Bible Study - You What You Have to Do What You Can

Judges 3:31 KJV 1900

31 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.

Introduction: The Power of Doing What You Can (Judges 2:10–18)

When we open the book of Judges, we find a nation that has forgotten God. Judges 2:10 says, “There arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord.” Without leadership or conviction, the people drifted into compromise. God raised up judges—not kings or priests—but ordinary men and women whom He filled with extraordinary courage. They didn’t have great armies or wealth, but they had faith and obedience. God worked through their availability, not their ability.

Shamgar’s story in Judges 3:31 is just one verse long, yet it speaks volumes about how God values small acts of faithfulness. When others hid in fear, Shamgar stepped forward. He didn’t wait for perfect conditions or powerful weapons—he used what he had, where he was, and trusted God for the victory. His courage reminds us that sometimes God’s greatest work starts with one person who refuses to do nothing.

Every generation faces moments when faith must rise against fear. Whether it’s standing for truth, serving your community, or sharing Christ with others, God calls us to act now with what’s already in our hands. This lesson will help us learn how to seize our moment, use our means, and fulfill our mission for God’s glory.

I. His Moment: Seizing the Opportunity God Set Before Him (Judges 3:31a)

“And after him was Shamgar…”

Lesson Section

Shamgar appears quietly in Scripture—no introduction, no backstory, just a man who stepped up when others stood back. Israel was oppressed by enemies, and travel had become dangerous (Judges 5:6). While many waited for someone else to lead, God stirred Shamgar’s heart. His moment came not in comfort, but in crisis. Sometimes, God’s opportunities arrive disguised as obstacles. Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Shamgar didn’t wait for recognition or resources. He responded when God opened a door. That’s faith in action! James 2:17 says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” We often pray for God to use us, but when He places a task before us, we hesitate. God calls us to step out—not when we feel ready—but when He reveals the need. Obedience now prepares us for blessings later.

Shamgar teaches us that divine moments are rarely comfortable. They require courage to move beyond fear and convenience. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” When we act on faith, God multiplies our efforts beyond what we could imagine.

Section Synopsis

God often works through the willing, not the well-equipped. Shamgar seized the opportunity before him and trusted God to handle what was beyond him. When believers respond to God’s prompting, even in difficult circumstances, He transforms small acts of obedience into great victories (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Five Actions Believers Can Take

Recognize divine opportunities – Be alert to needs around you. (Ephesians 5:16)

Ephesians 5:16 “16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Respond immediately to God’s prompting – Don’t delay obedience. (James 4:17)

James 4:17 “17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

Reject fear and excuses – Trust that God is with you. (Isaiah 41:10)

Isaiah 41:10 “10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Rely on God’s strength, not your own – He empowers your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

2 Corinthians 12:9 “9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Rejoice in your current assignment – Faithfulness now prepares you for more. (Luke 16:10)

Luke 16:10 “10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

II. His Means: Using the Tool Already in His Hand (Judges 3:31b)

“…which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad…”

Lesson Section

An ox goad is not a weapon—it’s a long stick used by farmers to guide oxen while plowing. But in God’s hands, it became a mighty instrument. Shamgar didn’t have the resources of a soldier; he simply used what he had. Exodus 4:2 records God asking Moses, “What is that in thine hand?” God never asks for what you don’t have—He asks you to surrender what’s already yours.

Many believers underestimate the value of their gifts. You may think, “I don’t have enough talent or time.” Yet 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.” God delights in using ordinary people with ordinary tools to do extraordinary things. He took a shepherd’s staff and parted the Red Sea, a sling and defeated Goliath, a lunch and fed five thousand.

Shamgar’s ox goad represents everything you already have—your influence, your skills, your time, your testimony. Don’t despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). God can transform your ordinary into something powerful when you place it in His hands. What you already hold may be the very thing God will use to bless others.

Section Synopsis

God never wastes what’s in your hand. Shamgar’s ox goad reminds us that divine power flows through human surrender. When we give God control of our ordinary resources, He performs extraordinary results (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Five Actions Believers Can Take

Identify what’s in your hand – Take inventory of your God-given gifts. (Romans 12:6)

Romans 12:6 “6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”

Dedicate your skills to God’s service – Offer your talents to build His kingdom. (Colossians 3:23)

Colossians 3:23 “23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Develop what you have – Sharpen your tools through prayer, study, and practice. (2 Timothy 2:15)

2 Timothy 2:15 “15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Deploy your gifts in faith – Take action even when you feel unqualified. (Philippians 4:13)

Philippians 4:13 “13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Depend on God for results – Trust Him to multiply your small efforts. (John 6:11–12)

John 6:11–12 “11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”

III. His Mission: Delivering God’s People for God’s Glory (Judges 3:31c)

“…and he also delivered Israel.”

Lesson Section

Shamgar’s obedience brought deliverance not just for himself, but for his entire nation. When one person acts in faith, many others benefit. His mission wasn’t self-promotion; it was divine purpose. Proverbs 21:31 reminds us, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” Every believer has a mission—to represent Christ and advance His kingdom.

Our ultimate calling mirrors Christ’s: to serve and save others (Mark 10:45). Shamgar’s victory points to Jesus, who faced greater enemies—sin and death—and conquered them on the cross. God’s deliverance through Shamgar was temporary, but Christ’s deliverance is eternal. As followers of Jesus, our mission is to bring hope and healing through the gospel.

Faith-driven obedience always leads to God’s glory. Shamgar didn’t deliver Israel for fame, but for freedom. Likewise, we serve not for applause but for impact. Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Every act of service becomes an act of worship when done for God’s glory.

Section Synopsis

God uses our obedience to bring deliverance to others. Shamgar’s mission reminds us that when we live for God’s glory, He uses our faith to free others from fear, bondage, and sin (Romans 8:37).

Five Actions Believers Can Take

Understand your mission – You are called to make a difference where you are. (Matthew 28:19–20)

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Stand firm in faith – Courage inspires others to trust God. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

1 Corinthians 16:13 “13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

Serve others selflessly – Let love motivate your service. (Galatians 5:13)

Galatians 5:13 “13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Share the message of deliverance – Tell others what God has done for you. (Psalm 107:2)

Psalm 107:2 “2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;”

Seek God’s glory above your own – Let Him receive the praise. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

1 Corinthians 10:31 “31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Closing Thought

Like Shamgar, you may not feel powerful or prepared—but when you give God what’s in your hand and trust Him with your heart, He can use you to change your family, your church, and even your community. The secret is simple: Use what you have to do what you can, and watch God do what only He can.