The Power of Weakness: Why God Chooses the Unlikely.

Can you relate to feeling weak and inadequate? Do you ever find yourself in situations where you feel like you just can't do it? Maybe it's a new job, a difficult relationship, or a personal struggle that seems impossible to overcome. Whatever the situation, the feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming and demotivating.

But what if I told you that as a Christian, this feeling of weakness could actually be a good thing? That God intentionally chooses the weak and the unlikely to accomplish his purposes? It may sound counterintuitive, but let's explore this idea together and see what the Bible has to say about it.

God Chooses the Weak

The Bible is full of examples of God choosing the weak and unlikely to accomplish his purposes. In fact, it's a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Let's take a look at some of these examples.

Abraham and Sarah

One of the first examples we see in the Bible is Abraham and Sarah. God promised to make Abraham the father of many nations, but there was just one problem: Abraham and Sarah were old and Sarah was barren. From a human perspective, it seemed impossible for them to have a child at their age. But God had a plan, and he chose this weak and unlikely couple to be the beginning of his covenant people.

Moses

Another example is Moses. When God called Moses to lead his people out of Egypt, Moses was hesitant and insecure. He didn't feel equipped to lead such a large group of people, and he even stuttered when he spoke. But God reassured him and told him that he would be with him and help him. And despite his weaknesses, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land.

David

David is perhaps one of the most well-known examples of God choosing the weak. When Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, David was the last person anyone expected. He was the youngest of his brothers and a shepherd, not a warrior or a leader. But God saw something in David that no one else did, and he chose him to be the greatest king Israel had ever known.

Jesus

Of course, the ultimate example of God choosing the weak is Jesus himself. He was born in a stable to a poor family, and he spent his ministry among the outcasts and the marginalized. He had no political power or influence, and he was eventually crucified as a criminal. But through his weakness and death, he accomplished the greatest victory of all: the defeat of sin and death, and the reconciliation of God and humanity.

Why Does God Choose the Weak?

So why does God choose the weak and unlikely to accomplish his purposes? There are a few reasons we can glean from Scripture.

First, it shows that the power is not in the person, but in God. When God chooses someone who seems weak or inadequate, it's a clear sign that the success of the mission is not dependent on that person's strength or abilities. Instead, it's a testament to God's power and sovereignty.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Second, choosing the weak also allows God to demonstrate his glory and goodness. When someone who seems weak or inadequate accomplishes something great, it's a clear sign that it was not their own doing, but rather the work of God. This brings glory to God and shows his goodness to others.

Finally, choosing the weak also allows God to work in and through that person's weaknesses. When we are weak, we are more likely to rely on God and seek his help. And when God works through our weaknesses, it's a clear sign that it was not our own doing, but rather the work of God. This can be a powerful testimony to others and a source of encouragement for those who feel weak or inadequate.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So what does this mean for us as Christians? First of all, it means that we don't have to have it all together in order to be used by God. In fact, our weaknesses and inadequacies may be precisely what God wants to use to accomplish his purposes.

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, "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. 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; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

This doesn't mean that we should be complacent or apathetic about our weaknesses. Rather, we should acknowledge them and bring them to God, asking for his help and guidance. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In other words, our weaknesses are not a hindrance to God's work, but rather an opportunity for God to demonstrate his power and goodness. So let's embrace our weaknesses and trust in God's strength to accomplish his purposes in and through us.