For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by God’s grace, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me.    1 Corinthians 15:9-10 HCSB

Many of you may be too young to remember the movie, Walking Tall, although there was a remake some years ago. It was the story of Sheriff Buford Pusser of McNair County Tennessee and his fight against crime which later turned into avenging his wife’s murder.

Sheriff Pusser was a former marine, a man of large stature and was known for being tough on crime. Thus his name became synonymous with the movie title, Walking Tall.

Our Scripture passage is written by Paul. Paul was formerly Saul who persecuted Christians. As Saul, I’m sure he felt he was walking tall and doing what was right, fighting for justice. I imagine there was some pride involved. But then there was that Damascus Road experience (Acts 9).

This was the time when Saul literally came to Jesus or rather Jesus came to Him and asked Him, “Why are you persecuting me?” This changed Saul and he became Paul one of Jesus’ apostles. He would spend the rest of his life spreading the good news of the gospel.

He would be persecuted. He would be beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and eventually martyred for his Christianity and his teaching. Paul was humbled after his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road.

The Bible tells us those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted in Matthew 23:12. If we get too full of ourselves, believe me, God knows how to teach us all about humility.

Sometimes, however, when we humble ourselves, we may think that we are unworthy. We may think we are the least of our church members and incapable, but we must understand God can use us either way.

God wants us to serve Him. He has work for us to do. None of us were put here to be pew decor on Sunday mornings. We were put here to live in close fellowship with the Lord and to serve Him.

God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses had plenty of shortcomings he wanted to use as excuses, but God wouldn’t hear of it. God sent his brother Aaron to help him (Exodus 3).

Gideon was the youngest son from the weakest family in his tribe, but God used him to save the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites (Judges 6).

Here, Paul says he was the least of the apostles because he had spent much of his life persecuting God’s church, but God still used him to spread the gospel and plant churches.

If you are feeling small and insignificant, know that God can still use you. Know that He has plans for you. Most importantly, know that anything He calls you to do, He will equip you to do. He will give you the strength and power and money and supplies and whatever you need to get it done.

Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If God is calling you to do something no matter how small and weak you may feel, know that He will give you strength to accomplish the task.

Trust in God today. Obey Him and serve Him. Don’t focus on your limitations, focus on His power. Even though, you may see yourself as walking small, He can lift you up to walk tall and get the job done.

Have a great day!