Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God The Father – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 – God Chose The Weak – Growing As Disciples
Brothers, 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. He 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 him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NIV)
Powerfully Used
I want to clear up one thing with you right now? What’s that? I have chosen you to bear fruit for me. You need to hear that and take a hold of it with all your heart, mind and strength. Don’t ask me why. We both know why. You have had a setback. You have suffered a humiliating defeat. Those are your words not mine. You are so embarrassed that you would rather pull the covers up over your head and stay in bed than go out that front door. Do I have the picture right so far? Yes Father, you do.
Your confidence has been shaken. You’re wondering how could I ever use such a weak vessel as you. Your thoughts are beyond wondering and firmly rooted in doubt. You’re telling yourself that I can’t possibly use you, is that right? You know that it is. How long do you want to wallow in this depressed self-pity that you are feeling? How long can I? I see that you still have your sense of humor.
Did it ever occur to you that you are in a very good place to be? No, it has not. That’s not really the truth is it? No, it’s not. You just hate the idea that you are so weak don’t you? Yes, as a matter of fact my weaknesses are a real pain in the neck. Sometimes I have even loathed myself for being so weak.
What would happen if I powerfully worked through you, in spite of all your weaknesses? Have you ever seen me do that in someone else before? Yes, I guess that you have a long history of using weak people to powerfully serve you. Why don’t you name a few just to make sure that we are on the same page? Would Moses, David and Paul qualify as weak vessels that you were able to powerfully use? Yes, they would.
Now, would you rather be weak or strong? I would rather be weak. Why is that? I know that you will make me strong so that you can work in and through my life. Yes, I will. Now, do you really understand why your recent set back has brought you back to a good place? Yes, I once again know how weak I really am. I know that I will need to trust you and rely on your strength so that you can powerfully use me to accomplish your purposes. Yes, that’s right. Will you rely on me completely so that I can work in and through your life? Yes Father, I will.
Father, I thought I was strong. Thank you for allowing a setback to come into my life to show me how weak I am. I know in my strength I can accomplish nothing. I will rely on your strength to accomplish all that you ask of me. Amen
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