When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary
Ordinary People
Do you have the good looks of a high fashion model?
The vocal talent of an American Idol?
Or, the superhuman strength of the world’s greatest bodybuilder?
Yea, me neither.
I guess by those standards, people like myself would be considered “ordinary.”
Do I Really Matter To God?
The word “ordinary” can have a negative connotation, kind of like you’re a “vanilla” instead of a ”Rocky Road.”
Let’s face it – being “ordinary” isn’t flashy.
But, you know what?
What the world considers “ordinary,” for a Christian, becomes extraordinary.
Do you know why?
Because God Himself, Who created you from the beginning, thinks you matter.
He created you, didn’t He?
Please consider this.
Your life matters to God and He has a purpose for it.
Wherever you are . . . right now . . . in your life.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them. – Psalm 139:15-16, (ESV).
I Matter, But What’s Next?
We’re here on this earth to glorify God.
Not just on Sunday.
Your economic status, good looks, athletic ability, talent – those are all fine and good, but none of those have anything to do with your effectiveness for the Kingdom
Unless . . . you’re open about your faith when you’re receiving all of those accolades.
So what can we “ordinary” people bring to the table?
Bring your ordinary self and your heart for God.
Bring your prayerful heart and your willingness to reach out to others
and tell them about Jesus.
When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary
Recently, I read a memorable quote from Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest America that addresses this very thing.
God isn’t looking for talented people, gifted people, or handsome people. I’m not saying that He won’t use those people. But God is looking for available people, and He can do a lot with a little. He can do extraordinary things through very ordinary people. God uses ordinary people to change the world. – Greg Laurie, Harvest Devotion.
Please be encouraged. You may not always see the results of your faith-sharing, but in Heaven you will know.
Pray for those opportunities.
Not that long ago, I had one of those unexpected and grace-filled opportunities. It came right out of the blue. I was able to share my faith and testimony, uninterrupted, with someone. It was a powerful moment and I’ll never forget it.
I know the Holy Spirit will take it from there with this dear person . . . in God’s providential timing.
Call On Jesus
Friends – you are not ordinary in the eyes of God.
We have work to do!
Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Nicole Mullen, performed a song several years ago that comes to mind. When I first heard it, I was drawn to the encouraging lyrics and the pretty melody.
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* Scripture quotation is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
** Quotation from Pastor Greg Laurie, Bible teacher, pastor, and author. From Harvest.org, “Ordinarily Useful.” Online Devotion. Accessed March 24, 2019. https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/ordinarily-useful/
