“There is an appropriate way to use your story, not as an excuse but as a testimony to God’s ability to free you from the past.” Andy Stanley
God Chose the Weak
“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.”
1 Corinthians 1:27
Peter, the lead disciple of Jesus, denied and disowned Jesus three times. Thomas, another one of the twelve, doubted Jesus’ resurrection when he announced, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” In the Old Testament, Jonah disobeyed God’s command and thought he could run away from the Lord but ended up, first in the belly of a fish, and then in Nineveh, preaching the good news to the people whom he hated.
All three of the men mentioned above suffered a major set back in their faith but the Lord did not disown them; He was willing to use them by coming alongside them.
Jesus forgave Peter by restoring him in love which led Peter to become so zealous for the Lord that he asked to be crucified upside-down, for he felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
Jesus was willing to show Thomas His wound, and let him feel it. This led Thomas to dedicating his life whole heartedly to Christ. We know that he was martyred in India for the sake of the gospel.
God also showed much patience with Jonah and as a result, the entire city was saved.
We, too, are dear in His eyes as we are His very own children. Though we fail, He is willing to restore us through His grace and make us strong in Him. There is, therefore, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus because we are acceptable and will always have access to Him. Therefore, do not condemn yourself but be strong and know that He is preparing to use you.
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am weak but I trust in You to make me strong as I empty myself in You. My testimony is the new life that I have in You. Amen.
God bless you,
Theo and Manju