By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Hebrews 11:31
Do you think God was a bit embarrassed to have a prostitute listed in his Hall of Faith?
Not at all! God uses flawed people. God uses people who have failed, people with a past, people with messy lives … people like us!
Indeed, the very next verse names more people and the first five listed – Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah and David – had significant failures.
Gideon did not believe God’s Word and so he needed God to prove his promise with a fleece. Twice!
Barak was so timid when God called him to lead the army into battle that he told Deborah that he would go “only if you go with me.”
Samson had all kinds of trouble with foreign women and he ended up blind and a slave.
Jephthah made a foolish vow that caused the death of his daughter.
David was guilty of adultery and murder, and most of his kids were a mess.
And yet all five are heroes in God’s Hall of Faith. Moreover, they follow Rahab on the list. Do you think God might be trying to tell us something? Do you hear the message from God: God uses flawed people who dare to trust in him. You don’t have to be perfect to be used by God.
In fact, there is one big advantage to having some failures and weaknesses. You are less likely to be filled with pride and self-righteousness, and you are more likely to be dependent and desperate.
Never listen to the enemy when he says that God has written you off and will never use you again.