3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels gathered around him and followed him.
4 Some time later, when the Ammonites were fighting against Israel, 5 the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. 6 “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.”
7 Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?”
8 The elders of Gilead said to him, “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now; come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be head over all of us who live in Gilead.”
9 Jephthah answered, “Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me—will I really be your head?”
10 The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.”
Jephthah was forced away from his home. These were circumstances beyond his control. He was an outcast. Then, things changed for him. Jephthah had great potential, and God put people in his life to bring him back. Look around you to see if there are those around you who have potential and are being kept out for reasons out of their control. Know that everyone can have a place in God’s family. Look to see if there is anything you can do to help someone gain acceptance for their character and abilities.
