Have you ever felt unqualified for something God was calling you to do?
Maybe you’ve looked at your past mistakes, your upbringing, or the things people have said about you and thought, There’s no way God can use me.
If so, you’re not alone! The Bible is full of stories of unlikely people being used for God’s glory, and one of the most powerful examples is Jephthah.
(You can download a printable version of this page at the end.)
Jephthah’s Rough Beginning
Jephthah’s story starts in Judges 11. He was born into a complicated family situation—his father was Gilead, a respected man in Israel, but his mother was a prostitute.
Because of this, his half-brothers rejected him, pushing him out of his home and away from his inheritance. Talk about a tough start!
Jephthah ended up living in a rough crowd, surrounded by outcasts and warriors. He had every reason to believe he was worthless and unwanted.
But here’s where things get interesting: when Israel was in trouble and needed a leader, they came looking for the very man they had cast aside.
God Doesn’t Call the Qualified—He Qualifies the Called
Despite being rejected, Jephthah was exactly who Israel needed in their time of crisis. He became their leader and led them to victory against the Ammonites.
His story reminds us that God doesn’t choose people based on their background—He chooses based on His purpose.
Think about other Bible heroes:
- Moses had a speech problem, yet God used him to confront Pharaoh.
- David was a young shepherd boy before becoming king.
- Rahab was a prostitute, yet she played a crucial role in Israel’s history.
No matter where you’ve been or what your past looks like, God’s plan is bigger than your history. He sees beyond our flaws and uses us for His glory.
The Power of Faith (Even When We Mess Up)
Jephthah was a man of great faith, but he also made a serious mistake—he made a rash vow to God, promising to sacrifice whatever came out of his house if God gave him victory (Judges 11:30-31).
Unfortunately, his only daughter was the first to greet him when he returned home. His story is a sobering reminder to think before we speak and trust God without making impulsive deals.
Even with his mistakes, Jephthah is listed in Hebrews 11—the “Hall of Faith.” Why? Because God honors faith, even in imperfect people.
This means that your failures don’t define you—God’s grace does!
How This Applies to You
- God can use you, no matter your past. If you feel unqualified, you’re exactly the kind of person God loves to use!
- Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not valuable. Just because people overlook you doesn’t mean God does. He has a plan for you.
- Trust God without making desperate bargains. You don’t have to make deals with God to earn His help—He is faithful simply because He loves you.
- Faith matters more than perfection. Even when we mess up, God’s grace covers us, and He can still work through us.
Download the free lesson with study and reflection questions below.
Reflection
- Have you ever felt rejected or unqualified for something God was calling you to do? How does Jephthah’s story encourage you to trust in God’s purpose for your life?
- In what ways do you find yourself trying to “bargain” with God instead of fully trusting Him? How can you shift your prayers from making deals to simply surrendering to His will?
- Jephthah’s past didn’t stop God from using him for something great. What past experiences or struggles have made you doubt your usefulness in God’s kingdom? How can you step forward in faith knowing that God can still use you?
Maybe you feel like Jephthah—rejected, unqualified, or carrying past mistakes that make you doubt yourself.
But here’s the truth: God loves using broken, imperfect people to do amazing things for His kingdom. So don’t count yourself out—because God certainly hasn’t!
Be sure to download a printable version of this page to keep in your study journal!
