“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” — 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)
Over the years, I have learned that God rarely works the way I expect Him to.
If I am honest, much of my life has felt a little odd and unusual and not always in a comfortable way.
I did not always fit in. I was not quite the same as the rest of my family. I did not always think the same way, respond the same way, or even catch the joke when everyone else laughed. For a long time, I wondered if something was wrong with me.
Now I know better.
God uses that.
When You Feel Like You Don’t Belong
Jesus tells a parable in Luke 14:16–24 that has always spoken deeply to me. A man prepares a great feast and invites those who were first called. The honored. The religious. The respected.
But they make excuses. They decline the invitation.
So the master does something unexpected.
He sends his servants into the streets and lanes to bring in the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. When there is still room, he sends them even farther, to the highways and hedges, compelling others to come.
The people who assumed they belonged missed the feast.
The ones who never thought they would be invited filled the table.
That parable tells me something powerful. God often welcomes those who feel out of place.
God’s Instructions Are Not Always Comfortable
We do not set out to be odd or unusual. But when God speaks, His instructions do not always make sense to the natural mind.
If a donkey speaks to you like it did to Balaam, you should probably pay attention. There may be an angel standing in front of you that you cannot see.
If God tells you to build an ark because a flood is coming, even though no one has ever seen rain, you obey. You might be saving your family and the future of the earth.
If you are blind and Jesus uses spit and mud to heal you, you do not complain about the method. You receive the miracle.
If you are running from God’s purpose and find yourself living inside a great fish for three days, you do not argue. You repent.
If God tells you not to cut your hair and you decide you know better, do not be surprised when consequences follow.
If God tells you to be silent, walk around a city for seven days, and then shout, listen carefully. Walls are about to fall.
Even Moses, a man who spoke with God face to face, suffered consequences when he allowed anger to override obedience and struck the rock instead of speaking to it.
These stories remind me that obedience matters, even when the instructions feel strange or uncomfortable.
God’s Strength Shines Through Weakness
One of the clearest examples of this is Gideon’s army.
God intentionally reduced an army of 32,000 down to just 300. In the natural, it makes no sense. In the Spirit, it makes perfect sense.
God wanted everyone to know the victory did not come from numbers, strategy, or human ability. It came from Him.
I have seen this truth play out again and again in my own life. When I felt weak, unsure, or unqualified, God showed Himself strong. It was never about what I could do. It was always about what God could do through me.
The Call to Humility
That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to humility.
“If My people will humble themselves…”
“Humble yourselves before the Lord…”
“Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand…”
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled…”
Humility keeps us teachable. It keeps us listening. It keeps us obedient, even when God asks us to do something outside the box.
Be Who God Called You to Be
God may be asking you to do something that feels odd or unusual. Something that does not fit neatly into other people’s expectations.
When that happens, pray. Seek godly counsel. Weigh it carefully. And if it truly comes from God, be obedient.
I have learned that trying to be “normal” is overrated anyway.
God did not call me to be like everyone else.
He did not call you to be like everyone else.
He called us to be who He created us to be. Unique. Purpose-filled. Dependent on Him.
Sometimes God’s ways look odd.
Sometimes obedience feels uncomfortable.
But God is always faithful.
And He always knows exactly what He is doing.
A Prayer for the One Reading This
Jesus, I ask that whoever is reading this would know, right now, that no matter what state they are in, they are accepted by You. You love them just as they are, and You will use them for Your glory.
If they feel small like Zacchaeus and only want a glimpse of You, remind them that You see them and will meet with them personally.
If they feel like a woman hidden in the crowd, carrying weakness, frailty, or an issue that has gone on too long, let them know that if they reach out right where they are and touch You, they will be healed.
God, You do not see us as odd or unusual. You see us as the vessels You intentionally formed.
We do not have to become good enough, smart enough, good-looking enough, or spiritual enough to receive Your love and acceptance.
We receive it now.
Amen.
