By Brenda Cannon Henley
“For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, you, and things which are not to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

God doesn’t think or choose as we humans are prone to do. A more true statement is that we humans do not think or choose as God does. His thoughts and ways are far above all we can ask, think, or imagine. Aren’t we glad?

When we study the Word of God, we find that God often uses people to change the world and get his work done that we would likely never ever consider. If we were to serve as human resource director for a large corporation or firm, most of the disciples Jesus chose would not appear on the A, or first choice list. They certainly would not be offered the biggest and best sign-on bonus package or the highest salary and perk advantages.

The verses in 1 Corinthians 1 tell us clearly he often chooses the weak things, including people, to confound the mighty. Think of the physical description of John the Baptist. Remember that Rahab the harlot is listed in the lineage of Christ himself. It was a young lad’s lunch of two loaves and five fish that provided food for upward of 20,000 people. Young David killed the big, taunting giant, Goliad with a stone and a slingshot.

Writing these thoughts gives me hope, promise, and joy. God will use those that make themselves available to him for service.

My son, who is also my pastor, used an old illustration the other morning in his sermon. He asked quite seriously, “How many of you have ever used the heel of your shoe to put a nail in place on a wall?” Almost every adult hand went up immediately. He laughed and said, “Don’t you guys have hammers made for that purpose?” Of course, we all have hammers and other tools, but finding the hammer and using it would take time and energy.

I believe God often uses the closest worker at hand. He chooses the person that has made himself or herself available. They are praying people, working people, loving people, and they put themselves on the front lines of service.

Sure, there are better educated perhaps, smoother, more wealthy, trained by experts, but God sees and knows the heart and he knows who can and will witness and work for his kingdom. These people are world changers. They get things done. They help people. They are encourages and givers and they demonstrate compassion and love with pure motives.

God has a rich history of confounding the world by his choice of workers. He often chooses those who were weak, unknown, perhaps even foolish, broken vessels that are willing to put themselves in his hands for service. They can tell the true story of what God has done in their life, how he changed them, and how he can use their testimony to reach others for his glory.

Don’t give up on yourself because your background and life story is not like someone else’s. Remember that God made each of us and that he loves us more than we likely will ever know. He created each of us for a purpose, and if we yield our time and talent to him, he will use us to be world changers.

God bless us as we realize who we are and the potential we each possess.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409-781-8788, or
[email protected]

[Feb-22-2021]