How can we recognize God's work in unexpected people today? The Setting in 1 Samuel 10:12 “And a man who lived there answered, ‘And who is their father?’ So it became a saying, ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’” • Saul, freshly anointed, is suddenly prophesying with seasoned prophets. • Onlookers are stunned: the tall farmhand from Benjamin is speaking God’s word! • Their proverb captures the shock: God is clearly at work—but in a man no one expected. Timeless Pattern: God Chooses the Unexpected • Gideon hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11-16) • Ruth the foreign widow woven into Messiah’s line (Ruth 4:13-22; Matthew 1:5) • David, the overlooked shepherd (1 Samuel 16:11-13) • Esther, an orphaned exile made queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) • Saul of Tarsus, sworn enemy turned apostle (Acts 9:1-22; 9:15) “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…so that no one may boast in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Why Does the Lord Work This Way? • To display His sovereignty—He is free to elevate anyone. • To silence human pride—no résumé can claim credit. • To magnify grace—if God can use “that” person, He can use anyone. • To expand the reach of the gospel—unlikely messengers enter unlikely circles. Marks of God’s Hand in People Today Look past surface labels and watch for fruit that Scripture affirms: 1. Alignment with God’s Word • “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). • Genuine servants submit to biblical authority rather than personal agendas. 2. Evident transformation • Saul the persecutor becomes Paul the preacher (Acts 9:20-22). • Modern testimonies: addictions broken, relationships restored, character reshaped. 3. The fruit of the Spirit • “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Consistent growth in these qualities signals the Spirit’s work. 4. Christ-like love • “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). • Sacrificial service, not self-promotion, marks authentic ministry. 5. Humble dependence • God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Boasting in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) spotlights divine strength. Guarding Against Fleshly Assumptions • “My brothers…do not show favoritism” (James 2:1). • Wealth, education, social media presence—or the lack of them—are unreliable gauges. • Compare every message to Scripture (Acts 17:11) rather than personalities or platforms. Practical Steps to Recognize God’s Work • Test everything by the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Pay attention to overlooked voices in your church, neighborhood, workplace. • Celebrate kingdom fruit wherever it appears; encourage those God is using. • Remain teachable—God may correct you through the least expected person. A Closing Encouragement If the Lord could prompt the crowd at Gibeah to ask, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” He can still prompt us to marvel today. Stay alert, measure by Scripture, and rejoice whenever His unmistakable hand is revealed—especially through people no one saw coming. |
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