What other biblical leaders were chosen by God despite initial challenges or doubts? The launching point: Deuteronomy 1:38 “Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter it. Encourage him, for he shall lead Israel to inherit it.” Joshua is handed leadership just as the nation mourns Moses’ disqualification. Stepping into a giant’s shoes could have been intimidating, yet God’s choice stands firm. Scripture gives many similar stories of leaders selected in spite of fears, flaws, or seeming unfitness. Leaders God chose amid doubts or obstacles • Moses – reluctant deliverer – “‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh…?’” (Exodus 3:11) – “Moses said… ‘I am slow of speech and tongue.’” (Exodus 4:10) – The Lord answers: “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:12) – God hears the objection, yet the call remains. • Gideon – timid warrior – “‘Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest… and I am the youngest in my father’s house.’” (Judges 6:15) – The Lord replies, “‘Surely I will be with you…’” (Judges 6:16) – Strength was not in Gideon’s résumé but in God’s presence. • David – overlooked shepherd – Jesse did not even summon him until Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” (1 Samuel 16:11) – The Spirit rushed upon David from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:13) – Human eyes measured stature; God looked at the heart (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). • Jeremiah – too young in his own eyes – “Then I said, ‘Oh, Lord GOD! I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child.’” (Jeremiah 1:6) – “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’… for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jeremiah 1:7-8) – God touches his mouth, supplying words Jeremiah lacked (Jeremiah 1:9). • Isaiah – convicted by his own sinfulness – “‘Woe to me… I am a man of unclean lips.’” (Isaiah 6:5) – A coal from the altar purges his guilt (Isaiah 6:6-7) – Only then does God ask, “Whom shall I send?” and Isaiah answers, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). • Peter – impulsive disciple turned pillar – He wept bitterly after denying Jesus (Luke 22:62). – Yet Jesus had already said, “I have prayed for you… and when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32) – Later Christ reaffirms, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:17) – Failure did not revoke the call. • Paul – former persecutor – “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles.” (Acts 9:15) – Paul admits, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man… but I was shown mercy.” (1 Timothy 1:13) – His past magnified grace, turning the chief of sinners into an apostle. Unchanging pattern: God equips whom He selects • Doubt, weakness, or disqualification never surprise the Lord. • He supplies courage (Joshua 1:9), wisdom (James 1:5), strength (2 Corinthians 12:9), and cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Our inadequacy becomes the very stage on which His power and faithfulness shine. The thread runs from Joshua through every era: God’s choices rest on His sovereign will and redemptive purpose, not on human credentials. |
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