The Bible is replete with accounts of ordinary individuals whom God used to fulfill His divine purposes. These narratives underscore the principle that God often chooses the humble and the lowly to accomplish His will, thereby demonstrating His power and sovereignty.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham: Initially an ordinary man from Ur, Abraham was called by God to become the father of a great nation. His faith and obedience are highlighted in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make him a great nation and a blessing to all families of the earth.

2. Moses: Though raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd in Midian before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy are evident in Exodus 3:11, where Moses asks, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

3. David: The youngest son of Jesse and a shepherd boy, David was chosen by God to be king over Israel. His anointing by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 emphasizes that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances: "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

4. Ruth: A Moabite widow, Ruth's loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faith in the God of Israel led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David. Her account, found in the Book of Ruth, highlights God's providence and the inclusion of Gentiles in His plan.

New Testament Examples

1. Mary: A young, humble woman from Nazareth, Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Her response to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:38, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word," exemplifies her faith and submission to God's will.

2. The Disciples: Jesus called ordinary men, including fishermen and a tax collector, to be His disciples. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." These men, despite their initial lack of understanding and faith, were instrumental in spreading the Gospel.

3. The Samaritan Woman: In John 4, Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates how an ordinary person can become a powerful witness. After speaking with Jesus, she tells her townspeople about Him, leading many to believe in Him.

4. Stephen: One of the first deacons, Stephen was an ordinary man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His bold witness and martyrdom, as recorded in Acts 6-7, played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.

Principles and Themes

· God's Sovereignty: The use of ordinary people highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to work through anyone to achieve His purposes. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

· Faith and Obedience: The common thread among these individuals is their faith and obedience to God's call. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," lists many ordinary people who acted in faith and were commended for it.

· Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the empowerment of ordinary people by the Holy Spirit is a recurring theme. Acts 1:8 states, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

· Inclusivity: God's plan includes people from all walks of life, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or past. This inclusivity is evident in the diverse backgrounds of those He chooses to use.

The role of ordinary people in God's plan is a testament to His grace and the transformative power of faith. Through their accounts, believers are encouraged to trust in God's purpose for their lives, regardless of their perceived limitations or status.