Connect360: An Unknown, Known by God 

• Lesson 4 in the Connect360 unit “The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith” focuses on Judges 3:31.

It is often in the most difficult times that God wants to use us. He wants to use us to shine light, to give truth, to offer mercy, to declare the gospel, to distribute grace, and to love all people in difficult times.

Is your family going through a tough time? That’s when God taps you to step up with courage and faith. Is your workplace demoralized? That’s when God taps you to step up with encouragement. Is your apartment, dorm room, or household in conflict? That’s when God taps you to be a maker of peace.

Excuses, excuses

We are all kings and queens of excuses when we sense that God might be calling us to action. How often do we use the excuse it’s just not a good time? Perhaps you find yourself saying, “I need to wait till I’m older” (I would have when I was young). Maybe you say: “I need to have more money,” “I really need to be wiser,” “I first need to get out of college.” Perhaps you say: “Maybe when work slows down, “Probably after I have kids,” “I’ll wait until the kids get out of the house,” or “I need to first purchase the house we want.” There always will be excuses, but Shamgar laid down his excuses and trusted the Lord.

Perhaps a life of surrender is what you need. A life that holds things loosely. The hymn Van Deventer wrote is easy to sing, but it is hard to live out. I Surrender All. Wow! That is a lot. I surrender my schedule. I surrender my gifts. I surrender my finances. I surrender my personality. I surrender all the things I have in my hand, in my heart, and in my life. But ultimately God is looking for you to surrender all of yourself to him.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.