Searching For SignificanceSample

The Unexpected — Part Two

Unlikely Heroes

Let’s take a look at some unlikely characters from the Bible. And maybe once you begin to look at these people the way God saw them, flaws and all, you’ll see that he can use you in significant ways too.

Sarah — old, barren, and doubtful.

Sarah was 90 years old when she gave birth to her only son, Isaac. Back in Bible times, a major factor in the significance and purpose of a woman was her ability to provide an heir to her husband. But Sarah had been barren. Finally, when it seemed like all hope was lost, God made Abraham a promise: He would become the father of a great nation — through Sarah.

She even laughed when she overheard the angel of the Lord promise Abraham this! Yet despite her doubt and her old age, God chose to use Sarah to be the mother of Isaac. And with Isaac’s birth, God began to fulfill his promise to Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore or the stars in the night sky.

Moses — fearful, poor speaker, and full of excuses.

Moses was fearful and a poor speaker (he even had a speech impediment!) and yet God still decided to use him to free the Israelite slaves from their Egyptian masters. Moses tried talking God out of sending him to Pharaoh, but for every excuse, God had an answer. He was going to use Moses to accomplish his will — imperfections, impediments, and all. And ultimately he did, even though Moses was weak and broken, and even disobeyed God at times.

Gideon — weak, least important, and unsure.

Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh (the weakest of the 12 tribes of Israel) and he was the least important person in his family — he said so himself! He seemed like a strange choice to help rescue Israel from the Midianites. He even questioned God on it and asked for a sign. It took convincing, but with every sign God gave, he once again proved that Gideon was his choice — even though it meant a nerve-wracking step of faith for Gideon as God reduced his army to a mere 300 men!

Points to Ponder:

• When you’re looking at people the way God sees them, do any unlikely heroes in your own life come to mind?
• How can you let God use you today?