Brothers, consider your calling: Not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world-what is viewed as nothing-to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one can boast in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 HCSB
If you are at a point in your life where you are pretty pleased with yourself then you should read this. If you are at one of the lowest points in your life where you feel lower than dirt, then you should read this. This scripture passage speaks of strength, wisdom and power. So let’s look at it from both perspectives.
First if you are doing great things, know that everything is a gift from God (James 1:17), so before you get all swelled up with pride about what you can do and have done, know that you do nothing without God. If we don’t humble ourselves before God, God will humble us and trust me, you don’t want that. Also know that anything and everything you do without God is useless. Our lives have no meaning without God. Our Sunday School class is wrapping up a study in Ecclesiastes which on the surface is a rather depressing book, but in it Solomon speaks of the futility of life without God. Now you might want to make a little note here that God offered to give Solomon whatever he asked for and Solomon asked for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). God was so pleased with that, that he not only made him the wisest man ever, but He also gave him great wealth and power. Just sayin’. Then there was Samson, remember that God gave him great strength, but he had a problem being obedient to God which lead to disastrous consequences (Judges 13-16).
Secondly, if you are at a low point in your life, then know that God can use you. Your test can become your testimony. Your mess can become your message. So, if you are feeling like a fool right now, know that God can help you turn that around. He can give you wisdom and His wisdom is way better than worldly wisdom. Our scripture passage says that not many are wise from a human perspective, not many are powerful and not many are born into royalty or power or wealth or fame. But my favorite part of this scripture passage is that God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world-what is viewed as nothing-to bring to nothing what is viewed as something. So if you are feeling like a nobody and a nothing right now, that’s okay. God can use you. Remember that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
The bottom line is this, all good things come from God. It is important for us to realize this. If you are doing well in your life right now and you feel as though you are on the top of the mountain, then bow down and give thanks to God. Praise Him for the good things in your life.
But if you are in the lowest depths of the valley, then look up. Trust in Him and He will take good care of you. Put Him first in your life and see the difference it makes. Rely on His strength, His power, and His wisdom.
What we get from God is so much better than anything we get from the world. Too often, we feel as though we have to be independent. We feel that we have to do it on our own. We develop this “looking out for number one” mentality. When we do this, we consider ourselves to be number one. This is dangerous, my friend. Make God number one in your life and know that when you do, he will take care of everything else for you. When we put Him first in our lives, He handles whatever may come our way. He is there to walk us through the fire and through the flood.
My pastor says that we either just came through a trial, or we are in a trial, or a trial is headed our way. Trials and tribulations are just a part of life on this planet. Trust in God. If you are doing well, then good for you. Know that hard times will come and you will need God. Turn to Him now so that the hard times won’t be so hard. If you are in a time of trial and tribulation, turn to God. Trust in Him to pull you through. His way is so much better than our way. His strength, His wisdom, and His power is more than we could ever imagine. Nothing is impossible with Him. So rely on Him and you won’t be disappointed.
Have a great day!