READ: JUDGES 3:12-30; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:6-10

In a world that prized normal, I was abnormal. A left-hander in a world of righties. For me, being left-handed meant not learning archery because there were no left-handed bows. Not being able to use most scissors. Being left-handed made me feel like the villain rather than the hero. Then I read Ehud’s story.

Ehud lived in a nation filled with fear. An oppressive Moabite government had ruled Israel for the past eighteen years. Judges 3:15 says, “the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite.”

Ehud traveled to the foreign court to pay tribute to Eglon, king of Moab. When he entered, Ehud told the king, “I have a secret” (verse 19). So the king sent everyone away. He didn’t envision Ehud as a threat. The guards would have searched him. But they wouldn’t have checked the right side—where a left-handed man would hide his weapon.

Once Ehud had the king alone, he revealed his secret. With his left hand, Ehud plunged his hidden knife into King Eglon’s stomach. After killing the king, Ehud snuck out of the palace and led a rebellion against their oppressors. Because of Ehud’s left-handedness, and the Lord’s favor, Israel defeated the Moabites and enjoyed peace for eighty years.

God used Ehud’s abnormality to defeat his enemy. God turns our weaknesses into strengths. He can work through anyone if only we will give Him our abnormal lives. • Sarah Schwerin

• Have you ever felt abnormal or like God could never work through you? Remember that we are each made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), we’re all unique (aka “abnormal”), and He wants to work through all of us. How might God be inviting you to be part of the good work of His kingdom? (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 6:12)

• God gives us all natural abilities, and He gives Christians spiritual gifts. What gifts and abilities has God given you that you could use to serve others? Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you spot gifts in yourself that you may not see?

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)