Flawed and frail

God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise.       — 1 Corinthians 1:27

One of my boyhood heroes was Davy Crockett, the “King of the Wild Frontier.” I looked up to him, admiring his courage and exploits.

Years later, my brother gave me a book that traced the experiences of the real-life David Crockett. I was surprised by his humanness. The real Davy Crockett made mistakes and had serious personal problems. The book depicted him as both flawed and frail.

This was both disappointing and reassuring to me. It was disappointing because he was less than I had come to believe, but reassuring because that reality made Crockett more accessible to me — and even more of a hero.

In the Bible we see that God consistently used people who were far less than perfect. That shouldn’t surprise us. God is glorified by showing Himself strong through our weaknesses. It shows us that He desires to work through our lives not because we are perfect but because He is. And since He uses weak and foolish things (1 Cor. 1:27), it means you and I are prime candidates for His work.

The Lord isn’t looking for superheroes. He uses those of us who are flawed and frail, so that He can show His strength and grace. He wants those with a willing and available heart.    — Bill Crowder

It’s not in the flash of the style

       that you hone,

Or all the degrees you’ve compiled;

The Savior is looking for servants

      who own

The warm, willing heart of a child.   — Gustafson

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

In God’s service, our greatest ability is our availability.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Peter 1-5

• Proverbs 14:25-35