Have you ever felt like God couldn’t use you?
Maybe you’ve doubted yourself. Maybe you’ve made mistakes you’d rather forget. Maybe you’ve wondered if someone else would be a better fit for what God is asking you to do. The good news is that’s exactly the kind of people God has always used.
When Hebrews 11 reaches the end of its list of heroes of faith, the writer says, “Time is too short,” and quickly mentions four judges from Israel’s history, Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah. None of them were perfect. In fact, each one struggled in a different way. Yet God still used them because they responded in faith.
Doubtful Faith
Gideon is probably the most relatable of the four.
When God called him, he wasn’t leading an army, he was hiding in a winepress. Fear had convinced him he wasn’t enough. Yet God called him a “mighty warrior.” Isn’t that just like God? He doesn’t simply see who we are today. He sees who we can become through Him.
Gideon questioned God. He asked for signs. He made excuses. But none of those things kept God from using him.
“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”
Too often we spend our lives looking at our weaknesses while God is asking us to trust His strength. Your doubts don’t disqualify you. They simply become another place where God’s power can be displayed.
Dependent Faith
Barak had a different struggle. He wouldn’t go into battle unless Deborah went with him. While his hesitation cost him some honor, it didn’t keep God from accomplishing His purpose.
God often uses other people to strengthen our faith.
Deborah also reminds us that throughout Scripture, God has faithfully used women who were willing to answer His call. She wasn’t trying to take Barak’s place; she was encouraging him to step into the role God had given him. At the same time, God used her courage, wisdom, and faith to lead and encourage His people. Throughout the Bible, women played a vital role in God’s redemptive story, faithfully using their gifts to make an eternal impact.
None of us were designed to follow Jesus alone. We need people who encourage us, challenge us, and remind us to trust the Lord when we’re hesitant.
Sometimes the greatest step of faith is simply taking the next step God has placed in front of us.
Distracted Faith
Samson’s problem wasn’t fear, it was distraction. He had incredible strength, but he repeatedly allowed his appetites and desires to pull him away from God’s purpose.
The truth is, every one of us has a “Delilah” we’re tempted to run toward. It may not be a person. It could be success, comfort, bitterness, addiction, or anything else that slowly pulls our hearts away from God.
The encouraging part of Samson’s story is that failure wasn’t the end.
When Samson finally cried out for God’s strength one more time, God answered.
“Grace gives us another chance when we turn back to God.”
No matter how far you’ve wandered, God is always ready to restore those who return to Him.
Dejected Faith
Jephthah began life carrying a label he didn’t choose. Rejected by his family because of the circumstances of his birth, he grew up believing he didn’t belong. Yet God called him to deliver Israel. His story reminds us that your past doesn’t determine your future.
The labels people place on you don’t define who you are. Only God has that authority.
Whatever your background may be, God can still write a story of redemption through your life.
The Greater Deliverer
Each of these judges points us to someone greater.
Gideon reminds us we don’t have to be fearless.
Barak reminds us we need God’s people.
Samson reminds us that failure isn’t final.
Jephthah reminds us that rejection doesn’t define us.
Ultimately, every one of their stories points to Jesus, the perfect Deliverer. Where the judges failed, Jesus succeeded. Where their victories were temporary, His victory is eternal.
The Hall of Faith isn’t filled with perfect people; it’s filled with ordinary people who trusted an extraordinary God. Maybe today your faith feels doubtful. Maybe it’s dependent. Maybe you’ve become distracted.
Or maybe you’re carrying the weight of rejection.
Wherever you find yourself, remember this: God doesn’t just call the ready. He calls the doubtful, the dependent, the distracted, and the dejected and He still uses them for His glory.
If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.
