Don’t you just love how God works? He is God and will not share his glory with anyone. So, just to make sure that we know it is him doing all of the “heavy lifting”, the bible teaches us that he uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He uses those of us who don’t have the ability to succeed on our own to succeed, so that everyone knows that it was God alone who made it happen. In first Corinthians chapter 1 verses 27 – 31 the bible says:
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'"
Make no mistake, God is in control and when he takes control, no one can share his glory. So if you think you aren’t smart enough, strong enough, or charismatic enough to be used by God, remember that this is where God likes to operate. It is only when we think we are “God’s gift” that he shows us that we’re not. Remember the story of David? God used a shepherd boy above all of his older and stronger brothers to bring down Goliath. And David knew, just like we should know, that it was God’s strength, not his, that slew the giant. So, if you dare to boast, make sure you boast in the Lord. Anything else is like trying to share the glory with God.
---
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong”. There is story after story in the Bible where God choses what we might consider the least likely candidate to accomplish his will. And in every case, there is no mistaking God’s power in the mission. That is by design, so that those of us who think we are strong in our own strength or wise in our own wisdom will be shamed. I remember God using someone who I thought was totally unqualified, who touched someone with their hand and the power of God literally flowed from it and healed the person. He wasn’t a pastor, an elder or a pillar in our church. He was just a damaged, emotionally challenged boy. And yes, I was shamed and God received all of the glory.