God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 1:28-31, 2:1-5)
Desmond Doss was a WWII war hero whose story is depicted in the movie “Hacksaw Ridge.” His story is remarkable and miraculous. He volunteered to go to war, but he refused to carry a weapon. He was the only “conscientious objector” to receive the Medal of Honor, but he called himself a “conscientious cooperator.” Because of the sixth commandment, he held the strong conviction that the taking of any life was wrong, but he also felt strongly that he should not stay home while others risked their lives in this war. He enlisted requesting to be a medic. During basic training he was ridiculed, despised, and abused by the other soldiers and officers for his refusal to even hold a weapon. They attempted to court-martial him and force him out of the Army, but he fought to stay in and go to war without a weapon and was eventually able to train as a medic. The battle at Hacksaw Ridge was brutal and bloody. The Japanese were entrenched there and although it was obvious the Allied forces were going to win, the Japanese would not concede and were willing to die rather than surrender. In April 1945, Desmond and his unit were sent up Hacksaw Ridge. It was a 400-foot cliff with a cargo net hung down the cliffside that the men had to climb to reach the battle ground. It was a bloodbath. The Americans were being picked off one by one. A retreat was called and everyone hurried back down the cargo net, except one: Desmond Doss. It is estimated that only a third of the men were able to retreat to safety. There were so many wounded soldiers who could not retreat. Desmond, completely alone, moved stealthily searching for the wounded, treating their wounds, carrying them to the edge of the cliff, and using a make-shift sling, lowered them down to safety. Weaponless, he did this all night long while dodging enemy soldiers. Desmond said that after each rescue he would pray, “Lord, please help me get one more.” It is reported that Desmond rescued 75 soldiers that night — even rescuing some of those who had previously mistreated him! Desmond Doss was despised and considered a fool for his conviction, but in the end the Lord did a miracle through him.
Desmond Doss’s story is a great example of God using someone whom the world would consider lowly and foolish to do the incredible and bring God glory. Really, this model is God’s standard mode of operation. We see this throughout the Bible. In Isaiah 53:3 Jesus is described this way: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Yet, Jesus was the most esteemed by Heaven and was given the name above all names. He is King of all kings, but suffered one of, if not the most humiliating and torturous deaths in all history.
Matthew 23:12 states, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Although this kind of thinking seems upside down in our culture, it is right side up in God’s.
Our 40-Day Study this year is focused on the inside-out Kingdom. I love that over and over God reveals Himself in unexpected, seemingly “backward” ways. I love that he intentionally turns our ideas of strength and wisdom on its head. God’s plan has always been to use the ordinary, not the remarkable, to do the incredible. But, why? Why would God do it this way? What’s the purpose?
In today’s Scripture passages, God uses the ordinary so that his power will be on full display. He wants to make sure there are no misunderstandings about who should receive the glory … “so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:29) This is really, really good news! Because if you are like me and you do not feel like you bring a whole lot to the table: not the most educated, not the most eloquent, not the most accomplished — just an ordinary person who loves Jesus — this is what makes us remarkable! Jesus in us. God can do truly amazing things through ordinary people who rely on Him and are just willing to follow Him wherever He leads and give Him glory.
Desmond Doss passed away in 2006 at the age of 87. There is so much more to his story than what can be shared in this devotion, but one thing is certain: Desmond Doss was an ordinary man who sought to live an honorable life that brought glory to God. His son, Desmond Jr., recalls privately asking his dad about that night on Hacksaw Ridge and wanting to know really what he was thinking. Desmond Jr. states, “Even at a very private, intimate level, he just wanted to give all the glory to God and never seemed to acknowledge his role.” Desmond Doss knew who deserved the honor for the miracle and was happy to give it.
Write down some of the ordinary and seemingly mundane things in your life.
Now, write out a prayer to the Father, lifting those things up to Him to use in whatever way He chooses.
Why do you think God loves using weak things to display His strength?