The introduction to the story of Jephthah in Judges Chapter 11 shows us a most unlikely candidate as an instrument of God’s redemption of his people. The story begins by his half brothers driving him away from the family because he was the son of a prostitute. As we read the story we also learn that his theology was perverted and his conception of God was defective and he made rash vows.
This most unlikely person, however, had what mattered most. He had a relationship with God. He spoke to God and he spoke about God more often than any of the other Judges. He is commended for his great faith in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 32.
The obvious lesson throughout the book of Judges is that God chooses the most unlikely people to do the most unlikely things. It began with Gideon, an obvious coward, becoming a mighty warrior. We see Deborah leading Israel troops in battle. And here we see an outcast being God’s instrument for great things.
We should be careful about writing anybody off from having a significant role to fill in God’s work. We should also be slow to write ourselves off. I would argue God only uses the most unlikely people. If you feel that you are the most unlikely person to be used by God, you’ve met God’s first requirement.