May 7, 2010

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 7, 2010

Ordinary to Extraordinary… “Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. Matthew 13:54

God uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. However—as an ordinary individual—at times I feel outmatched, under resourced and overwhelmed. Sometimes those closest to my calling seem furthest away. Like a son who is still pictured in his adolescent charm, older family members and friends are unable to understand the new adult child.

Jesus taught in His hometown—but His hometown did not receive His words—they were offended. It’s an insult to those who are used to the recognition and control, when God uses the ordinary to get extraordinary results. Others may define you in a condescending way, but Christ’s definition is what matters most. He makes you wise for His purposes.

Formal educational opportunities may not grace your resume, but by God’s grace you have learned more than most from self-study and divine revelation. You may have been born with a wooden spoon in your mouth—rather than silver—but the Lord gave you the gift of hard and smart work to rise above any adverse circumstances. The best option for the ordinary individual is to go forward by faith, while trusting Christ to orchestrate amazing outcomes.

“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. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

What are you facing in which you feel inadequate? Marriage? Leadership? Children? Travel? Reputation? Finances? Be encouraged, when God calls, He equips. Where the Lord leads, He empowers the leader. You are not alone—though some friends may forsake you and acquaintances criticize you from a distance—your confidence is in Christ. Your ordinary abilities in the hands of God become an extraordinary display of His handiwork.

As an ordinary follower of Jesus Christ you do have an extraordinary advantage: you are your Heavenly Father’s!

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

How can I submit my ordinary life for the Lord’s extraordinary work?

Related Readings: Genesis 39:1-6; 1 Samuel 17:33-35; Matthew 4:18-19; Acts 4:13


Comments

  1. Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!


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