Question: In Joshua 2:2-24 is the account of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute that helps Israelite spies escape Jericho. I have noticed for myself when stepping out, following God’s leading into something, that the least likely candidates are helping, almost unknowingly assisting in His plan. Those who I even thought likely to be opposition. Are there any other accounts in the Bible like this? Can and should we be expecting God to move on the hearts of unbelievers, the unlikely candidates even the opposition to assist us in what God is leading us in, calling us to?
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NASB)
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.
“Can and should we be expecting God to move on the hearts of unbelievers, the unlikely candidates even the opposition, to assist us in what God is leading us in, calling us to?” We should absolutely be expecting God to move, and leave it right there. I have found too many times as I have tried to figure out which way God would work or in what method He would utilize to get something done, that He rarely takes my suggestions! I am always surprised.
I am convinced that the Lord will use just about anyone willing to accomplish His plan, whether they know it or not. Now, so we understand, God is not forcing anyone to do anything, only the devil does that. But the Lord knows who will listen and what they will listen to, and He will work within that willingness.
In the Old Testament we see God use a donkey to correct Balaam. He used Pharaoh to fulfill His plan, the daughter of Pharaoh to rescue Moses, and in Isaiah He used people “of a strange tongue” to bring judgement on His people just to name a few. He used nonbelievers to help Joseph rise to prominence in yet another example. In short, God will use anyone who is willing if it fits what He wants to do.
So with this knowledge, let me ask a question. What does this say to believers? If God is willing to use those who have no covenant and will even bless them for listening, how much more should His children expect to be used? And furthermore, knowing He will use even an unbeliever for His plan, if we are in His plan we can have more surety that He will come through for us in ways we can’t possibly imagine!
The faithful child of God can rest knowing that for any issue that could possibly arise, God has methods and ways we could never possibly know to accomplish what He wants to do. If we are part of what God wants to do them we can not just embrace, but rejoice in the fact that our Father gets things done. Whether believers, non-believers, animals or inanimate objects such as rocks, God is always more than able! What a mighty God we serve!
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff
