What other Bible stories show God empowering the unlikely for His purposes? Gideon’s Reassurance: God With the Least (Judges 6:16) “The LORD answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites as if they were one man.’” • Gideon is hiding in a winepress, convinced he is the weakest of the weak. • God’s promise, not Gideon’s résumé, secures the victory. • This sets a pattern: the Lord delights to empower the unexpected. Moses: A Reluctant Speaker Becomes Israel’s Deliverer (Exodus 3–4) “But Moses asked God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ … God said, ‘I will surely be with you.’” (Exodus 3:11-12) • A fugitive shepherd with a speech impediment. • God supplies signs, Aaron’s help, and authoritative words. • Result: Pharaoh bows, Israel walks free. David: From Shepherd’s Field to Giant-Slayer (1 Samuel 16–17) “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) • The youngest son, overlooked by his own family. • Armed with a sling, he faces the seasoned warrior Goliath. • Victory credits the Lord’s name, not David’s strength (17:45-47). Rahab: A Canaanite Prostitute in the Hall of Faith (Joshua 2; 6:22-25) “I know that the LORD has given you this land.” (Joshua 2:9) • Socially disqualified, yet she hides the spies. • Her faith rescues her household and folds her into Israel’s lineage—ultimately into Messiah’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5). Ruth: A Moabite Widow Finds Redemption (Ruth 1–4) “May the LORD repay your work, and may you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2:12) • Outsider, destitute, committed to Naomi and Israel’s God. • God guides her steps to Boaz, leading to King David’s line. Esther: An Orphaned Exile Saves a Nation (Esther 4) “Who knows if you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) • Concealed identity, no political leverage. • Courage plus God’s providence overturns genocide. Mary: Humble Virgin, Mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:26-38) “Behold, the Lord’s servant … may it happen to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) • Young, poor, from obscure Nazareth. • The power of the Most High overshadows her; Christ enters the world. The Twelve: Ordinary Fishermen Become World Changers (Acts 4:13) “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” • No formal training, yet preach with authority. • Miracles and martyr-ready courage flow from the Spirit. Paul: The Persecutor Turned Preacher (Acts 9:1-22) “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings.” (Acts 9:15) • Former enemy of the church. • God redirects his zeal to plant churches and pen Scripture. Key Takeaways: God Still Chooses the Unexpected • The Lord’s consistent refrain: “I will be with you.” • Weakness becomes a stage for divine strength (2 Colossians 12:9). • “God chose the foolish to shame the wise … so that no flesh may boast before Him.” (1 Colossians 1:27-29) • Our limitations invite His limitless power; availability outweighs ability. |
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