THRIVE WHERE YOU ARE-PART 2
Serving God’s Purpose And
Glorifying Him In Our Daily Lives
June 23, 2024
Pastor Daven Hee and Pastor Shayne Tauaefa
Innovative Concepts Mission:
Reaching and redeeming the Unchurched, Making Disciples,
Multiplying Leaders in non-traditional Innovative ways.
INTRO
How many of you love superheroes?
What was your favorite superhero movie or tv show growing up?
Last week we learned about a superhero in the Bible named Shamgar.
He was an underdog, unknown, and undiscovered.
Not many people know about him, but God used him
to save the nation of Israel by killing 600 Philistines
by himself with just an ox goad [farm tool].
I would say he’s a super hero of his day.
In his recent podcast, well known author and speaker
Stephen Mansfield says movies and media tells us where
our culture is today.
“Some say culture is the codification of a value system
and the arts are reflective of our hopes.
What does it mean when franchises like Superman,
Lord of the Rings, or Sherlock Holmes are in such high demand?
What does this say about the times we live in?
Listen in as I explain some historical parallels between
our culture now and in decades past”.
@mansfieldwrites
A Cry For Heroes - Stephen Mansfield TV
In today’s culture people are looking for that super hero
with good character and courage.
A lot of people are hurting today.
They’re looking for someone to rescue them from
their struggle and suffering.
We have a real superhero who’s been around for thousands of years
and performed innumerable heroic acts called miracles.
His name is GOD. “I AM”, JESUS!
Human eventually die. Our superhero never dies.
He conquered death forever! He gave us this superpower also!
“If a woman fears the LORD—delights in God, trusts God,
stands in awe of God—she’s ultimately relying on Him for everything
that makes her the strong, dignified, praiseworthy woman
we’ve seen described here.
If we drill down, that means God is also and ultimately to be praised
for who she is. This woman isn’t the hero—she points to the Hero.
She finds her strength in the Hero.
She’s granted her wisdom and dignity by the Hero.” —“The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible” by Tara-Leigh Cobble
PRINCIPLE [Scripture, Values]
“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
THE THREE MAIN PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESS FROM SHAMGAR
1) START WHERE YOU ARE
• So many times we feel we’re not good enough.
Or the opposite feeling, we feel we way too good.
[there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance]
• Shamgar was realistic in who he was and his abilities.
He trusted in God for his courage and confidence.
2) USE WHAT YOU HAVE
• Shamgar decided to use the
tool God provided and to not delay taking action due
to lack of ideal equipment or supplies.
• Our ox goad is our talents, abilities, spiritual gifts, skills,
mind, heart, love, prayers. These things are given to us by God
to be successful in helping others not for ourselves.
• We are all called and chosen to make an eternal difference
in people’s lives regardless of where we’re at in life,
what we have, or our abilities.
3) DO WHAT YOU CAN
• Shamgar focused on what he could do and then did it.
Shamgar had a “have to can” “how can” mindset.
Not a no can mindset. This is a loser, scarcity mindset.
• Even though he faced overwhelming and impossible odds,
Shamgar did not procrastinate or make excuses.
• He chose courage over cowardice and faith over fear.
• Imagine the courage it took for Shamgar
to face six hundred Philistines armed
with just an oxgoad.
His story is a testament [testimony]
to the power of faith and courage we all can have.
• We may feel ill-equipped or unprepared.
We may feel like we’re facing insurmountable challenges.
But we’re not called to do everything;
we’re called to do something.
And when we step out in faith, when we do what we can,
God can multiply our efforts and bring about incredible results.
APPLICATION
Are there battles in your life that seem overwhelming?
Maybe it’s a personal struggle, a difficult relationship,
or a daunting task at work, getting through the school year?
Shamgar’s story encourages us to step out in faith,
trusting that God will give us the strength and courage
we need to overcome any challenge. VICTORY is always ours!
CONCLUSION
Shamgar’s story, though brief, is rich with lessons for us today.
God uses ordinary people, like you and me, to achieve His extraordinary
purposes. He calls us to be resourceful, using what we have for His glory.
And He empowers us to act with courage and faith,
no matter the obstacles we face.
“God allows great opposition, to give us great opportunities,
to achieve great victories for the glory of God!” —PD
Let’s be inspired by Shamgar to trust in God’s power working through us.
Let’s step out in faith, use what we have, and watch as God
does amazing things in our lives and the lives of those around us.
PRAYER RESPONSE
Dear God,
as we leave each other for now,
we ask for Your guidance and strength.
Help us to see the value of
where we are, use what we have, and do what we can.
Give us the courage to step out in faith,
trusting that You can use us in mighty ways.
Guide us each day to make an eternal difference
in people’s lives, especially with our loved ones.
Fill us with Your love, Your grace, and Your Spirit,
so that we may be a blessing to others.
We love You Lord.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen
PROCESS [Application]
1) What is something you will start this week?
2) What resources do you currently have available now to help you
achieve what you need to?
3) What can you do now? What small steps can you take?
SMALL GROUP DISCIPLESHIP/CONVO [Transformation Table]
How do you relate to the story of Shamgar?
What qualities of Shamgar do you see in yourself?
How will you apply some of the principles you learned
to your own life?
“Then His disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures:
“Passion for God’s house will consume me.” —John 2:17 NLT
GIVING OPPORTUNITY
