Favor Fridays with Tony™: When Favor Picks the Least Likely
- Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
One of the most consistent patterns throughout Scripture—and in many of our lives—is this: God doesn’t always pick the qualified. He qualifies the ones He picks.
In a world obsessed with resumes, platforms, and pedigree, God’s favor often falls on the least likely—the overlooked, underestimated, and even the rejected. Because where man sees limitations, God sees potential.
Chosen for More Than You Imagined
Have you ever felt unseen, passed over, or unworthy of what God called you to do? Good. That means you’re in excellent company:
Moses had a stutter and a past (Exodus 4:10). He ran from Egypt after killing a man and begged God to send someone else. But God still chose him to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of bondage. Moses became one of the greatest leaders in biblical history—not because he was perfect, but because he was obedient.
David was the youngest son, left out in the field when Samuel came looking for Israel’s next king (1 Samuel 16:11–13). He didn’t look the part, but he had a heart after God. He went from shepherd to giant-slayer to king.
Esther was a Jewish orphan raised in exile. She wasn’t royalty, but God raised her to be queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). She saved a nation.
Mary was a teenage girl from an insignificant town. But when the angel Gabriel came to her, she responded with humble faith. God used her to bring the Savior into the world (Luke 1:26–38).
Peter was a fisherman with a temper and a tendency to speak too soon. But Jesus called him “the rock” on which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).
Paul was a former persecutor of Christians. But God met him on the road to Damascus and transformed him into one of the most influential apostles the world has ever known (Acts 9:1–6).
God didn’t look at their limitations. He looked at their hearts. He saw what others couldn’t see—and that’s what favor does.
The Power of Being Least Likely
Being the least likely isn’t a curse—it’s often the setup for a testimony that can’t be explained by human logic. When people can’t figure out how you got in the room, how you made it through, how you’re still standing—it’s because God’s hand was on you.
1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV) says: “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.”
Favor doesn’t need your credentials—it needs your obedience, willingness, and faith. God delights in showing Himself strong through those who are seen as weak, because He alone gets the glory.
God Uses the Overlooked
The world promotes those who promote themselves. But God elevates those who stay surrendered.
You may not have the spotlight, but God is still shining on you. The anointing works in the shadows before it works in the spotlight.
You may not be the first picked by man, but you were chosen by Heaven. God’s calling isn’t based on public opinion—it’s rooted in divine purpose.
You may not be the loudest, strongest, or most visible—but your yes carries power. The whisper of obedience is louder than a shout of ambition.
Remember Gideon? He called himself the weakest of his tribe and family (Judges 6:15). Yet God called him a “mighty warrior.” Gideon didn’t see it in himself—but God did.
Modern-Day Testimony
I know what it’s like to feel like the least likely. There were times I felt unqualified, under-resourced, and overlooked. But I kept moving. Kept writing. Kept obeying. And in return, God kept making a way.
I wasn’t the loudest voice. I wasn’t the most connected. But I was faithful. And favor found me—not because of who I knew, but because of who knew me.
Favor is not about the spotlight. It’s about the assignment. When you walk in God’s calling—even if no one else claps—He opens doors that no one can shut.
Scriptures to Hold Onto
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
Psalm 75:6–7 (NIV): “No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”
Romans 8:30 (NLT): “And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV): “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Isaiah 41:9–10 (NIV): “I took you from the ends of the earth… I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.”
Declarations for the Underdog
I declare that I am chosen by God even when others overlook me.
I declare that favor finds me even when I feel unqualified.
I declare that I am equipped by grace to do what God has called me to do.
I declare that my story will inspire others to believe.
I declare that I am walking in divine purpose, not human popularity.
I declare that what others counted out, God is counting on.
I declare that I will not miss what God has assigned to me.
A Prayer for the Least Likely
Lord, thank You for seeing what others miss. For calling us even when we don’t feel qualified. Thank You for reminding us that we are never too far, too small, or too unworthy for Your favor. Use our lives as proof that You still elevate the overlooked. Fill us with courage, boldness, and humility to walk in rooms we never thought we could enter. Help us steward the blessings You give with integrity and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thoughts
You may feel ordinary—but your calling is anything but. God has a history of picking people who don’t look the part so He can get all the glory. So if you’ve been feeling disqualified, discouraged, or underestimated—this is your confirmation:
You are exactly who God wants to use.
Your age doesn’t disqualify you. Your past doesn’t disqualify you. Your doubts don’t disqualify you.
You are called. You are equipped. You are favored.
Keep walking. Keep trusting. Keep showing up. Favor is falling on the least likely—and that includes you.
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