Confounding the Wise

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; 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. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ESV). Today Mary and I will go to the closing on our home. We have already moved out. In fact, as soon as I took the last of our “stuff” out of the garage and drove down the driveway I looked through the rearview mirror for the last time as the “owner.” It was a funny feeling. I can’t say it was bad. It was strange. On the one hand I really had thought that this was the final house we would live in. That seemed to be logical. It is amusing how God changes the logical to confound the pride and arrogance in me. I must confess that though it was not intentional, just the fact that I counted on that house being our last move, was full of pride and arrogance. I am not saying that it was a sin to be happy living there. It was a great blessing. God gave us a wonderful home to use for His glory in many ways. He gave us comfort and beauty to surround us. The view from that hill was wonderful at any season. The sunsets and sunrises were incredible from there. But, it was never home. That won’t come until later. And, it won’t be the next structure we move to. It will be that heavenly home not made by human hands, but by the very hand of God. Once again God has reminded me that it is the weak, the foolish, the humble and simple people that he delights to use. This journey of ours is turning out to be pretty exciting so far. I don’t quite know how to manage it. And, that may the message God has for me now most of all. God’s will and purpose needs no management. His grace has been and continues to be sufficient for all circumstances. Listen to the apostle from our reading today: 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. All the things that “are” come to nothing in the incredible creative act of God in our lives. The wonder of His grace shines brightly in this darkness surrounding our world. When I hear the nightly reports of how bad things are in our world I need to be reminded they are nothing in His hands. He will make the worst of circumstances into good for His children. When I measure the changes in my life and drift into regret I need to refocus on the amazing work of the gospel on my behalf. So, sitting in our little apartment writing these thoughts causes me to rejoice! This journey is starting to really get interesting! I hope you are trusting Him with your path today.