Introduction:
Throughout history, God has chosen diverse individuals to carry out His divine work on Earth. From the most unlikely candidates to the most virtuous, His selection of individuals transcends human understanding. The Bible is filled with stories of how God uses ordinary people with extraordinary faith to fulfill His purposes. In this article, we explore several Bible verses that highlight the kind of people God chooses to do His work.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (New International Version)
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him."
God often selects the most unlikely candidates to demonstrate His power and wisdom. He chooses individuals who might seem weak or insignificant in the eyes of the world to showcase His strength and divine plan. By doing so, God reminds us that His work transcends human limitations, and all glory belongs to Him alone.
Exodus 4:10-12 (New Living Translation)
"But Moses pleaded with the Lord, 'O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been, and I'm not now, even though You have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.' Then the Lord asked Moses, 'Who makes a person's mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.'"
Moses, a man who initially doubted his own abilities, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This verse illustrates that God equips and empowers those whom He calls. He doesn't seek those with natural eloquence or extraordinary talents; instead, He looks for individuals who are willing to trust in His guidance and rely on His strength.
1 Samuel 16:7 (New International Version)
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
When Samuel was seeking the next king of Israel, he initially focused on outward appearances. However, God reminded him that what truly matters is the condition of the heart. God chooses individuals based on their character, faithfulness, and willingness to follow His will, rather than on external qualities.
Acts 9:15-16 (New Living Translation)
"But the Lord said, 'Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.'"
Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, was once a zealous persecutor of Christians. Despite his past, God transformed him into one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church, purportedly authoring thirteen of the twenty seven books of the New Testament. This verse demonstrates that God's grace and mercy can transform even the most unlikeliest of individuals into powerful instruments for His work.
Conclusion:
The Bible is replete with stories of God calling ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. He often chooses those whom the world might overlook or consider unqualified. From Moses to Paul, the scriptures reveal that God looks beyond appearances and seeks individuals with willing hearts, deep faith, and unwavering trust in His guidance. As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded that God's work transcends human understanding, and His plans are always accomplished through those who are willing to surrender to His will. May we find inspiration and encouragement in these stories, knowing that we, too, can be chosen instruments to do His work in this world.