GOD RAISES ORDINARY MEN FOR EXTRAORDINARY PURPOSES

GOD RAISES ORDINARY MEN FOR EXTRAORDINARY PURPOSES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 11:10-47

Supporting Texts: Judges 6:11-16, 1 Samuel 16:11-13, Acts 4:13, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 2 Corinthians 4:7

INTRODUCTION:
Many people feel disqualified or unworthy of being used by God because of their background, mistakes, or lack of qualifications. However, throughout Scripture, we see a consistent pattern: God delights in raising ordinary men and women to accomplish extraordinary things. These individuals are often overlooked by society but chosen by divine grace.

David’s mighty men, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, were not born heroes. Many of them began as distressed, indebted, or discontented individuals who gathered around David during his years of rejection and wilderness struggles. Yet under God’s hand and David’s leadership, they were transformed into valiant warriors and leaders in Israel’s army.

This study reveals how God specialises in using the weak to confound the mighty. It reminds us that our past does not disqualify us from divine purpose. If God could raise such men from obscurity to honour, He can do the same today for anyone who yields fully to Him.

1. GOD USES THE UNLIKELY TO SHOWCASE HIS POWER
a) God’s choices often defy human expectations
God does not select people based on appearance or status. He looks at the heart and chooses those willing to trust Him.
(1 Samuel 16:7)

b) God raises the despised to bring glory to His name
The people the world rejects are often the very ones God lifts up to fulfil kingdom purposes.
(1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

c) God's power is revealed through human weakness
When God uses the weak, it becomes evident that the victory is not of man but of Him.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

d) God qualifies the called, not the other way round
Instead of calling the qualified, God equips and empowers those He has chosen.
(Judges 6:14-16)

Biblical Example: Gideon was a timid man hiding in fear, but God raised him to lead Israel to victory over the Midianites. Despite his doubts, he became a mighty deliverer because God was with him.

2. ORDINARY MEN BECOME EXTRAORDINARY THROUGH LOYALTY AND COMMITMENT
a) Loyalty to God’s servant brings elevation
David’s men became great because of their unwavering support and loyalty to him as God’s anointed.
(1 Chronicles 11:10)

b) Commitment turns ordinary skills into mighty tools
These men trained, fought, and persevered until they became experts in warfare.
(1 Chronicles 12:8)

c) Faithfulness in obscurity leads to promotion
Many of these men started in the cave of Adullam but ended up in the palace.
(1 Samuel 22:1-2)

d) God honours those who stand in difficult times
Their names were recorded forever because they stood firm when others fled.
(2 Samuel 23:8-12)

Biblical Example: Eleazar, one of David’s mighty men, stood alone in battle when others retreated. His loyalty and bravery caused God to give a great victory.

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS ORDINARY VESSELS FOR GOD’S MISSION
a) God’s Spirit makes the difference in a man’s life
David was a shepherd boy, but when the Spirit came upon him, he became a king and warrior.
(1 Samuel 16:13)

b) The anointing transforms natural ability into divine capacity
With the Spirit’s help, these men did exploits that surpassed human limitations.
(Zechariah 4:6)

c) The Holy Spirit brings boldness and clarity of purpose
The same disciples who once hid in fear became bold proclaimers of the gospel.
(Acts 4:13)

d) Power flows through yielded and obedient lives
Those who submit to the Spirit’s leading are empowered to do what they could never do on their own.
(Romans 8:14)

Biblical Example: Peter, a fisherman who once denied Jesus, preached powerfully on the day of Pentecost, and three thousand souls were saved.

4. GOD HONOURS THOSE WHO STEP OUT IN FAITH
a) Faith in God produces courageous actions
David’s men risked their lives because they believed God would back them up.
(Hebrews 11:32-34)

b) God rewards bold steps taken in His name
Even dangerous missions were honoured by God because they were rooted in loyalty and faith.
(2 Samuel 23:15-17)

c) Faith turns insignificant people into history makers
Many of these warriors had no name before, but faith gave them a lasting legacy.
(Hebrews 11:2)

d) God keeps record of every act of faithfulness
Their deeds were remembered and documented in Scripture because they acted in faith.
(Malachi 3:16)

Biblical Example: Benaiah killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. That act of faith and bravery secured him a position as the commander of David’s bodyguard.

CONCLUSION:
God is not looking for perfect people but for those who are available and willing. The men who served David were far from flawless, yet they became mighty because they followed God’s anointed and yielded to divine training. They remind us that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about fame or status but faith, loyalty, and obedience.

No one is too insignificant to be used by God. If you can give Him your heart and trust Him with your life, He can turn your story around. Just as He raised mighty men in David’s time, He is still in the business of transforming ordinary people into vessels of extraordinary impact.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for choosing the weak to display Your strength.
2. Lord, I surrender my life to be used for Your purpose.
3. Empower me by Your Spirit to fulfil my divine assignment.
4. Help me to remain loyal and faithful in every season.
5. Raise me from obscurity to influence for Your glory.
6. Teach me to see myself as You see me.
7. Let my life be a testimony of Your transforming power.
8. Strengthen me to stand in difficult times.
9. Write my name in the book of those who stood faithfully.
10. Use me, Lord, as a vessel of honour in this generation.