In the narrative of Scripture, the theme of unexpected choices is prevalent, illustrating how God's plans often defy human expectations and understanding. These choices reveal God's sovereignty, wisdom, and the unfolding of His divine purposes through individuals and events that might seem unlikely from a human perspective.

Abraham and Isaac
One of the most profound examples of unexpected choices is found in the account of Abraham and Isaac. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise, on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:2). This command is unexpected, as Isaac was the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham a great nation. Abraham's choice to obey, despite the apparent contradiction, demonstrates his faith and trust in God's plan. The Berean Standard Bible records, "Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you'" (Genesis 22:2). Ultimately, God provides a ram as a substitute, highlighting His provision and the unexpected nature of His deliverance.

David's Anointing as King
The selection of David as king over Israel is another instance of an unexpected choice. When Samuel is sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, he initially assumes that Eliab, the eldest, is God's chosen one. However, God instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. 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, the youngest and a shepherd, is chosen, demonstrating that God's criteria for leadership are based on the heart rather than external qualifications.

Gideon's Army
In the book of Judges, Gideon's account is marked by unexpected choices that underscore God's power and strategy. Gideon is called to deliver Israel from the Midianites, but God reduces his army from 32,000 to 300 men. This reduction is unexpected and counterintuitive, yet it serves to show that victory comes from the Lord, not human strength. Judges 7:2 states, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’" The victory achieved with such a small force highlights God's ability to save through means that defy human logic.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus
The choice of Mary, a young virgin from Nazareth, to be the mother of Jesus is another unexpected choice in the biblical narrative. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God. Mary's humble response, "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her faith and submission to God's unexpected plan. This choice emphasizes God's favor and grace, as well as His ability to use the humble and lowly for His redemptive purposes.

The Calling of the Disciples
Jesus' selection of His disciples also reflects unexpected choices. He chooses fishermen, a tax collector, and others from ordinary backgrounds to be His closest followers and the foundation of the early Church. In Matthew 4:18-19 , Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This choice underscores the transformative power of Jesus' call and the potential for ordinary individuals to participate in His extraordinary mission.

Paul's Conversion
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, is a striking example of an unexpected choice. Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and is transformed into a fervent apostle of the Gospel. Acts 9:15 records God's words to Ananias regarding Saul: "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." Paul's unexpected conversion and subsequent ministry highlight God's grace and the power of redemption.

These examples of unexpected choices throughout the Bible reveal a consistent theme: God's ways are higher than human ways, and His plans often unfold through surprising means and individuals. These narratives encourage believers to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His choices defy human expectations.