SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Knowing how to get started reading the Bible can be tricky. But don’t get discouraged! No matter how far you’ve come in your faith, everyone has struggled with reading the Bible at some point. That’s why we put together some Scripture meditations like this one to help you get started.

 

When You’re Not Enough

You’re awake late at night… or too early in the morning… and all you can think is: 

“I can’t do it.”

The pressures and expectations have piled up. You wish you were strong enough, smart enough, good enough to meet them. But you can’t take another step.

Friend, if this is you, know that God isn’t disappointed by your shortcomings. In fact, he chose you knowing that he can use them.

1 Corinthians 1:26-27

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.

Observations from the Text

  • God’s call comes to people who have low status in the world’s eyes (v. 26)
  • We don’t “earn” God’s attention (v. 26)
  • Jesus flips our systems of power and prestige (v. 27)

Prayers of Response

God who chooses me, I get so upset when I fail at   ________. Help me remember your love in these moments.

Even though you value me, sometimes I wish I was good enough for ________.

Prayer Requests

Lord who uses what’s foolish and weak, when I’m struggling with  ________, use me for your purposes.

Jesus,  ________ is frustrated by their weakness right now. Remind them that you use weakness for powerful things.

Prayers of Readiness

God, I trust in myself because I’m good at  ________. Today, I lay down my pride and recognize the gift you’ve given me.

Jesus, you shame the strong of this world by hanging, weak, from a cross. When I feel powerless because of ________, help me imitate you.

 

Scripture meditations are one way to start reading the Bible more. They’re here to help us connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life—visit this page for more!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™