When we talk about people God used in the Bible, we are talking about regular folks, just like you and me, who God chose for special tasks. These were not superheroes or people with magical powers. Instead, they were people with flaws, doubts, and fears. But what made them stand out was their willingness to listen to God and follow His guidance, even when it was hard. This shows us that God can use anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being open to what God wants to do through us.
One of the most amazing things about these stories is that they show how God works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things. For example, there was a man who stuttered but led a whole nation to freedom, and a young girl who became the mother of Jesus. These stories are not just old tales; they are reminders that God is still working in the world today. They encourage us to be open to God’s call, even if we feel unqualified or scared. Just like the people in the Bible, we can make a big difference when we say yes to God.
List Of People God Used In The Bible
Here is a table containing some notable people God used in the Bible:
| Name | Description | Time Period | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asaph | Son of Berachiah, commissioned by King David to worship God in song | 10th century BC | Worship Leader |
| Solomon | King of Israel, son of David, built the Temple | 10th century BC | King, Builder of the Temple |
| Paul the Apostle | Also known as Saul of Tarsus, one of the first Christian missionaries to the Gentiles | 1st century AD | Christian Missionary |
| Artaxerxes I | Persian king who allowed the rebuilding of Jerusalem | 5th century BC | King of Persia |
| Moses | Leader of the Israelites during the Exodus, received the Ten Commandments | 13th century BC | Leader, Lawgiver |
| Noah | Saved his family and the animals from the flood | 2nd millennium BC | Righteous Man, Ark Builder |
| Abraham | Father of the Israelites, called by God to leave his homeland | 2nd millennium BC | Patriarch, Faithful Servant |
| David | King of Israel, defeated Goliath, established Jerusalem as the capital | 10th century BC | King, Warrior |
| Mary | Mother of Jesus, virgin birth | 1st century BC | Mother of Jesus |
| Sarah | Wife of Abraham, mother of Isaac | 2nd millennium BC | Wife, Mother |
| Jeconiah | King of Judah, descendant of David | 6th century BC | King |
| Saul | First king of Israel, predecessor to David | 11th century BC | King |
| Artaxerxes II | Persian king who allowed the rebuilding of Jerusalem | 5th century BC | King of Persia |
| Agur | Author of Proverbs 30, known for his wisdom | 6th century BC | Author, Wise Man |
| Amos | Prophet who prophesied God’s judgment against the nations | 8th century BC | Prophet |
| Berachiah | Father of Asaph, a worship leader | 10th century BC | Father |
| Beriah | Son of Heber, a descendant of Asher | 12th century BC | Descendant of Asher |
| Heber | Son of Beriah, a descendant of Asher | 12th century BC | Descendant of Asher |
| Jeconiah’s descendants | Descendants of Jeconiah, who were not allowed to rule | 6th century BC | Descendants |
| Noah’s sons | Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who spread out across the world after the flood | 2nd millennium BC | Sons of Noah |
| Solomon’s craftsmen | Craftsmen who helped build the Temple | 10th century BC | Craftsmen |
| Tyrian craftsmen | Craftsmen who helped build the Temple | 10th century BC | Craftsmen |
| Tyrian king | King of Tyre who supplied materials for the Temple | 10th century BC | King of Tyre |
| Tyrian merchants | Merchants who traded with Israel | 10th century BC | Merchants |
| Tyrian officials | Officials who helped with the Temple’s construction | 10th century BC | Officials |
This table includes a selection of notable people from the Bible who played significant roles in God’s plan.
Moses – The Reluctant Leader
Moses was extremely reluctant to take on the role of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He made several excuses and objections when God called him to this task.
Moses’ Excuses
- “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11)
Moses felt completely inadequate and unqualified for such an enormous responsibility. He questioned his own identity and worthiness.
- “What if they do not believe me?” (Exodus 4:1)
Moses doubted whether the Israelites would accept him as their leader sent by God. He feared they would not listen to him or follow his instructions.
- “I am not an eloquent speaker.” (Exodus 4:10)
Moses claimed he was slow of speech and tongue, lacking the communication skills required to confront Pharaoh and lead a nation. He felt his speech impediment made him unfit for the role.
God’s Responses
God patiently addressed each of Moses’ concerns and excuses:
For Moses’ inadequacy, God assured him “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12), promising His constant presence and divine enablement.
Regarding the Israelites’ doubts, God equipped Moses with the ability to perform miraculous signs that would validate his calling (Exodus 4:2-9).
For his speech difficulties, God reminded Moses that He is the one who gives speech, hearing, sight – He would give Moses the words to speak (Exodus 4:11-12).
Moses’ Final Objection
Even after God’s reassurances, Moses pleaded, “Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). This infuriated God, yet He graciously allowed Moses’ brother Aaron to assist as a spokesman.
Moses’ reluctance stemmed from:
- A lack of self-confidence
- Feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy
- Fear of failure and rejection
However, God saw Moses’ deeper qualities that made him the perfect choice – his humility, patience, and willingness to follow God’s lead.
