, echoes throughout history. One decision changed everything.

The Story of Shamgar

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel. (Judges 3:31 NIV)

• One sentence, one verse. But what he did in that sentence changed the direction of a nation.
• Oxgoad: wooden stick with a metal point used to prod oxen to move.
• Shamgar lived in a time when fear was normal and hope was scarce.

One day, Shamgar made a destiny decision: He started right where he was and God did the rest!

#1: God Uses Ordinary People in Ordinary Places

• Shamgar had no titles before his name…Just a simple farmer

His obedience as a farmer made him available for God to use.

• Story of Shamgar teaches us is that destiny is not determined by the size of the platform we have but by the courage and willing in our heart to act right where we are.

All God needs is our availability being our ordinary self.

• Faithfulness is daily work prepares us for divine moments.
• Be available right where you are.

God uses the ordinary to become extraordinary.

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. (1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV)

• Our weakness becomes a platform for God’s strength.

Martin Luther King jr.- An ordinary man from Montgomery Alabama. Young husband, a father, a simple pastor of a small church.

• Just like Shamgar, he did not seek greatness. Just an ordinary pastor with biblical conviction who became available to God.

Faith in God, when it is exercised creates availability and movement.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” (MLK)

Destiny doesn’t begin with recognition – it begins with obedience. It begins right where you are.

#2: God Will Use What You Already Have

• Shamgar didn’t have a sword. He did not have a prestigious title. He did not have an army. What was in hand was enough for God.

Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?” (Exodus 4:1-2 NIV)

• Moses had a staff. David had a sling. The widow had oil. Shamgar had an oxgoad (stick)

God will always use what is in your hands. What is available to you?

Humility builds trust with God.

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. (Luke 16:10 NIV)

God grows trust through consistency. Stewardship is preparation for destiny.

#3: Obedience in the Moment Leads to Deliverance for Others

• Shamgar had the courage to stand when others ran.

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. HE TOO SAVED ISRAEL. (Judges 3:31 NIV)

• His obedience to act brought freedom for others.
• One person’s courage can change many lives.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. AND WHO KNOWS BUT THAT YOU HAVE COME TO YOUR ROYAL POSITION FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?” (Esther 4:14 NIV)

• God positions people intentionally. Timing matters. Delay can cause disobedience.
• Shamgar did not wait for destiny to come looking impressive.
• Shamgar did not underestimate what God could do through a simple farmer.
• He made a destiny decision to start where he was.

CONCLUSION

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message