(But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.)
Joshua 2:6

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READ: Joshua 2:1–14

In our Pinterest-ready society, it can be easy to make snap judgments about someone based on superficial things like appearance, circumstances, or work. But do those things really offer us insight into a person’s character? Do those things tell us who a person really is, what they’re capable of, or how God might use them?

Sometimes, God brings help our way through the most unlikely of people. Perhaps we get hurt by the actions of a surly neighbor or boss, only to discover later that God used those actions for our own good. Or the person we got partnered with for a project seems like a dud, but they turn out to be hard-working and brilliant. Or we reluctantly say yes to a coffee with a new acquaintance who hadn’t made a great first impression, only to find out how much we underestimated them once we get to know them—and a new friendship is formed.

Two of Joshua’s men experienced this sort of surprising personal encounter firsthand when they entered the fortressed city of Jericho to scope out the land and the king’s army on Israel’s behalf. When the king sent soldiers to track them down and capture them, Rahab, a town prostitute, hid Joshua’s men in her home, then lied about it to the king to misdirect his soldiers and protect the two guys she was hiding. Most people underestimated this woman’s capabilities and bravery because she was a prostitute, but they quickly learned how clever and courageous she was. She not only helped Joshua’s men; she saved their lives. Joshua’s men made her a promise: when Israel’s army comes to attack Jericho, Rahab and her entire family would be protected from harm. “A life for a life!” they declared. (We’ll read in later chapters how this story turns out.) Imagine how Rahab must have felt: having long been underestimated and overlooked, she became the hero of this story and was used by God to spare the lives of these two men—and get vital information to Joshua.

In our haste to pre-judge, we can find ourselves surprised by the unlikely people God places in our lives to accomplish His plan. We forget that God frequently uses underqualified, underestimated, or overlooked people to play significant roles in His story.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

An Unexpected Friend | Mia V. | Willow South Barrington

Starting high school at 15 felt like stepping into a storm. Advanced classes, sports tryouts, and the unspoken pressure to keep up with everyone around me—it was like everyone was chasing the same voice: be smarter, faster, better. I didn’t even realize how heavy it all felt until something shifted.

Last spring—and the one before it—I volunteered as a peer mentor with Willow Friends (Willow’s community for those with special needs) for their annual theater production.

Peer mentors partner with actors who have disabilities to help them prepare for the show. This year, I was partnered with Nate, a 19-year-old actor with Down syndrome. I thought I knew my role: support, encourage, guide.

But during rehearsals, something unexpected happened. I laughed—genuinely, freely. The room was full of joy, not judgment. There were no comparisons or competitions, just a community that embraced each person as they were. The expectations were still high—but not for perfection; rather, for presence, joy, and connection.

Working alongside Nate, I realized I wasn’t the one doing the helping. He was helping me. He reminded me that life isn’t about rankings or appearances. It’s about real relationships and showing up as yourself. Nate became an unexpected friend—just like Rahab in Scripture was an unexpected hero—overlooked by many, but chosen by God for something bigger. I thought I was showing up for Nate, but God was using Nate to reach me. Through him, I began to see how the most unlikely people can teach us the most powerful truths.

And sometimes, the person you think you’re helping is the one who’s really helping you.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rahab is one of only five women named in the lineage of Jesus, listed in Matthew 1— a remarkable honor, given the patriarchal culture of the day. Many scholars believe Rahab, a Gentile (non-Jew), was the great-great-grandmother of Israel’s King David, making Jesus a direct descendant of the prostitute God used to protect two men and deliver the Promised Land to Israel. Rahab’s story is a powerful example of God using unlikely people to accomplish His plans, regardless of social standing. “The least of these” are some of God’s favorite heroes.

A PRAYER

God, whenever I feel less-than or second-guess my ability to make a difference in someone’s life, remind me of how You used Rahab to protect two of Joshua’s men—and fulfill Your promise to Israel. Help me view myself and others through Your eyes: as having infinite value and potential, despite outward appearances. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Describe a time that you underestimated someone. What did you learn about that person, yourself, and God?

Describe a time when you were underestimated by someone. How did God use you in that person’s life—and how did that make you feel?