1 Corinthians 1.26–29
26 For consider your calling, brothers:
not many of you were wise
according to worldly standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
27 But God chose what is foolish in the world
to shame the wise;
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.
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I have many reasons why I doubt God’s love for me and His ability and desire to use me for His glory. I have insecurities, fears, and I make comparisons with others who are more talented, more winsome, or have more engaging personalities or leadership and pastoral skills. But Scripture is clear: God is in the business of doing the unlikely through the unlikely. When the world sees that unlikely work, their eyes will be drawn not to me, but to God, because without God’s involvement it wouldn’t make sense.
The Gospel uses
my weaknesses
as the doorways
to His strength.
I am keenly aware of my weaknesses and limitations, and I know that there are also many that I am unaware of! My weaknesses are weaker than my strengths are strong, and this can be debilitating and deflating for my faith. But the Gospel helps me realize that when I doubt His ability to use me, it is not my lack of confidence in myself that is at work, but it reveals my lack of confidence in God. This awareness of my limitations is really meant to lead me to a tremendous strengthening of my faith; not my faith in myself, but my faith in Christ.
It is curiously comforting
to know that your calling
is beyond your capability…
You can place no confidence
in your gifts, experience, education,
techniques, professional persona,
credentials, maturity, or wisdom.
You are called to do
what God must do.
-David Powlison
The Gospel shines the brightest when it sits atop our weaknesses. As a matter of fact, my inability will often serve as a bonus, because it is when I am wholly dependent and unsure of myself, but instead I am sure of the power of God and His Gospel, that God is truly glorified in and through me. Like jumping out of an airplane, I am putting my trust 100% in my parachute, and not my ability to fly! The Gospel is my parachute as I entrust myself to God with all my shortcomings.
Read Again Out Loud and Make it into a Prayer:
1 Corinthians 1.26–29
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Cornerstone
Reuben Morgan
Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless I stand before the throne
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Pray Aloud:
May the spiritual songs
and sweet hymns I sing to You, O Christ,
please Your Majesty.
As I offer my spiritual sacrifice;
You live and reign together
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever.
Amen.
-Antiphonary of Bangor, Ireland, 7th Century,
after the Gospel Canticle
Father, help ________ to keep in step
with Your Spirit today.
Help ______ to follow You
and lift up Your Name,
that ______ might carry
Your aroma through the day.
Give _______ daily bread,
so Your promises
would keep ________ heart,
which is prone to wander,
anchored closely to You.
Lead ________ away from temptation,
but instead be brought back
to Your truth and presence.
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