In 2002, the Oakland Athletics baseball team needed a turnaround. They didn’t have the funds to sign any stars, so they developed an unorthodox plan. Using often-overlooked statistics, they recruited a variety of players who many other teams would not have considered. The unusual strategy worked, and the ragtag team had a 20-game winning streak. And you know, this story reminds me of Jesus’ strategy for picking his “team”. If ever there was a ragtag team, it was Jesus’ 12 disciples. Rough fishermen, despised tax collectors – Jesus did not exactly choose the well-respected, well-educated, players. He did not pick the strongest or the most popular. No recruiting firm today would have ever picked Jesus’ team.

In 1 Corinthians St Paul tells us, “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.” That’s exactly what He did through those first 12 disciples. And it’s what He continues to do today through us. God’s ways are different than our own. Never underestimate what God can accomplish through ordinary people with extraordinary faith. Are you one of those people?  The Holy Spirit wants to use you.  If you are available to God, He will use you with mighty power. 

This is Luis Palau.