“Where are you from?” We sometimes use that question to get to know others better. But for some, the real answer can be complicated. Sometimes we don’t want to share all the details of our past.

In Judges, Jephthah might not have wanted to answer that question at all. His half-brothers had chased him out of his hometown, Gilead. “You are the son of another woman,” they said (JUDG. 11:2). And we’re told even more bluntly: “His mother was a prostitute” (V.1).

But Jephthah was a natural leader, and when another tribe picked a fight with Gilead, they suddenly wanted him back. “Be our commander,” they said (V.6). Jephthah asked, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house?” (V.7).

After they promised that things would be different, he agreed to lead them. He led them to a great victory and the New Testament even lists him as a hero of the faith (HEB. 11:32).

God often seems to choose the unlikeliest people to do His work! It doesn’t matter where we’re from, how we got here or what we’ve done. What matters is that we trust Him and rely on His love and leading.

By: Tim Gustafson

To Pray About . . .

Dear Jesus, it is good to know that You don’t judge us based on where we’re from or what we’ve done. Choose me, Lord, and teach me to remain humble and serve You.