God Uses the Unlikely
Sometimes the greatest blessings come through the most unlikely people - those the world might overlook or dismiss. God often chooses unexpected individuals to reveal His grace and power, reminding us that His ways are not our ways. These moments humble us and teach us not to judge by appearance. A blessing from an unlikely person reminds us that no one is beyond God's reach or beyond being used by Him.
The Surprising Story of Rahab
In Joshua 2, we meet Rahab, a woman whose past and reputation would have caused others to turn away or judge her harshly. She was a prostitute, a Canaanite, and a woman - in those days, everything was against her. She was viewed as the worst of the worst.
Yet despite her background, God chose to reveal Himself through her and use her as a vital part of His plan to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land. This scripture shows us that God sees beyond our past, looking instead at the faith and potential within us.
When the Israelite spies came to Rahab's house, she didn't deny who she was. Instead, she brought them in and hid them. She openly acknowledged the power of God and boldly protected His servants. She wasn't concerned about her status; she simply stepped out in faith.
Faith Without Seeing
What's remarkable about Rahab's story is that she hadn't personally witnessed God's miracles. She hadn't seen the Red Sea part or watched Jesus perform healings. She had only heard stories about what God had done for Israel, but that was enough to give her faith.
In Joshua 2:8-11, Rahab declares: "I know the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us... We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt... For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below."
Rahab didn't just say she believed - she showed it through action. She took the spies and hid them at great personal risk because she believed in her heart that God was who He said He was. This is faith in action - not just believing in God but choosing to live differently because of that belief.
How Does God Use Imperfect People in the Bible?
Rahab isn't the only example of God using unlikely people:
Throughout scripture, we see ordinary people taking extraordinary steps of faith. God doesn't call us to be perfect - He calls us to be faithful.
What Does Faith in Action Look Like Today?
Faith in action might look different for each of us. For some, it might be conquering a fear of public speaking. For others, it might be witnessing to a neighbor. The size of the step doesn't matter as much as the willingness to take it.
Rahab's simple act of obedience - tying a scarlet cord around her window - was all that was required. Similarly, our small acts of faith - opening a door for someone, showing kindness, or serving others - can become moments God uses to change lives, including our own.
Can God Really Use Someone Like Me?
Consider the story of John Newton, born in England in 1725. As a young man, he became involved in the slave trade - a dark and cruel business that brought untold suffering to thousands. For years, Newton lived a reckless life far from God.
During a violent storm at sea, fearing for his life, Newton cried out to God for mercy. This moment marked the beginning of his spiritual journey. He began reading the Bible, reflecting on his life, and eventually became a Christian minister, devoting the rest of his life to sharing God's message of mercy and forgiveness.
This man with such a dark past was completely transformed by God's grace and went on to write the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace": "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found..."
Does God Wait for Me to Be Perfect?
God doesn't wait for perfection - He responds to our faith. He's not waiting for us to get cleaned up; He's waiting for us to be faithful, just like Rahab.
When we trust Him even in small steps - choosing to obey when it's hard, doing what's right when it's risky, standing up for truth, helping others - we're living out the same kind of faith Rahab had.
Rahab reminds us that no act of faith is wasted and no person is beyond God's reach. That's good news! God redeems and uses the unlikely, so He can redeem us too. If you feel unworthy or overlooked like Rahab, God can use your story.
Life Application
God's grace is bigger than your mistakes and more powerful than your fears. This week, consider taking these steps:
Reflect on your story: Take quiet time to honestly reflect on your past and present. Are there areas where you feel unworthy of God's grace? Ask God to reveal how He might be calling you to step out in faith despite your fears and mistakes.
Take one faith step: Identify one step you can take - big or small. Maybe it's reaching out to someone you've been avoiding, sharing your faith with a friend, volunteering in a ministry outside your comfort zone, or simply trusting God more in a difficult area of your life. Commit to taking that step this week.
Pray for the unlikely: Commit to praying for people in your community who seem unlikely to be touched by God's grace. Ask that God would use you as a bridge of hope and grace to them.
Remember, everyone has a story, and God can use anyone - including you - to accomplish His purposes. What small step of faith is He calling you to take today?
Comments
Post a Comment