Unlikely servants

God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise. – 1 CORINTHIANS

We often hear people say things like: "I’m only a housewife." "I’m only a janitor." "I’m only an average student."

Underestimating one’s usefulness to God is nothing new. In Old Testament times, for example, when God looked for someone to conquer the troublesome Midianites, He chose unimpressive Gideon, calling him a "mighty man of valor" (JUDGES 6:12). Gideon responded, "How can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house" (v. 15). But God persisted, saying, "Have I not sent you? . . . Surely I will be with you" (vv. 14-16).

Gideon became God’s man for the task, because there’s no such thing as a "nobody" in His eyes. The Lord gave Gideon just 300 men to help him, rather than thousands (7:1-7), so that God alone would receive the glory.

The apostle Paul also taught that God chooses and uses things that the world calls foolish, weak, lowly, and despised. He shames the wise and the mighty so "that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 CORINTHIANS 1:29).

If you feel that you’re "only a nobody", review God’s call to Gideon. The Lord wants to use you more than you ever thought possible. – JOANIE YODER

Gladly take the task God gives you,

Let His work your pleasure be;

Answer quickly when He calls you,

"I am willing, Lord, use me."

– DARCH

READ: JUDGES 6:11-16

God uses ordinary people to carry out his extraordinary plan.