After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel. (Judges 3:31 ESV)
Tools
Many of my best tools were gifts. My grandfather created amazing plumbing tools, and they were passed down to me. My collection of battery powered drills and saws were mostly given to me by my father. And some of the tools that I have purchased, were bought because an experienced craftsman gave me his knowledge and brought a useful tool to my attention.
We do not know much about Shamgar… but he had an oxgoad (a pointy stick to keep oxen in line) and he used it to kill 600 Philistines. This short description of one of the Judges of Israel does not give us a lot to go by… but what we do know centers around that pointy stick.
As we read this description, we do not see a trained warrior, or battle commander, or a ninja. We see a Shamgar doing the work God gave him, and becoming a hero.
God puts us in place, and puts the tools we need in our hands.
Whether that tool is a Bible verse to suggest to a hurting friend at just the right time, or a memory that can guide someone in trouble, or faith that encourages a downhearted companion.
God gives the tools, God sets the situation, and smiles as we do His work.
Not because we’ve trained for it (although training is a tool…); not because we have impressed God (although He looks favorably at His children); and not because He desperately needs us (although He desires to work through us).
What a blessing the Lord’s tools are.