Fools For God
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
I Corinthians 1:27
Research has demonstrated that the number one fear for people is speaking in public. Interestingly, the fear of death ranks number 2. (Which indicates that some folks would rather die than give a speech!)
Why is this? In short, it’s the fear of looking foolish. We all can relate to this.
It’s this fear of appearing foolish that kept us from speaking up in class when in elementary school. “Other kids will laugh if I get the answer wrong.”
It’s this fear of appearing foolish that kept us from trying out for the team in junior high. “I will feel like a loser if I don’t make it.”
It’s this fear of appearing foolish that kept us from asking someone out on a date in high school. “I don’t think I can handle the rejection if she says no.”
It’s this fear of appearing foolish that kept us from shifting majors or changing jobs. “People will think I don’t know what I’m doing.”
It’s this fear of appearing foolish that keeps us from praying for a miracle. “What if God doesn’t answer that prayer the way I wanted Him too?”
We all have this fear of appearing foolish. But, as Mark Batterson writes, “If you aren’t willing to look foolish, you’re foolish. In fact, faith is the willingness to look foolish.”
Faith is the willingness to look foolish.
– Mark Batterson
He notes that, indeed, the greatest breakthroughs, miracles, and turning points in Scripture can be traced back to someone who was willing to look foolish.
Noah looked foolish building an ark in the desert.
Sarah looked foolish buying maternity clothes at ninety.
The Israelites looked foolish marching around Jericho.
David looked foolish attacking Goliath with a slingshot.
The wise men looked foolish following a star.
Peter looked foolish stepping out of a boat in the middle of a lake.
And Jesus looked foolish hanging on the cross.
How Do You Spell Faith?
But that’s the essence of faith, isn’t it? As someone once said, “Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.”
Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.
Scripture tells us that this is what God is looking for and is pleased to reward. And the biblical results speak for themselves.
Noah was saved from the flood.
Sarah gave birth to Isaac.
The walls of Jericho came tumbling down.
David slew Goliath.
The wise men found the Messiah.
Peter walked on water.
And Jesus rose from the dead.
Could it be that there’s a reason why most people read these accounts excitedly but never experience anything close to them personally? It’s because they weren’t willing to look foolish.
I Corinthians 1:27 reveals God’s heart for such foolishness. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
When fools for God step out in daring faith, it becomes clear that there is no possible explanation for the astounding results except for Him. Though His “fools” get their miracle, He gets the glory.
Perhaps you’ve heard the catchphrase, “Call me crazy, but I’m going to give it a try!” What if it actually became more than a catchphrase? What if it became a life motto?
PRAYER
Lord, all too often I hesitate to step out in faith for fear that I will be disappointed. But could it be that I need to fear something greater – that You will be disappointed? Help me to take a cue from the array of biblical “fools.” Better yet, help me to join their ranks.
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