On every page of the Bible, we find stories of people whom we might not choose as heroes of faith. But it is precisely these individuals whom God uses in extraordinary ways. These two women, Ruth and Rahab, are clear examples that God does not see as humans see. God uses anyone who is willing, even those who seem “unexpected.”
Ruth was a Moabite woman, a nation often considered an enemy by Israel. But Ruth showed rare love and loyalty. She chose to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, and declared in faith, “Your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth not only became part of God’s people, but from her descendants came King David, and even Jesus Christ himself (Matthew 1:5).
Rahab is even more surprising. She was known as a prostitute in Jericho, yet she chose to believe in the God of Israel. Hebrews 11:31 mentions her name in the list of heroes of faith, “By faith the prostitute Rahab… did not perish with those who were disobedient.” Her courage and faith saved her family and changed the course of her life. She also entered the lineage of Jesus.
These two women did not have a “spiritual” background by human standards. But they had one important thing: a heart that believed and surrendered to God. God does not look for perfect people; He looks for those who are willing.
Perhaps we also feel unworthy. Maybe our past is filled with mistakes, or we feel we come from an insignificant place. But God is not limited by our past. He can use anyone, including us, for His great purposes.
1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “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.”
Believe that nothing is too far for God’s love and plan to reach. If we surrender like Ruth and Rahab, God is able to create an extraordinary story through our lives.
