Throughout the Bible, God frequently chooses individuals and circumstances that defy human expectations to accomplish His divine purposes. This theme underscores the sovereignty of God and His ability to work through those whom society might overlook or deem unworthy. By using the unlikely, God demonstrates that His power is made perfect in weakness and that His plans transcend human understanding.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and Sarah: In Genesis, God promises Abraham that he will be the father of many nations, despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness. Genesis 17:17 records Abraham's incredulity: "Will a son be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" Yet, God fulfills His promise through Isaac, demonstrating His power to bring life from barrenness.

2. Moses: Moses, a Hebrew raised in Pharaoh's palace, becomes a fugitive after killing an Egyptian. When God calls him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses protests, citing his lack of eloquence: "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent...I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10). Despite his self-doubt, God uses Moses to deliver His people, showing that divine calling supersedes human limitations.

3. Gideon: In Judges 6, God chooses Gideon, the least in his family and from the weakest clan in Manasseh, to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon questions God's choice, yet God reassures him, "Surely I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man" (Judges 6:16). Through Gideon, God delivers Israel with a mere 300 men, emphasizing His strength in human weakness.

4. David: The youngest son of Jesse, David is an unlikely choice for king. When Samuel anoints him, God explains, "Do not consider his appearance or height...The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). David's rise from shepherd boy to king illustrates God's ability to elevate the humble.

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A young, unmarried woman from Nazareth, Mary is chosen to bear the Son of God. Her response to the angel Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant...May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), reflects her faith and submission. Through Mary, God brings forth the Savior, highlighting His use of the humble and obedient.

2. The Disciples: Jesus selects His disciples from among fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary individuals. In Acts 4:13 , the religious leaders are astonished by the boldness of Peter and John, recognizing "that they were unschooled, ordinary men." Yet, these men are instrumental in spreading the Gospel, demonstrating that God equips those He calls.

3. Paul: Formerly Saul, a persecutor of Christians, Paul becomes one of the most influential apostles. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 , he acknowledges, "For I am the least of the apostles...But by the grace of God I am what I am." Paul's transformation and ministry underscore God's power to redeem and use even those who oppose Him.

Theological Implications

God's use of the unlikely serves as a testament to His grace and sovereignty. It challenges human notions of power and worthiness, reminding believers that God's criteria differ from the world's. As stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 , "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...so that no one may boast before Him." This principle encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and to remain open to His calling, regardless of their perceived inadequacies.