Do you have a problem with ordinary? I kind of do.
I’m ok with my ordinary house and don’t mind driving an ordinary car. Don’t know much about designer brand names or the latest, hottest place in town. As a matter of fact, I can thoroughly enjoy an ordinary meal and be perfectly content with a regular, department store pair of jeans – as long as they fit!
But when it comes to my life, “ordinary” is the farthest thing I want it to be. I don’t want to pass through this world without leaving my mark, without making a lasting difference in the lives of others. I long do extraordinary things for God!
However, my good wishes and best intentions often clash and even crumble when confronted with the notion that I am just an ordinary girl. Debilitating thoughts assault my mind with arguments such as:
Why would God use you?
What do you have to offer?
Who do you think you are?
You’re nothing but ordinary.
The battle rages so fiercely sometimes, I give into their seeming logic and am tempted to surrender thinking:
Who do I think I am?
I’m nothing special. I’m no expert.
Why would anyone want to read what I write or hear my message?
I must confess that I’ve wasted more time and energy battling my doubts than I have actually invested doing things for God.
But last Saturday was different.
Last Saturday, during our Women’s Conference, as I listen to our guest speaker Eleanor Mumford talk about the power of ordinary, an incredible insight awakened me like a jolt of caffeine in the morning: God can use ordinary people like me, because He is extraordinarily powerful!
I’ve been so stuck on the knowledge of my own limitations; I’d almost forgotten Who is at work when I surrender to His calling. My own message and works may be dull and ineffective. But God’s Word in my pen and on my lips and His Holy Spirit working in and through me in are mighty to save, to heal, to deliver and to restore!
And that, my friends, is nothing but extraordinary!
Ephesians 3:20 says that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
I sat on my chair last Saturday, pondering on this amazing revelation, brimming with renewed excitement, and trying really hard to refocus on Eleanor’s message. Peace filled my mind as well as a new sense of purpose and direction for what I’ve dared to believe is God’s calling upon my life.
The Lord’s extraordinary power is at work on this world, and He chooses ordinary people – like you and me – to carry it out for His glory. All we need to do, get to do, is join Him.
Ana
Amen! Very well recapitulated, Sister! It is amazing what God can do through us, as we take every thought captive, making it come under submission to the authority and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The last thing Satan-the deceiver wants is for us to hear what God says about us. Our belief in Him to define us, scares satan because of the power of the truth.
Thank you, Christina!
Nicely said! Three cheers for ordinary
Thanks Ana for the powerful message. Your article was meant for me to read. Thank you for reminding me that it’s ok to be ordinary, but with God we can be extraordinary through the power of the Holy Ghost. I am so thankful that you are my friend. I wish we could visit more often, but when we do it’s just like old times. Love you!
Thanks Ana. Well said. Bless you and your extraordinary gifts!