The Unlikely Leader Series

Judges 11:7-29

God uses people…

4. In the midst of crisis.

We see how God often uses unexpected individuals during crises. The story of Jephthah illustrates this perfectly- Rejected by his family and community, Jephthah became the leader Israel needed when they faced a threat from the Ammonites. His background shows that God doesn’t always choose those who seem powerful or perfect for leadership; instead, He often selects people whose struggles have prepared them for His mission. Those who have faced hardships often understand the challenges of life, making them capable leaders in tough times.

This story encourages us to see the potential in ourselves and others, despite our past mistakes or how society views us. God can use anyone, no matter their history, to fulfill His plans. Jephthah's journey reminds us that crises can create strong leaders, shaped by God's purpose. By accepting our flaws and trusting in God's guidance, we can take up roles of leadership and service, showing that our past does not limit our future with Him.

Judges 11:30-33

God uses people…

5. Who make mistakes.

God often works through people with troubled pasts. Jephthah, who was born out of wedlock and rejected by his family, exemplifies this concept. Despite his difficult beginnings, God chose him to lead the Israelites against the Ammonites. This story reminds us that our past mistakes do not prevent us from being used by God. Instead, our imperfections can highlight God's greatness and demonstrate that He can bring about a divine purpose even from flawed circumstances. By acknowledging our shortcomings and turning to God, we open ourselves to the possibility of redemption and leadership, no matter how inadequate we may feel.

The text also highlights that mistakes can serve as opportunities for God to show His strength and grace. Jephthah's experience illustrates that God can transform our struggles into testimonies of His faithfulness. When God called Jephthah to lead, it showed that His purpose is based on grace rather than perfection. This teaches us that true leaders are not picked for their flawless track records but for their willingness to trust God. By accepting our imperfections and seeking His guidance, we can become powerful instruments of His will, inspiring others with our stories of redemption. In this way, our mistakes shift from simple failures to vital parts of a narrative that reveals God's unwavering love and plan for using the unlikely.

Judges 11:34-40

God uses people…

6. For His glory.

We see how God works through people from unexpected backgrounds. Jephthah, the son of a prostitute, faces rejection from his family and community, yet God still has a purpose for him. This story shows that God doesn't rely on traditional qualifications or societal norms. Instead, He often calls those who seem unfit for leadership, using their unique struggles to fulfill His plans. Jephthah becomes a powerful example of how God's grace can empower the unlikely to achieve great things.