Do you ever feel that your past disqualifies you from what God is asking of you? The speaker begins with his own story, years in hospitals, speech therapy, and the conviction that he would never stand up in front of people, and then leads us to Joshua 2, to the house of Rahab. The message shows how a woman from the lowest place in her society ends up in the genealogy of Jesus and is set beside Abraham as an example of living faith (James 2). Listen in if you need the courage to step into God’s story despite your own.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Rahab hides the Israelite spies even though it puts her life and her whole family at risk. According to Joshua 2:9-11, what had she heard about the God of Israel, and how did it shape her decision?
- Rahab asks the spies to show kindness to her father's household and receives a promise of rescue. What does her request teach you about faith that acts?
- Rahab appears in Jesus' genealogy in Matthew's Gospel, and James places her alongside Abraham. What does this say about how God sees a person with a difficult past?
- The speaker shares how for years he believed his speech struggles disqualified him from preaching. What part of your past feels like an obstacle to God using you?
- Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" and appointed you to bear fruit. How does knowing that God chooses you on purpose change the way you see yourself?
- What concrete step of faith can you take this week to join God's story despite your past?
