Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 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. God 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.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

What a week exploring “but God” moments!

I pray reading these posts has brightened your days as much as mine have been brightened by writing them.

Today’s “but God” moment is found in another letter from Paul – this time to the body of believers in Corinth. It opens with a direct address to Paul’s spiritual brothers and sisters. Let’s check it out in verse 26:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

Think of what you were when you were called.

Christian, that directive isn’t just for the early believers in Corinth. It’s for you and for me too.

Before the Holy Spirit pulled on your heart strings, before you put your trust in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who was born, died, and rose again for the salvation of your soul, what were you?

What were any of us?

We were sinners and enemies of God (Romans 5:8-11).

Even if we were considered wise, or influential, or from a wealthy family, we were still sinners, separated from God; as sinners, anything we put our hand to or mind to would be flawed, weak, foolish.

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. God 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.

Brothers and sisters, God chose you and God chose me – while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8)!

God doesn’t wait until we’re popular or well positioned to call us His own.

In God’s Kingdom there’s no such thing as not smart enough, not popular enough, or not wealthy enough. God doesn’t call you based on your family history or your current level of influence.

Praise God, He calls us to Himself and then HE positions us for HIS GLORY (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)!

Praise God, He calls us to Himself and then HE puts in a place of influence for the growth of HIS KINGDOM (Esther 4:14)!

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