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 . . . to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Cor. 1:27-29)

There’s an old story which goes something like this: When Jesus ascended into heaven, he gathered his heavenly hosts around and explained what he would do next. He said he would take the weak, sinful, frail, and filthy people that he saved and use them as living stones to build the foundation of his kingdom on earth. These would be the ones to change the world!

The announcement was welcomed with an overwhelming silence. Then, after a long, agonizing pause, the angel Gabriel broke the silence by asking, “What’s plan B?”

There is no plan B, because God’s plan has always been to use people like us – weak, sinful, frail, and filthy – to show the wonders of his grace that are the foundation of hope for this world.

Be encouraged today, knowing that your flaws do not disqualify you from God’s purposes. He is building hope for our world by pouring his glorious grace into and out of cracked earthen vessels like us! The broken pots of our lives are forming the foundation of a kingdom that is hope for all.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am encouraged to know that you have chosen people like me to display your grace in fallen world for broken people. Grant me grace today to show your mercy to those who doubt if you could love them by telling them that you even love broken sinners like me.