Last Pick - A Devotional By LeBron Keener

Last Pick - A Devotional By LeBron Keener 

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

(1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV)

Noah was the kind of kid who tried hard but never seemed to shine. His test scores hovered just above passing. He stumbled over math problems and never raised his hand in class. His handwriting leaned like a tired fence post, and when it came to P.E., he was always picked last - every time.

Dodgeball day was the worst.

Two team captains stood at the front of the gym, calling out names. One by one, kids jogged to their teams, leaving Noah shifting awkwardly against the bleachers, trying not to look embarrassed. Finally, when the last name had been called, the coach said, “Noah, you’re with them.” A few teammates groaned under their breath.

The game started, red balls flying like missiles. Noah tried to stay out of the way, but eventually, it came down to just him - against three from the other team. Everyone in the gym knew it was over.

Except, it wasn’t.

By some miracle, Noah ducked the first throw, caught the second one (his first ever catch!), and launched it back with all his might. It bounced off the foot of one opponent. Cheers erupted.

He wasn’t fast. He wasn’t strong. But that day, Noah became the last one standing.

When the coach blew the whistle, a grin broke across Noah’s face - one that stayed with him for days. For once, he wasn’t the one left out. For once, he mattered.

Reflection:

There are times when we feel like we’re the “last pick” in life. Maybe we’re not the smartest, the fastest, or the most talented. But God has a habit of using the underdog - the overlooked, the underestimated, the ordinary - to do extraordinary things.

Noah’s story reminds us that value isn’t measured by popularity, performance, or praise. It’s measured by purpose. And God sees value where others see none. Being last on the list doesn’t mean you’re last in His love.

Prayer:

"Father, thank You for seeing worth in me even when others don’t. Remind me that my identity is not in how others see me, but in how You see me. Use me, even in my weakness, to show Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen."

Challenge:

Look around for someone who always seems to be the “last pick” - a classmate, coworker, or neighbor. Encourage them, invite them, or just sit with them. Remind them by your kindness that they are seen, valued, and loved - by you, and by God.