Moses’ story teaches us that God delights in using ordinary people who put their trust in Him rather than their own abilities. Our weaknesses become opportunities for God’s power to be displayed through us.
Mary – The Humble Servant
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most important figures in the Bible. She was a young, humble woman who lived in a small village called Nazareth. Despite her simple life, God chose her for an incredible task: to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Mary’s Humble Acceptance
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he told her that she was highly favored by God and that she would give birth to a son named Jesus. This news was shocking and confusing for Mary. She was a virgin and engaged to a man named Joseph. She wondered how this could happen. But Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of God would make it possible.
Despite her fears and questions, Mary responded with humility and faith. She said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me according to your word.” This shows her willingness to accept God’s plan, even though it was difficult and uncertain.
Mary’s Role in God’s Plan
Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan was crucial for the salvation of humanity. By saying yes to God, she became the mother of Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine. This means that Jesus could understand our human experiences and also save us from our sins.
Mary’s role did not end with Jesus’ birth. She continued to support Him throughout His life. She was there at His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, where she told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” This shows her trust in Jesus and her understanding of His divine mission.
Mary’s Faith and Courage
Mary’s journey was not easy. She faced many challenges and sorrows. When Jesus was just a baby, a man named Simeon told her that a sword would pierce her soul. This meant that she would experience great pain because of her son’s mission. She saw Jesus grow up, leave home to preach, and face opposition from religious leaders. Her heart broke when she witnessed His crucifixion.
Despite all these hardships, Mary’s faith in God never wavered. She trusted that God had a plan, even when it was hard to see. Her faith and courage are examples for us to follow. She teaches us that we can trust God, even in difficult times, and that He will give us the strength we need.
Lessons from Mary’s Life
- Humility: Mary saw herself as a servant of the Lord. She did not seek glory or recognition but was willing to do God’s will.
- Faith: Mary trusted God’s plan, even when it was hard to understand. She believed that God would take care of her and her son.
- Obedience: Mary followed God’s instructions without hesitation. She accepted her role in God’s plan and did what was asked of her.
- Courage: Mary faced many challenges with bravery. She did not let fear stop her from fulfilling her role.
Mary’s life is a powerful example of humility, faith, obedience, and courage. She shows us that God can use anyone, no matter how ordinary, to do extraordinary things. By following her example, we can learn to trust God more deeply and be open to His plans for our lives. Mary reminds us that with God, all things are possible, and that He will always give us the grace we need to handle whatever comes our way.
David – The Shepherd Boy
David is one of the most famous people in the Bible. He started as a simple shepherd boy and became a great king. His story shows how God can use anyone, no matter how small or young, to do big things.
David’s Humble Beginnings
David was the youngest son in his family. He had seven older brothers. His job was to take care of his father’s sheep. This might seem like a small job, but it was very important. David learned to be brave and strong while protecting the sheep from wild animals like lions and bears. He trusted God to help him in these dangerous situations.
One day, the prophet Samuel came to David’s town. God had told Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, David’s father. Jesse presented all his sons to Samuel, except David. But God chose David, the youngest and smallest, to be the next king. Samuel anointed David with oil, and from that day, the Spirit of the Lord was with David.
David’s Faith and Courage
David’s faith in God was very strong. He believed that God would protect him and help him in any situation. This faith gave him great courage. One of the most famous stories about David is his battle with Goliath.
The Challenge of Goliath
The Israelites were at war with the Philistines. The Philistines had a giant warrior named Goliath. He was over nine feet tall and wore heavy armor. Every day, Goliath would challenge the Israelites to send someone to fight him. But the Israelites were too scared.
David was sent by his father to bring food to his brothers, who were soldiers in the Israelite army. When David heard Goliath’s challenge, he was shocked that no one had the courage to fight him. David volunteered to fight Goliath, saying, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
The Battle
King Saul tried to give David his armor, but it was too big and heavy. David decided to fight without armor. He took his sling and five smooth stones from a stream. When Goliath saw David, he laughed and made fun of him. But David was not afraid. He said, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.”
David put a stone in his sling and slung it at Goliath. The stone hit Goliath in the forehead, and he fell to the ground. David then used Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head. The Philistines were so scared that they ran away, and the Israelites won the battle.
Lessons from David’s Life
- Faith in God: David trusted God completely. He believed that God would help him in any situation, no matter how scary.
- Courage: David was brave because he knew God was with him. He did not let fear stop him from doing what was right.
- Humility: Even after being anointed as the future king, David continued to take care of his father’s sheep. He did not let his new status change his humble attitude.
- Obedience: David followed God’s instructions and trusted His plan, even when it seemed impossible.
The Disciples – Ordinary Fishermen
Jesus chose ordinary men to be His closest followers and future leaders of the Christian movement. Among them were several fishermen – simple, hardworking people from the region of Galilee.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John
Four of the disciples – Peter, Andrew, James, and John – worked together as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. They were partners in a small fishing business.
The Calling
One day, as these four men were going about their daily work of casting nets and mending them, Jesus approached them. He issued a striking invitation: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
Remarkably, the Bible records that they immediately left their nets and followed Him. This was an extraordinary display of faith and commitment from these ordinary working men.
