May 4, 2023 - 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NLT

Lord, we thank you that you are not looking to use perfect people. The opposite is the reality. You call those that don’t think they are capable. You call the outcasts, the broken, the weak to do great things with you. You call those who mess up in big ways. Moses and David were both murderers. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth was an outsider. Peter denied you. Paul persecuted the church. God, you have an amazing way of looking past our sins and shortcomings and finding our potential. We praise you that if we only say “yes” to you, you will use us despite our shortcomings. It is through our weaknesses that you are glorified. Just like in Judges 7 where you whittled down Gideon’s army to 300 men and then used them to defeat 135,000 men. By doing that you received all the glory and not Gideon’s army.

Lord, teach us to walk in obedience to whatever you ask of us, even when the tasks you ask of us seem impossible. Even when we feel so far from capable or qualified, help us learn to trust you and your ways. What an honor it is to be used by you. Lord, help us to also see others, who we would say are not qualified, through your eyes. Teach us to trust you and not discount your work because you used someone we don’t approve of. We declare, not our will or our way, but your will in your way be done in all things.

In Jesus name, amen.