If we read the Bible we will find so many great Bible figure such as Moses, David, Abraham, Paul and many other great names who has been known very well. But beside those great names, there is a Bible figure that makes me interested and I have learned something from him. He is Shamgar. Shamgar is not as popular as David and other great name. Shamgar’s name just mentioned two times in the Bible. First in Judges 3:31 and the second are in Judges 5:6. What is the interesting thing from this figure? Let’s take a look at this verse:
After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel. (Judges 3:31)
Shamgar be able to defeat six hundreds Philistines only by using an ox goad. This was unbelievable! I remembered one Hollywood action movie titled “Rambo” A hero who could strike down hundreds enemies alone. But what I saw in that movie is only fictional. Not a true story. Shamgar’s story is the real one. True story!
Actually, who is Shamgar? Unfortunately we could not dig up much about the background of the Shamgar. Shamgar is Anath’s son. He lived in the era after Ehud successfully defeated the Moabites and make Israel safely along 80 years. But after that Israel should face the Philistines and at that time, Shamgar appeared to resolve the situation, dispel, and killed six hundreds Philistines.The Question is, what does makes Shamgar be able to beat them all just by using an ox goad? When I ponder it, I found the answer. I do believe that it all happened just because God’s help! Shamgar believe that God will be with. He is ready to go beat his enemies and amazingly he won the battle against the Philistines. He has saved the Israelites from destruction.
My dear friends, whether we realize that in our lives we also striving and battling every day? Not against the human but against the Satan! Satan is never sleep and silent. He keeps trying to mislead and destroy us. We also never stop strive facing any kind of problems, difficulties, and challenges. Oftentimes we felt that our lives are so hard and we are thinking that we face something impossible to overcome. We are also felt that we don’t have power and ability to conquer all of the problems. But as Christians, there is something that we should always remember that before God the words of: Amazing, astonishing or miraculous are not something new anymore. There are so many stories in the Bible that show us God did many unbelievable things through His chosen people. He shows us that He can bowl over human logic with His miracle series. Jesus said:
“What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
There is nothing impossible before God. Though six hundreds problems and obstacles trying to hit us, we will defeat it all as long as we trust and totally rely on God’s power. Though we feel weak and don’t have ability, God will use and enable us to overcome all problems and we will win in the life’s battle. I was remembering when I was promoted to replace my father position in the company. Some people doubted my ability as a new leader. Even someone cynically said,” Karina is a young spoiled girl who just saw the sun yesterday. She by no means has experience in running a company. She doesn’t even know how cruel and hard the business world. She doesn’t know how to make money in business, but she does know every well how to spend the money”. At that time, I was just thinking that the promotion is not only a part of my parent’s plan but I even do believe that is a part of God’s plan for my life. If so, firmly I also do believe that God will enable me to replace my father position and be able to run their company as long I trust to God and not counting on my own strength. I was remembering Jeremiah’s story when God call him. These verses greatly strengthen me and convince me not to be afraid and discouraged:
“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:6-8)
If we dig deeper to the Holly Bible, many times God show us that there is nothing impossible and can be to do miraculous things through those people who chosen by God. Let’s see who is chosen to beat Goliath. A mighty warlord? No! God chose a young David (1Samuel 17:42). Another example, let’s take a look to the story of Gideon (Judges 7). How God commanded Gideon to summon up three hundreds troops only to face the Midianites and Amalekites which described like grasshoppers for multitude and their camel as the sand by the sea side for multitude. (Judges 7:12). There are so many miraculous story in the Bible that could underlie us to be able perform as a winner in overcome various problems and challenges even which seemingly impossible.
My lovely readers, we may not a super hero, we may just unknown ordinary person, maybe we are too young among the elderly, and they are look down and dubious to our ability. I would like to say something: Please don’t be discourage or feeling useless. Because God can use and turn us become an extraordinary person and be able doing miracle things. Shamgar is not a famous figure but God use him amazingly to do unbelievable thing. David just a young shepherd but he successfully beat goliath only by using stones and a slingshot. The point is, trust and totally rely on God’s strength. We have to trust that God knows and pleased to His children who love and trust in Him. Through us God will use various miracle things to declare His existence. God can use anyone to show His mightiness and sovereignty. Even God can use the weak and foolish people if He pleases.