Leaving Everything Behind
By following Jesus, Peter, Andrew, James, and John left behind their livelihood, their homes, and their families. They chose to abandon their previous way of life to become disciples – students and followers – of this wandering teacher named Jesus.
This decision demonstrated:
- Obedience – They obeyed the call, despite its difficulties.
- Faith – They had faith that Jesus was someone worth following.
- Commitment – They were fully committed to this new path.
Jesus saw something special in these unassuming fishermen. He recognized their potential to become “fishers of men” – evangelists who would help draw people to God.
The Disciples’ Transformation
Over the three years they spent with Jesus, the disciples underwent a remarkable transformation:
- From fishermen to ministers and evangelists
- From the uneducated to bold proclaimers of the gospel
- From doubters to unwavering believers in Jesus as the Messiah
This transformation did not happen overnight. It was a process of learning, making mistakes, and growing in faith and spiritual understanding.
The disciples had to:
- Unlearn years of religious traditions and misconceptions
- Adopt new paradigms about God’s kingdom and the Messiah
- Witness Jesus’ miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection
All of these experiences shaped the disciples into the leaders of the early Christian church after Jesus’ ascension.
Lessons from the Fishermen Disciples
The stories of Peter, Andrew, James, John, and the other fishermen disciples teach us valuable lessons:
- God uses ordinary people – Jesus did not choose wealthy or educated disciples, but simple, ordinary working men.
- Obedience leads to transformation – By obeying the call, the disciples allowed God to transform their lives.
- Commitment is key – The disciples’ total commitment to Jesus enabled them to become influential leaders.
- Anyone can be used by God – If Jesus could use uneducated fishermen, He can use anyone willing to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Rahab – The Unlikely Helper
Rahab’s story is one of the most surprising and inspiring in the Bible. She was a prostitute living in the city of Jericho, yet she played a crucial role in helping the Israelites conquer the city. Her actions showed great faith and courage, and she became part of God’s plan in an unexpected way.
Rahab’s Background
Rahab lived in Jericho, a city known for its idol worship and sinful practices. As a prostitute, she was not respected in her society. However, her house was built into the city wall, which gave her a unique position to help the Israelite spies.
The Spies’ Arrival
When Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, sent two spies to scout Jericho, they ended up at Rahab’s house. This might seem strange, but it was actually a smart move. Rahab’s house was a place where strangers could come and go without attracting too much attention. The spies needed a safe place to stay, and Rahab provided that.
Rahab’s Act of Faith
Rahab’s decision to help the spies was incredibly risky. If she had been caught, she could have been killed for treason. But Rahab had heard about the God of Israel and believed in His power. She knew that the Israelites were going to conquer Jericho, and she wanted to be on the side of their God.
Hiding the Spies
When the king of Jericho heard that Israelite spies were in the city, he sent soldiers to Rahab’s house to find them. Rahab hid the spies on her roof under stalks of flax. When the soldiers came, she lied and said the men had already left. She sent the soldiers on a wild goose chase, giving the spies time to escape.
Rahab’s Request
After hiding the spies, Rahab made a bold request. She asked the spies to promise that they would spare her and her family when the Israelites attacked Jericho. The spies agreed, but they gave her specific instructions to follow.
The Scarlet Cord
The spies told Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in her window. This cord would be a sign to the Israelite army to spare her house during the attack. Rahab followed their instructions exactly, showing her faith and obedience.
Rahab’s Transformation
Rahab’s story did not end with the fall of Jericho. She and her family were saved, just as the spies had promised. Rahab then became part of the Israelite community. She married an Israelite man named Salmon, and they had a son named Boaz. Rahab’s faith and actions led to her becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.
Lessons from Rahab’s Life
- Faith in Action: Rahab’s faith was not just a belief in her heart; it led her to take bold actions. She risked her life to help the spies because she believed in the God of Israel.
- Courage: Rahab showed incredible bravery by hiding the spies and lying to the king’s soldiers. Her courage came from her faith in God.
- Redemption: Rahab’s story is a powerful example of redemption. Despite her past as a prostitute, God used her in a significant way. Her faith transformed her life and gave her a new future.
- Obedience: Rahab followed the spies’ instructions exactly, showing her willingness to obey God’s plan.
Conclusion
The stories of ordinary people in the Bible show us that God can use anyone to do extraordinary things. From Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt despite his insecurities, to Mary, who humbly accepted the role of Jesus’ mother, and David, the shepherd boy who became a king, these individuals demonstrate that faith, obedience, and courage are what God values most. The disciples, simple fishermen, were transformed into bold evangelists, and Rahab, a prostitute, played a crucial role in the fall of Jericho. Each of these stories teaches us that God does not look for the most powerful or the most skilled, but for those who are willing to trust Him and follow His guidance.
These biblical examples remind us that we, too, can be used by God in significant ways, no matter how ordinary we may feel. By having faith, being obedient, and showing courage, we can make a difference in our families, communities, and the world. God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses, and He delights in using ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Let these stories inspire us to trust in God’s plan for our lives and to be open to the incredible things He can do through us.