In the biblical narrative, God often employs unconventional means to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and creativity. These methods, which may seem unusual or unexpected to human understanding, serve to reveal God's power and wisdom, and to ensure that the glory is attributed to Him alone.

Gideon's Victory Over the Midianites

One of the most striking examples of unconventional means is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7, God reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 men to just 300 to defeat the Midianites. The Lord instructs Gideon to use trumpets, jars, and torches instead of traditional weapons. This strategy confounds the Midianites, leading to their defeat. The Lord tells Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). This account highlights God's desire to demonstrate that victory comes from Him, not human strength.

David and Goliath

The account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is another example of God using unconventional means. David, a young shepherd, defeats the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, rather than with armor and sword. David declares, "The battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47). This victory underscores the principle that God can use the seemingly weak and insignificant to overcome the mighty.

The Walls of Jericho

In Joshua 6, the Israelites conquer the fortified city of Jericho through an unusual strategy commanded by God. Instead of a direct assault, the Israelites march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, followed by the blowing of trumpets and a great shout. The walls of Jericho collapse, allowing the Israelites to take the city. This miraculous event demonstrates that success comes through obedience to God's instructions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel to demonstrate the power of the true God. Elijah's unconventional approach involves soaking his altar with water before calling on the Lord to send fire. God responds by consuming the offering, the wood, the stones, and even the water, proving His supremacy. Elijah's faith in God's power, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, is a testament to God's ability to work beyond human expectations.

Jesus' Miracles

The New Testament is replete with examples of Jesus using unconventional means to perform miracles. In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind by making mud with His saliva and applying it to the man's eyes. He then instructs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, resulting in restored sight. This method, while unusual, serves to reveal Jesus' divine authority and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

In Matthew 14, Jesus feeds a multitude with only five loaves and two fish. This miraculous provision, achieved through prayer and blessing, defies natural expectations and demonstrates Jesus' compassion and divine provision. The disciples' initial skepticism is transformed into awe as they witness the abundance that results from Jesus' blessing.

Paul's Escape from Damascus

In Acts 9, the apostle Paul escapes a plot to kill him in Damascus through an unconventional means. His followers lower him in a basket through an opening in the city wall. This method of escape highlights the resourcefulness and protection provided by God, ensuring Paul's continued ministry.

These examples illustrate that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Through unconventional means, God accomplishes His purposes, often challenging human understanding and expectations, and ultimately bringing glory to Himself.