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)
Besides from many other great Bible figure, this evening I encourage you to also learn from Shamgar’s story. We learn how God’s power works on ordinary people to be able to do miracle things. Through His chosen people God can turn impossible thing to be possible. God can turn illogical thing become logical. We learn to always put our faith on God’s strength rather than on ingenuity and human logic.
so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. (1Corinthians 2:5)
This time if we are struggling so hard to face so many trials and challenges, don’t worry and don’t feel discouraged. Once again Trust Him! Leaning and relying on God mightiness. Ask Him through prayer so that we are enabled and given the strength. He will make us able. Amen.
Karina – Living by Faith
Photo credit: Google Images
Thank you for this wonderful post, Karina. Blessings. 🙂
Hello dear
You are welcome. .thank for reading 🙂 Blessings to you. .
Beautiful!
Thank you so much for your comment. .Blessings. .:)
Good morning Katrina! This is a lovely post. I love that you point out the need for our youth to be bold and take their God given place. God bless you! Oh, you are going to be a great leader ! You will do just fine in your Dads job! Blessings!
Andy
Good morning ( there) Good evening ( here), Grandpa Andy. Thank you so much for your encouraging comment 🙂 it means a lot for me. Thank you. Will miss you and your post as well. .Blessings. have a wonderful day.
This is AWESOME! Shamgar! I never paid attention to that name or what he did. I love it when little details are met with a great story. And, I love the way you applied this to our every day life.
I was so inspired by your post I decided to Facebook it. It will be posted later today at 2:00pm DST on Facebook/Wordforlifesays. Be blessed 🙂
Hi dear
Thank you very much. I so glad that my post could Inspire you and it’s been honor if you want to post it on your Facebook. I really, really appreciate it. Thank you for your kindness to share my post to another media. Many love and blessings to you..:)
Blessings to you also 😀
Shamgar! The name sound like those hard core heroes in Indian movies. Shamgar is a Biblical character, i believe most Christians are not familiar with. I like those biblical underdogs. They inspire the average person to believe that with God all things are possible. Thanks so much Karina for picking Shamgar out of the darkness to inspire some of us. You are truly a blessing to the kingdom of Christ.
My Regards
McDaniels
wwww.graceology.org
Dear McDaniel
You are welcome. Thank you so much for reading and commenting my post. Your are truly a blessing to kingdom of God as well through your ministry web. Blessings to you.
Thanks and more blessing to you my friend
YAY Karina! On the back of that post – never be afraid of anything! What a wonderful wonderful connection. And thank you for taking something so small and overlooked, and drawing such a lovely story and linkage with today. Really hits home!!
I have just one more word: WOW!!
Dear Paul,
What a warm and lovely comment. Thank you so much for reading my post. I really, really appreciate it and such a honor for me. Many blessings to you..:)
With God on your side, there is nothing you cannot do! People will be amazed with your wisdom and great exploits and you will be able to point them to God! Praise The Lord for His ability in you to perform His plan and purpose in your life! We are so proud of you! -Aunt Liz
Dear Aunt Liz..
Big thanks for your warm and encouraging comment. It means a lot to me. You are so true. With God who walk beside us, there is nothing cannot do. Amen. Thank you so much. Please send my warm regards to uncle Wyman. Many love and blessings.
I wonder. The Book of Judges mentions “Samson, son of Manoah” who slew an incredible amount of Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. Could they be one and the same, depending on the language translation? I haven’t researched this. But thanx for the post. I enjoy both ancient and biblical history. Peace.
Hi there
Thank you so much for reading my post. Well, I think Samson and Shamgar are different. We can read the story of Samson in Judges 13. While Shamgar was written in Judges 3. Here, we found the different time and different moment 🙂 moreover, Shamgar not as famous as Samson. Hopefully this simple explanation could answer your question. Thank you. Many blessings to you.
