God Chooses the Weak

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. 27 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)

As I write, American bombs have landed on an Iranian Nuclear facility, and we wait to see how the powers in Iran and America take this towards war or peace.

In a world that often celebrates strength, power, and might, the Christian narrative presents a radical counter-story: God frequently chooses the weak, the foolish, and the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This isn't a mere anomaly; it's a recurring theme woven throughout the scriptures, revealing a profound truth about God's character and His ways.

The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, addresses this very issue. I have bookended this article with his words. The passage isn't a condemnation of strength or wisdom, but rather an unveiling of God's upside-down kingdom. He deliberately chooses those who are considered weak by the world's standards to demonstrate His own power and wisdom.

Why? So that "no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Corinthians 1:29). When God uses the unlikely, the credit for any success goes squarely to Him. It removes any possibility of human pride or self-congratulation, highlighting that it is God's strength, not our own, that accomplishes His will.

The Bible is replete with examples of God choosing the weak to confound the strong:

Moses: A shepherd with a speech impediment, who had formerly been a prince of Egypt, was chosen to confront Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time, and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses himself felt inadequate, questioning his ability to speak eloquently (Exodus 4:10). Yet, God equipped him and worked through his perceived weakness to perform mighty miracles. David: The youngest son, a shepherd boy, was chosen to be king over Israel, replacing the imposing and powerful Saul. David, armed with only a sling and a few stones, defeated Goliath, the Philistine giant who terrified the Israelite army (1 Samuel 17). The Disciples: Jesus chose ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and other common folk to be His closest followers and to spread His message throughout the world. These men were not scholars, priests, or political leaders, yet they became the foundation of the early church.

These individuals, and many others in the Bible, were not chosen because of their strength, wisdom, or social standing. They were chosen in spite of their perceived weaknesses. God saw something in them – a willingness to be used, a heart open to His leading, and a faith that, however small, could be nurtured into something extraordinary.

This "theology of weakness" isn't about seeking out suffering or deliberately cultivating inadequacy. It's about recognizing our limitations, acknowledging our dependence on God, and allowing His strength to work through our vulnerabilities. It is about humility, recognizing that God is God and we are not, and giving thanks for this fact.

Humility is a key component in God's choice of the weak. The humble person recognizes their need for God's grace and is willing to submit to His will. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Humility isn't about self-deprecation or false modesty; it's about having a right view of yourself in relation to God – acknowledging His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.

What does this mean for us today? How can we apply this principle of God choosing the weak to our own lives?

Embrace your weaknesses: Don't try to hide or deny your limitations. Acknowledge them and bring them before God, asking Him to use them for His glory. Depend on God's strength: Recognize that you cannot accomplish God's purposes in your own strength. Rely on His power, His wisdom, and His guidance. Be willing to be used: Make yourself available to God, even if you feel inadequate or unqualified. Trust that He can equip you for the task He has called you to. Cultivate humility: Seek to have a right view of yourself in relation to God. Acknowledge His sovereignty and your dependence on Him. Find strength in community: God designed us to need one another. Recognize that others have strengths where you are weak, and allow them to support you.

God's choice of the weak is not a rejection of strength, but a redefinition of it. True strength isn't found in human ability or worldly power, but in dependence on God. When we embrace our weaknesses and rely on His strength, we become vessels through which He can work in extraordinary ways, bringing glory to Himself and impacting the world for His kingdom. It is in our weakness that He is strong, and it is through our humility that we find His favour.

28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 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. 31 Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ (1 Corinthians 1)

Brian Leathers June 2025