Sometimes God uses bad people to show us who He is. In Exodus it was hard hearted Pharaoh who wouldn’t free God’s people and subjected the Egyptians to seven horrible plagues. God only knows what’s in store for us until His name is proclaimed in all the earth. Maybe we believers should be less reticent about proclaiming His name.

Exodus 9:16 -   But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

Bible Gateway link: Exodus 9:16 (ESV)

Abraham’s grandson was a conniving, frightened, trickster and thief. He was a sinner of the first rank, and yet God not only deigned to wrestled with him, He allowed the match to end in a draw. He turned Jacob and his clan into the chosen people. It’s not irony, it is another example of how God redeems his children. He even redeemed me. I’m so grateful.

Genesis 32:28 

Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 32:28 -Genesis 32:28 (ESV)

People were horrified at the sin they saw. They cried out to God. Notice, though, He checked it out for Himself before He acted. God hears our prayers of outrage. He also has infinite perspective, which we do not.

Genesis 18:20-21 

Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.” -Bible Gateway link: Genesis 18:20-21 ESV