“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:25; 27-29

Today’s Christian daily devotional

“Go ahead Earl, share your story.” Pastor Dean hands the microphone to a frail man missing about half of his bottom teeth.

My heart writhes watching him take what looks like an excruciating effort to move towards the pulpit in the center of the stage. The bright lights aren’t doing poor Earl any favors. His hard life is written on every line in his face. “I’m not used to the limelight, obviously.” He chuckles nervously, shifting from foot to foot.

“But, Pastor said if God thought that I was worth the bother to save, than my story was worth listening to…” It sounds as if Earl is trying convincing himself.

Sitting on the edge of my seat, I silently cheer him on.

“About three years ago I was in rehab for the eleventh or twelfth time…it’s been hard for me to keep count, I’ve been back and fourth so many times.” He clears his throat. “I grew up without a mother.  She left my pops for another man. My four brothers and I tried real hard to make up for her absence.  We rotated the chores and took jobs after school, but it never was enough.  Pops started drinking, and that’s when things got real bad…until we discovered we couldn’t feel his beatings if we got drunk, too….” His face stares blankly ahead, it may have been decades ago, but from Earl’s expression, it could have been just yesterday.

“I had to get out of there, so I ran away when I was only nine years old.  I’ve been drifting ever since.  This last visit to rehab I finally decided that this—was it.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  If God couldn’t heal me then my life was just not worth living anymore.” He shoves his hands in his pocket and pulls out a dog-eared tiny New Testament.

“This book saved my life. The day I surrendered my life to God was the day the words in this Bible started making sense to me.” His hand grips the book with firm reverence.

“Jesus didn’t come through no ceiling for me.  But everyday, bit-by-bit, I started to follow His teachings. It was real hard, ‘cause I ain’t no Jesus, that’s for sure.” He coughs while laughing.

“Let me read you the verses that got me through my darkest days: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:25; 27-29

“I’m nothing special.  But, God did something special for me.  He took a man that had no reason to live, and He gave him a reason.  I’m alive, and I don’t hate life anymore.  For the first time since my momma left, I can say I want to live and share the good little nuggets that God has taught me through this book of His.” With that, Earl tucks his precious New Testament back into his pocket and shuffles back to his seat.

Earl is beaming; his face shines radiantly. One look at his expression confirms the radical impact of personal encounter with the living God. Quite frankly, I have never seen anything more beautiful than that.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

How many times have I dismissed someone for turning to you, claiming they were too weak to help themselves?  How many times have I passed over another human, thinking that I was above their issues?  Lord, nobody is devoid of issues—we all have our own brand of brokenness. 

Forgive me for looking down on others and help me to see the brokenness in me.  I am no longer going to act as if I don’t need you, God.  I do. 

You said in your word that you would use the weak and the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.  I have been a fool for thinking I was too wise for you, Lord.

Forgive me.  I repent.  Cleanse me with the blood of your dear Son.  Resurrect the deadness in my soul with the dunamis power that lifted Christ from the grave.

I want to live, and I want to live with power.  I give you all the glory for the wonderful things that you are going to do to me and through me, Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 Corinthians 1:25; 27-29

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan