God Uses Broken People: The Redemption Story of Rahab

After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites were finally on the brink of entering the Promised Land. But before they did, Joshua sent two spies to survey the land—specifically, the walled city of Jericho.

This is where we meet Rahab.

A Canaanite woman.
A prostitute.
A social outcast.
A life lived on the outskirts—literally and figuratively—since her home was built into the city wall.

And yet, God had a plan for her.

Rahab Takes a Risk to Protect God’s People

When the two Israelite spies arrived at Rahab’s house, she hid them on her roof. Why? Because the king of Jericho had caught wind of their presence and sent men to find them. Rahab could’ve turned them in. It would’ve been the safe choice. The expected choice.

But she didn’t.

She lied and said the men had already left.

Why Did Rahab Hide the Spies?

Once the pursuers were gone, Rahab told the spies:

“I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us.”
— Joshua 2:9 (ESV)

She had heard the stories—how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and defeated kings in their path. And she believed. Not just in what He had done, but in who He is.

“For the Lord your God, He is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”
— Joshua 2:11 (ESV)

The Faith That Saved Rahab and Her Family

Rahab’s story is one of faith. Bold, decisive, world-shifting faith.

She chose to align herself with the God of Israel. She asked the spies to spare her and her family—and they agreed. She lowered them out of her window and helped them escape. Because of her faith, she and her household were saved.

Rahab Was an Unlikely Hero in the Bible

An unlikely candidate.
A woman of dishonor.
And yet—the one God used to fulfill His purpose.

God Uses the Broken to Fulfill His Purpose

The story of Rahab is a reminder that God delights in using broken people.

Rahab wasn’t perfect. She was messy. Flawed. Unqualified by human standards. But God saw her faith, not her past. He welcomed her into His story and rewrote her future.

Rahab was grafted into the family of God—so much so that she’s listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) and remembered in Hebrews 11 as a hero of the faith.

That’s the power of redemption.
That’s the God we serve.

You Are Not Disqualified from Being Used by God

Friend, hear this: you are not disqualified from being used by God. Your past doesn’t cancel your purpose. Your brokenness doesn’t erase your calling.

God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for humble hearts, surrendered lives, and faith that trusts Him—especially when the odds seem stacked against us.

The stories we think are too messy or too broken?
They’re often the ones God uses most powerfully for His glory.

Reflect:

Where do you see God’s redemption in your life today?
How might He be inviting you to step out in faith—even if it feels risky?

After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites were finally on the brink of entering the Promised Land. But before they did, Joshua sent two spies to survey the land—specifically, the walled city of Jericho.