Another great post Karina. So deep and revelatory. God is the One who makes us able!!!
The one thing I keep on reading is, God will use the ordinary to do great things!! So encouraging to me. I love how you said, Goliath was not defeated by a warlord, instead God used a young David to defeat him! God is amazing in how He works indeed.
As for your father’s company this is what I have to say. God put you there for a reason. The word says, promotion is from God so even if people don’t like you being there, God will show Himself strong on your behalf. He will guide you and direct you in HIS wisdom. God bless you my friend.
Rolain
Dear Rolain. .
Your comment was so blessed me and encourage me so much.. Thank you so much for your lovely and warm comment. I really appreciate it. May God bless you abundantly. .:)
You welcome Karina.
I enjoyed this post very much. Our God often accomplishes great and powerful things through ordinary people. In that way He is glorified and we are humbled and the victories won can only be credited through God’s power and wisdom. Thus, our limited ability accents God’s unlimited Power. May the Lord continue to be a blessing to others through your writings.
Mikey
Dear Mikey
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and reading and commenting my post. 🙂 I really appreciate it..thank you for your kind comment. Many blessings to you..
Such an excellent post, Karina! So often, the Lord goes before us to fight our battles and gives us the victory. That’s so much like Him! We serve an amazing Lord and don’t realize just how much He does love us…
Steve Pejay
Dear Steve
Thank you so much for taking time visiting my blog, reading and commenting my post 🙂 Many blessings to you. .
It’s always a pleasure to read a good post! Keep writing them for us, Karina. Enjoy your blessings…
Have a super day 🙂
Steve
So good Karina. We have a great enemy but he is no match for our great Helper and Savior. Thank you so much!!!!!$
Dear Brother Levi.
Thank you so much 🙂 Blessings on your day.
Thanks so much Karina. Hope you weekend is a nice one 🙂
without God we are nothing…with God we are everything!
Amen and Amen. Thank you for reading my post. Many blessings to you 🙂
Karina, such a lovely revelation! God does use the weak and the small, who have trust and faith in Him, as there is no answer but that God’s hand guided and protected them! Many praises for our God, as there is no man on Earth that can boast! Very happy to have found your blog, please feel free to read and comment on my blog as well. God Bless and as you keep your eyes on God, nothing is impossible!
Hi dear,
Thank you so much for reading my post and for your lovely comment. As well, such a blessing for me found your great blog 🙂 Many love and blessing.
Great insight – keep it up sweetie! GOD BLESS YOU! 🙂
Hi dear
Thank you so much for reading and commenting my post. God bless you too 🙂
“…God’s power works on ordinary people…” Praise God, this means me! 🙂 Thank you for this post. Thank you for lifting up Shamgar! Peace and Blessings
Dear Rev . Deirdre
Thank you so much for reading and commenting my post 🙂 Blessings.
I think sometimes it is good if there are people who doubted our ability. It will make us increasingly rely on God and not be arrogant. Ow… just info…There is a foundation of evangelism in Surabaya named Shamgar who do evangelism by way of discipleship. It’s really a very effective personal evangelism. I was one that was brought to Christ through them 🙂
Dear Sis Sella
Yes you are so true. For me it was a challenge to prove them.But not prove them that I have ability but prove them that God will enable and strengthen me to doing what I supposed to do 🙂 Thank you for reading and your nice comment. Many love and blessings to you.
Amen and Amen!! Shamgar’s faith is so inspiring. When we believe God all things are possible for us because we serve an extraordinary and supernatural God! Thank you my dear friend. The Lord bless you! 🙂
Dear sis Shade
Amen. You are so true..when I was read Shamgar’s short story already inspired me 🙂 thank you so much for reading and commenting my post. Have a blessed day to you, sis.
TY You too 🙂
Amen
Amen:) Thank you..Blessings.
