When Paul protested his thorn in the flesh and pleaded with God to have it removed that he might more effectively serve Him, God reminded Paul about the true source of his strength.  “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 16:9).  This was merely a reminder to Paul of that principle which he himself had previously proclaimed.  “…God has chosen the weak things of this world to shame the things that are strong…” (1 Corinthians 1:27).  God has not chosen us for what we have to offer.  He does not need our abilities, strength, wisdom, or personal piety.  He can, however, use our sincere and total dependence upon Him.

Once when attacked by a jealous adversary, anxious to undermine the ministry of Francis of Assisi and demanding a reason for his great popularity and band of loyal followers who hung on his every word Francis replied, “you want to know?  It is because the eyes of the Most High has willed it so.  He continually watches the good and the wicked, and as His most holy eyes have not found among sinners any smaller man, nor any more insufficient and sinful, therefore He has chosen me to accomplish the marvelous work which God hath undertaken.  He chose me because He could find none more worthless, and He willed to confound the ability and grandeur, the strength, the beauty, and the learning of this world.”

Oh, that we might live with such an understanding!  It is our admission of weakness that makes us candidates for greatness, and our utter dependency upon the grace, spirit, and power of the Mighty One that gives us hope to be used of Him!