I never thought I would genuinely
praise God for weakness. I have praised Him in the midst of weakness before, a
necessary practice make it through the difficult times. But, for the first time
I am rejoicing in the weakness itself. That
God would count me worthy to be weak so that His strength may be shown. What an
immense privilege. The realization of this precious opportunity brings tears to
my eyes.
“…God chose what
is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low
and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things
that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of
God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us
wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31
so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:
27b-31 (ESV)
Those who follow Jesus are the only
ones who can have pure, true joy
regardless of the circumstance one is in because eternal redemption and
relationship with the God of the universe has already been obtained. So, of
what consequence are the things of this earth? Is weakness comfortable or the
most enjoyable experience a human can walk through? Most definitely not. But
despite the discomfort and pain, there is the unquenchable joy of being used by
the Creator to be an example to those He is seeking after. I can boast in my
God who wants to use me when I am weak and broken. The world discards those who
are weak, poor, broken, and imperfect. They are cast aside, ignored and deemed
as unworthy of time, attention, and resources. But, God chooses those. He doesn’t
settle for the weak ones or use the poor because they are all He has to choose
from. He chooses them intentionally. Oh what a humbling revelation! I am flawed
and the King of kings wants to use me to accomplish His purposes and bring Him
glory. That knowledge causes joy to explode from my heart and a song of praise
to ascend to His inclined ear.
If you are
weak. If you are broken. If you are imperfect. If you are despised by the people
of this world. God has chosen you. Will you allow Him to use you, even if it
means He won’t fix the way you think you need fixing? I never understood this
and I am only just beginning to, but if God uses the weak to bring Him glory,
then I am more than okay with not being made strong. I want to remain in the
state that God can use me most, whatever that may be, that I may not be a
manifestation of human pride before God, but I might boast in the Lord.
