READ: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
” For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:” – 1 Corinthians 1:26
When you remember where you came from, you always recognize that the grace of God has been at work. When you clearly remember where God picked you up from, you will not attribute your current success to any personal strengths or wisdom. Unfortunately, people tend to black out their past. They make reference to no one and they remember nothing bad or difficult from their background.
Listening to them, you get the impression that they are self-made wise nuts. They do not mention their beginnings, their struggles or their failings. You almost get the impression that you are reading about superman when you are reading about them. Paul said that he took pleasure in his infirmities and distressing situations. Paul told us that he had been beaten, and whipped by unbelievers. This does not sound like superman. Talking about the memories of things God had brought you through will only make you thankful and humble. “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB).
A man of remembrance stays humble through the memory of his different trials and sufferings. It is wiser to share these difficulties than to share your victories. I have noticed how the Lord has helped me to share my uselessness with others. Sometimes I end my sermons on a note of weakness and defeat. I take pleasure in the weakness that is real so that the power of Christ will rest on me.