You can imagine the disciples' distrust of this Saul of Tarsus. Having been sent out with authority from the chief priest to arrest and kill Christians. Having gone to Damascus, "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples" (Acts 9:1). Saul was the most unlikely candidate to be chosen by the Lord to be an apostle, even to himself - but he was.
Annanias had to be personally instructed by the Lord before he would accept him. When Saul came to Jerusalem, the disciples there could only see a man who had proven to be an enemy of the Way. Barnabas alone believed in him and championed Saul to be accepted and "brought him to the apostles" (Acts 9:27).
Perhaps you know someone who is an unlikely candidate to become a disciple, but God is already leaning against his/her heart - don't give up on them. They may yet see "a light from heaven" (Acts 9:3), perhaps in you.
Maybe you are that unlikely candidate. Possibly you cannot imagine yourself being used by God in kingdom work or even acceptable as a disciple at all. Saul couldn't have been less likely. When I was called called into ministry, no one was more shocked than me, heathen that I was.
Don't give up on others, don't write yourself off. Although unlikely candidates - they may yet be and you may already be in the process of being called. Who would have thought? Oh yeah, God!
Jus' Sayn.
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