Wonderful post, very inspirational.
Your words perked me up. Thank you, cheers, Aquileana 🙂
Dear Aquileana
Thank you so much for taking time to read my post.Also thank you for your kind comment. Blessing for me if my post could perked you up 🙂 God bless.
Karina
What a wonderful post of encouragement! I’d forgotten all about this Bible hero! Thanks for the reminder and inspiration to keep moving forward. I pray you have a wonderful Holy Week and a joyous Easter! Blessings, Lilka
Dear Lilka
Thank you so much for you lovely and encouraging comment 🙂 have a wonderful and blessed Holy Week and Easter to you too 🙂 be blessed.
Very well written. Have a blessed Easter. I became a follower.
Dear Sue..
Thank you so much for taking your time to visiting my blog and reading my post. Also thank you for your kindness to become follower 🙂 such an honor to me. Many blessings and have a blessed Easter as well. .
Very true. Thank you for bringing Shamgar to our mind’s eye so that we can understand how God worked through him.
Dear Sister Victoria
You are much welcome. Thank you for reading and commenting my post. Many love and blessings 🙂
🙂
Karina this post is such a blessing to me. Thanks for sharing.
Be A Blessing!
LaTrice
Dear LaTrice
You are welcome 🙂 it is my blessing too my post became a blessing to you. Thank you so much for reading. God bless.
You’re welcome Karina!
LaTrice
This is a good post to show the strength and wisdom of God! All things are possible with God, including the right to say to us “no, my child, I have a better thing for you.” We must consider that answer and be ready to accept it as happily as a “yes” answer!
~Steve
Hello brother Steve,
Thank you for reading 🙂 Yes we have to consider and should be ready for every God’s answer to us. No matter what. Blessings to you have a great weekend.
You have a “golden heart” my dear! Please see it in yourself as many others see it in you. God’s love has made you the way you are…
~Steve
Thank you very much for the nice reply, brother 🙂 Blessings.
Hope all is well with you today…
~Steve
You too 🙂 Thank you.
If you can’t get through on the “True Light” email, try my personal email at:
“spjeffries1953@outlook.com”
Enjoy your weekend!
~Steve
Hello,
I just sent email to this email address 🙂 Thank you for giving me your personal email address. Have a blessed weekend to you.
Than you so much, Karina! Visit our Facebook page if you can. The link is in my post on “thetruelight2014.wordpress.com”
~Steve
Thank you for this lesson, Karina. Your faith is like a clear, shining light. ❤
Dear sis Anna
You are welcome 🙂 thank you for your encouraging comment 🙂 have a blessed week.
Reminds me of another one of the Judges of Israel– Samson.
Hello,there..
Thank you very much for your lovely comment 🙂 God bless.
Shamgar is a great example for your story, Karin! One man, about whom we know very little, was able to slew hundreds of God’s enemies. We, about whom many do not know, are also able with God’s help to defeat the evil one as he tries to destroy us. This is an excellent post, my dear!
Steve
Shamgar is an excellent example for your post, Karin! We are able to do so much with God’s help in fighting off Satan. Very good post, sis…
Steve
Thank you very much for your encouraging comment, brother..oh by the way, I read your comment on the plane. I have a business trip to Dubai for 4 days.. have a blessed weekend, brother.
Thank you for the reply, Karin. I hope your trip is enjoyable and profitable for you!
Enjoy your evening and day tomorrow. Tell me what day and time it is when you text me on Tuesday…
Hello,brother.
Thank you very much 🙂 Right now in Dubai is 4.17 PM. God bless you,brother.
Wow…we do live on the other side of the clock no matter where we are! Have a wonderful evening and successful day tomorrow. May God love and keep you safe each day as well, Karin, through all of your travels…
Thank you, once again, for the encouragement, Karina. I hope you and yours have had a good summer! ❤
Dear, sister Anna
You are very welcome, sister. Thank you very much for reading again my post. Currently, In Melbourne is spring, sister. Thank you and have a blessed day.