100 Days of HopeSample

The Insignificant

In 2 Kings 7, the Old Testament tells of a time when Samaria was besieged by an Assyrian army. At the same time, the people in the besieged city were experiencing a famine. Elisha declared that God would deliver them, but many did not believe him.

Meanwhile, ostracized outside the city walls were four lepers who decided to go out to the enemy camp and seek mercy. But when they arrived there, they found that God had set the camp into confusion and the enemy soldiers had abandoned all of their tents and provisions. The lepers then went back and announced the amazing news to the people, and the city was able to gather food and provisions from the deserted enemy camp. These four lepers saved the whole nation of Israel from starving to death.

When we look back, God often chooses the weak and insignificant to do His greatest works. We see God choosing David, a young shepherd boy, to become king. Jesus chooses unschooled, ordinary men to advance the Good News, and God ultimately chooses Christ who is depicted in the book of Revelation as a ‘Lamb, looking as if it had been slain’ – seemingly weak, helpless, and insignificant. Our generation has also witnessed similar people such as Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela. Although frail in stature, they made a phenomenal impact.

In the world of sports we are trained to choose the strongest and fastest to our winning team. It does not make sense to do otherwise. But, this is not how God chooses. So maybe today you are one of those who did not “make the cut.” Be encouraged. We serve a God who does not look at outward appearances or accomplishments. Instead, He looks at the heart; and He has chosen you to be part of His team. So take your position and play, with all your heart, the part the Almighty has given you!

Prayer: God, thank you that you choose the weak to lead the strong. Give us confidence that we can make a difference, not by our own strength but by the strength of your spirit.