1 Corinthians 1:25-31 AMP
[This is] because the foolishness of God [is not foolishness at all and] is wiser than men [far beyond human comprehension], and the weakness of God is stronger than men [far beyond the limits of human effort]. [26] Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. [27] But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. [28] God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, [29] so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God. [30] But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God [revealing His plan of salvation], and righteousness [making us acceptable to God], and sanctification [making us holy and setting us apart for God], and redemption [providing our ransom from the penalty for sin], [31] so then, as it is written [in Scripture], “HE WHO BOASTS and GLORIES, LET HIM BOAST and GLORY IN THE LORD.”
The foolishness of God is wiser, etc. VS 25—This means that the things of God, which seem to men foolishness, are infinitely beyond the highest degree of human wisdom; and those works of God, which appear to superficial observers as weak and contemptible, surpass all the efforts of human power. That which God has appointed for the salvation of men are so wisely imagined and so powerful.
Before you go saying things like “I am too small, too young, a woman, uneducated, unmarried, unemployed, can’t speak English, too short, too tall” and many more such reasons for not doing what God’s asked you to do, look at these “weak” people and things the Lord used.
A left-handed man. Judges 3:15
An ox goad. Judges 3:31
A woman. Judges 4:4, 18
A nail (inanimate object). Judges 4:21
A donkey. Numbers 22:28-31
A fish. Matthew 17:27
A stone. 1 Samuel 17:49
The Jawbone of an ass. Judges 15:16
A song and confusion. Judges 8:22
These are just a few weak things the Lord used in the scriptures for His glory. The Lord has no need for strong, mighty, educated, able, qualified, and perfect people to do His will.
We mostly think that ability, experience, and qualifications entitle and enable us to do God’s will but in truth, the Holy Spirit is who enables and qualifies us to do anything-Philippians 4:13. The Lord does not choose us by age, race, tribe, social standing, or ability but according to His will, purpose, and plans for us. God has always been doing good for his people. foreknew. He knows and has a special choice for each of his people of His choosing. God also predestined (that is, predetermined) that those whom he chose beforehand would become like Christ Romans 8:29. So, we can’t work or qualify ourselves into God’s grace. He chooses and qualifies us for His purpose, whether you are weak, strong, small, or big.
The Father wants and will use anyone who will humbly, willingly, and hungrily submit to Him, because according to 1 Peter 5:6, God can only use us and lift us above man’s standard if we completely surrender to Him.
The Lord needs weak things, weak people like us that He can mold, Isaiah 64:8, into useful tools for His purpose and pleasure, that will become mighty things, mighty people in His hands.
Every weak thing and person that the Lord used in mighty and miraculous ways did not contribute in any way but solely surrendered to the Lord’s wisdom and power.
A fish, a donkey, and a goad should not be seen as mighty but in the hands of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, they became mighty things. How about you? Would you surrender to the Lord, submit to His wisdom and power? Would you allow Him to use your weaknesses for mighty things in the kingdom for His glory?
God uses anyone who is willing, ready, hungry, and humble and He’s looking for you, so, do not despair, start from where you are, and the Lord will work on you to take you where He wants you.
Shalom
