Weak but Strong

There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags; the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks; the spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings' palaces. (Proverbs 30:24-28)

God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

An example from scripture comes to mind. Samuel was looking for God's anointed. David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, was out in the field tending the sheep. Jesse had all his other sons stand before Samuel, not even considering David as an option. Samuel said to Jessie, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here." So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!" (1 Samuel 16:11, 12)

He may have been small, and younger than all his brothers, but his heart was bent toward God, and he was found hard at work. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." (Acts 13:22) Oh that this would be said of us!

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;

On the shelf there were many--which one would He choose?

Take me, cried the gold one, I’m shiny and bright,

I’m of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and luster will outshine the rest

And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!

Unheeding, the Master passed on to the brass,

It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.

Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,

Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,

My transparency shows my contents so dear,

Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,

And I’m sure I’ll be happy Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,

Polished and carved, it solidly stood.

You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,

But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,

To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,

I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of itself;

Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;

Nor the one who is big-mouthed and shallow and loud;

Nor one who displays his contents so proud;

Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;

But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.

Spoke to it kindly. "There’s work you must do,

Just pour out to others as I pour into you."

              

                 Author Unknown