"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 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." – 1 Corinthians 1:26–27
Growing up, I always wrestled with fitting in. I never felt smart enough, athletic enough, funny enough, or good enough. I constantly felt like the outsider looking in. That experience left me with a deep-seated insecurity that made me feel “less than.”
When I fully devoted my life to following Jesus, I remember telling Him, “I love you, Jesus, and I want to walk in your ways—but please don’t call me to do any ministry.” Part of that came from personal fear, but a big part of it was because I didn’t believe I was good enough to be used by God.
Maybe a part of you can relate. There are many reasons—or excuses—that hold us back from serving God. Sometimes it’s busyness. Sometimes, we get distracted by life. Sometimes, it's fear. But one big reason we shy away from serving God is feeling inadequate. I mean, let’s be real—who am I that God should use me?
At the center of that question is a hole so deep that no one can find the bottom of it. This “hole” is so deep because we never get to the end of the greatness and majesty of God. God is infinite, all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. Paul wrote to the Romans and was in awe of God when he said:
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:33–36
1. Our Weaknesses Keep Us Humble
When we feel weak or unequipped to do what God is calling us to do, it keeps us humble. I think Christians often forget the benefits of humility and the consequences of pride. James writes:
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6
God will not use us in our pride, because He actively resists the proud. Many Christians serve God with pride, but God’s power and anointing are not truly with them.
Lucifer was cast out of heaven because of his pride (Isaiah 14:12–16). Hezekiah, one of Judah’s most righteous kings, was punished because of his pride (2 Kings 20:12–19). And let’s not forget the stern rebuke Jesus gave His disciples when they were arguing about who was the greatest (Luke 9:46–48).
In contrast, God *loves* to give grace to the humble. He delights in pouring out His strength, power, and favor on those who recognize their need for Him. It’s part of His character. He’s a good Father who gives gifts to His children—especially those who are in need.
When God calls us to go and serve, and we feel inadequate or overwhelmed by the task, we must remember: humility is the place where God pours out His grace.
Even if you step out of your comfort zone to serve God and completely fail (and I have, many times), that failure can lead you to a deeper humility. And that is exactly where God loves to dwell.
2. Our Weakness Forces Us to Rely on God
Another reason God uses us in our weakness is because it forces us to rely on Him. The Apostle Paul experienced this while ministering in Ephesus. He was constantly under attack and persecution (Acts 19–20). During that time, he wrote:
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia (Ephesus). For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” – 2 Corinthians 1:8–9
Paul was so weak that he thought he would die. But that intense weakness brought him to a deeper reliance on God.
God still uses our weaknesses in the same way. It pushes us to a place of total dependence. I’ll be honest—it's not a fun place to be. Sometimes, it’s scary because we don’t know how things will turn out. But it’s in that place that we truly encounter the power and goodness of our God.
3. God Is More Glorified in Our Weakness
Finally, God receives the most glory, praise, and attention when He uses *weak* people—not strong ones.
That may not make sense at first. But think it through. We are so easily impressed by the strength of a person: powerful armies, incredible athletes, dynamic speakers, beautiful appearances. We tend to praise people rather than God.
But God isn’t impressed with the strength of man. And He won’t share His glory.
“Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:6, 8
“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else.” – Isaiah 42:8
“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:28–29
Many stories in Scripture illustrate this truth, but perhaps none more clearly than the story of Gideon. God chose Gideon—a man with no military experience, who was hiding in fear—to lead an attack against the Midianites.
And even when 30,000 men signed up for the battle, God whittled the number down to just 300. Why? Because He wanted everyone to know that victory came from Him—not from the strength of men.
What’s Holding You Back?
Do your insecurities or weaknesses hold you back from serving God? Don’t let them.
Let your weakness take you to a deeper place of humility. Let it lead you to greater trust and reliance on God. As you step out, others will see His power in your life—and He will get all the glory.
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10
