God Uses the Ordinary

May 16, 2025
“God Uses the Ordinary”

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong... so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:27, 31 (ESV)

There’s something incredibly encouraging about the way God works. All throughout Scripture, we see Him choosing people that others overlooked. From David—the forgotten youngest son—to fishermen who had no formal training, God consistently calls the unlikely and does something extraordinary through them.

This theme runs like a thread through the Bible: God specializes in using those the world might label as too weak, too broken, or too average. But what we find in Scripture is that the strongest, wisest, and most influential people weren’t relying on themselves—they were depending on God.

Their strength didn’t come from themselves—it came from the power of God within them.
Paul reminds us, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” And the prophet Zechariah echoed the same truth when he declared, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.

This is where our confidence comes from. It’s not about being the best, the brightest, or the most gifted. It’s about being willing. Great things aren’t accomplished through our strength—but through God’s power at work in us.

That’s been true throughout Scripture. When God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah didn’t present a list of qualifications—he simply responded, “Here am I. Send me.” God is looking for availability, not ability. And when we say yes, He meets our weakness with His strength and does far more than we could ever imagine.

If you’ve ever felt too weak, too ordinary, or too far gone, you’re in the perfect position to be empowered by God for His work. He doesn’t need perfection—He’s looking for willingness. When we rely on His Spirit instead of our own strength, the ordinary becomes the place where the extraordinary happens.

I’m thankful God takes our weakness—or what might be seen as ordinary—and empowers it for something extraordinary.

Reflection Questions:

1. What part of your life have you viewed as a weakness—and how might God want to fill that very area with His strength to accomplish something meaningful for His Kingdom?
2. What if God is calling you today—are you available and willing to say “Yes”?

Prayer:
God, thank You that You don’t wait for us to be impressive before You choose to work through us. You take the weak and empower them for Your purpose. You use the ordinary to reveal Your glory. Help us rely on Your Spirit, not our own ability. Empower us to live with courage, knowing that You can do extraordinary things through surrendered hearts. Amen.