The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar 9.28.25

Title: The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar
Main Scriptures: Judges 3:31
Link to full Sermon: (click here)

The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar

This past Sunday, we were reminded that true success in the life of a believer does not come from wealth, popularity, or worldly achievements. Success comes down to one simple truth: knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, and serving Jesus.

Our guest preacher shared about Shamgar, a minor judge in Israel mentioned only briefly in the Bible, yet his faith, grit, and obedience left a major legacy. In Judges 3:31, we read:

“After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel.”

In one short verse, Shamgar demonstrates what real success in the kingdom looks like. From his story, we see three secrets to a life that counts for God.

1. Start Where You Are

Shamgar did not wait for the perfect moment or for someone to give him permission. He saw the need and stepped in. With no army and no special resources, he simply started where he was.

The same is true for us. Whether you are brand new to Emmaus Church or you have been here since the launch, God calls you to begin right now. The disciples responded immediately when Jesus called them in Matthew 4. They did not wait to tidy up their lives. They started where they were.

Where are you today? Maybe you need to begin a relationship with Jesus for the first time. Maybe you already know Him, but you need to go all in for His kingdom. Or maybe you are carrying deep hurt, either the daily paper-cut kind of pain or the life-altering Pearl Harbor kind of pain, and the next step is laying it at Jesus’ feet. Wherever you are, the time to start is now.

2. Use What You Have

Shamgar only had an oxgoad, a simple farming tool, but he used it. God took that ordinary tool and accomplished something extraordinary through it.

We often think we do not have much to bring to the table. But Jesus commended the widow who gave two small coins (Mark 12:41–44). He used a boy’s five loaves and two fish to feed thousands (John 6:1–14). It is not about the size of your gift. It is about the surrender of your heart.

Sometimes all we have is a simple hallelujah. But when we place even the little we have in God’s hands, He multiplies it for His glory.

3. Do What You Can

Shamgar did what he could, and God did the rest. He did not wait until he had more resources or a larger army. He acted with what was in front of him.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Whether you are teaching in a classroom, working in healthcare, raising kids at home, or serving here at church, everything can be done for Jesus. You do not have to change who you are or where you are to make a kingdom impact. Just do what you can with what God has placed in your hands.

A Life That Counts

The sermon closed with a powerful reminder that life will bring both daily struggles and devastating Pearl Harbor moments. Our preacher shared from his own story, losing his younger brother, battling cancer, and walking through the heartbreak of losing his firstborn son. Through it all, God showed him that the way forward was simple but powerful: start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

That is how Beckett’s Blessing Box was born, a ministry now encouraging grieving parents across the country and around the world. What began in deep sorrow has multiplied into hope for thousands.

The Challenge

Emmaus family, what if we lived like this? What if every one of us started right where we are, used what we have, and did what we can?

The impact would not just change our church. It would ripple out into our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, and beyond.

So, what is your oxgoad?
What is the hallelujah you can bring today?

Let us give it to God and watch Him do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine.