GOD USES THOSE WHO ARE MOST UNLIKELY

We tend to put too much emphasis on those who appear to be successful.  We sometimes look at someone and say “I'm sure God is using that person in a great way.”  We put too much emphasis on appearance rather than substance (I Samuel 16:7 Samuel and Eliab). God sees things we don't see in people.

Throughout Scripture we see that God used those who were the most unlikely.  These were individuals who were not stuck on themselves, but rather, these were individuals who knew they couldn't do what God had called them or led them to do.  When one realizes that he/she can't and acknowledges God can, they become usable and moldable for the tasks God has laid before them.

Once we get through with ourselves and surrender to God, we become fit for His purpose (II Tim. 2:21). It's at this time God begins to shape and mold us.

There was a group of unliklies that gathered around David (I Samuel 22:1-2).  This was the beginning of a group of select and courageous fighting men that became an elite army.  Outlaws, malcontents and troublemakers joined David who, himself was an outlaw at the time.

These people were outcasts themselves and could only improve their situations by helping David become King.  David's control over this band of men again shows his resourcefulness and ability to lead and motivate others.  It is difficult enough to build an army out of good men, but it takes even greater leadership to build one out of the kind of men that followed David.   This group eventually formed the core of his military leadership and produced several mighty men (II Sam 23:8).  They are listed by name and by their amazing exploits in II Samuel 23:8-39 and I Chron. 11-12.

What great accomplishments these men, the unliklies, had.  Why did they accomplish such great feats?  I think Paul, the apostle, hit the nail on the head in 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (AMPLIFIED), “Because the foolish thing [that has it's source in] God is wiser than men, and the weak thing [that springs] from God is stronger than men. For [simply] consider your own call, brethren; not many [of you were considered to be] wise according to human estimates and standards, not many influential and powerful, not many of high and noble birth. [No] for God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame. And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that he might depose and bring to nothing the things that are. So that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorying and] boast in the presence of God.”

What is the difference?  I believe God desires to still do great things with those who are unlikely.  Daniel wrote in Daniel 11:32: “...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”  That word “know” means to have a passionate, intense and intimate love and relationship with God.  You tend to voluntarily submit to God because of this relationship.  His will and plan for your life becomes your will and plan because of your desire to follow him and to please him.

God is looking for some unlikelies today. He is looking for those who acknowledge they can't because of their inadequacies, but who also acknowledge He can. When we get done with ourselves, surrender and yield to Him, you can expect to be used in a great way.

I challenge you today to be an “UNLIKELY” !

I'm reminded of the old chorus that goes like this:

Little is much if God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame,

There's a crown and you can win it, if you'll go in Jesus name

Be encouraged in Jesus!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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