Our Confidence is in Giving God What we Have
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
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.
God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
God Chooses the Weak
Referring to verse 26, Lady Huntington, the rich and influential friend of Whitefield and Wesley, said she was going to heaven by an “m”: it isn’t any noble; instead, it is not many noble. Indeed, Jesus said it too when He expressed the point that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 19:24)
It’s pretty obvious that God calls the weak.
He doesn’t look for the great or the wise. He chooses those who desperately need to depend on Him to make His call happen.
Consider the Patriarchs of the Bible.
- Abraham was not even serving God when He was called.
- Moses was a murderer and had a speech impediment.
- Gideon was the youngest of the smallest and least important tribe of Israel but God used him in a mighty way to save the Israelites.
- King Saul hid in the baggage when Saul announced him as the first king of Israel,
- King David was a young boy when Samuel anointed him as the next king. Samuel thought his older brothers would make great kings, but God had other plans.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Who Did Jesus Select to be Disciples?
Peter – a fisherman with no education who was always sticking his foot in his mouth. But God transformed him into a great leader and speaker.
James & John – brothers who fussed over who was the greatest. But God used them to write portions of scripture.
Matthew – a tax collector who overcharged his own people for his own benefit until Jesus got ahold of his life.
Who is Wise? Who is Foolish?
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.
1 Corinthians 1:27
Early in life, I had no confidence in myself. I felt that God could not use me… even though I did have many talents. Surprisingly, when I married my pastor-husband, it somehow gave me “license” to speak; that maybe now as a pastor’s wife people might listen to my teaching. It gave me confidence. After my diagnosis of R.A. and chronic pain, I was again disturbed that now I really couldn’t serve God. But I felt I wasn’t finished. But I did still have something in my hands to give him … my mind, my computer, my knowledge was still available for Him to use.
God will use anyone who is willing. Just give him what you have.
When He called Moses, He asked him, “What do you have in your hand?” Moses replied, “a stick.” And wow! Did God ever use that stick? What do you have in your hand. Give God your stick! He’ll use it!
When God calls you, just say, "YES!" He'll take care of the rest. #confidence #answerthecall #legacylinkup Share on X-Mandy
It’s Your Turn
We’re sharing about heros this month. Have you written about anyone who gave the little they had and gave it to God for great results?
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
Amen! He truly meets us in our weakest places, and fills us with Himself right there. What a blessing to place our confidence in Him. It makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for these great thoughts, dear Mandy. Even in the transitions of our lives we can still be confident that He has His good purposes in mind for us.
It’s funny, I was just thinking of Lady Huntingdon’s being “saved by an m” before I read here! I used to struggle with self-confidence, too. Still do sometimes! But God has helped/is helping me to remember its His strength and ability, not mine.
I’m realizing more and more that God isn’t wanting us to become strong. He wants us to lean in to Him more and more. We may look strong but we are truly weak without Him.
oh goodness! Yes His strength. His ability. We’ve got to keep our eyes on Jesus lest we fall!
Oh, I hope it will be said of me that I used what little I have for Him.
me too!
Thanks for dropping by!