Do you watch others doing amazing things, yet your life seems . . . well . . . ordinary? Me too. Often the feeling heckles me after scrolling through social media. Comparison purchases a fast pass to discontent. Does my house look like a home designed by a certain Waco couple? Do my posts cause people to say hmm or huh or whatever? Am I saving the environment enough? Saving souls enough?
Saving souls enough? What!?! Have I fallen into a comparison even in ministry? Well, maybe, for a minute or two. In moments of insecurity, my gentle Savior turns my face away from the phone and toward his Word.
He seems to whisper, “Scroll here instead.” Marinate in words that matter. Words that bring peace and contentment. Words that remind of purpose.
Ordinary is important for God. In fact, he seems to prefer it, whether he uses the staff of a shepherd to lead his children out of bondage or five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude or a jar of oil to work a miracle of provision. When God wants to use us, he pursues. But until that moment, he desires our faithfulness in the little—in the ordinary.
The day before the Last Supper, the disciples wondered where they would prepare the meal. Jesus replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters . . .” (Luke 22:10 NIV).
Can you imagine the guy carrying the jar of water? An ordinary day for him, with an ordinary task, but he provides an essential need for Jesus. Do you think he knew? Do you think you know when God uses you for kingdom work?
Sometimes we do significant things, and sometimes we just carry a jar of water.
Love this Denise. I needed the reminder that extraordinary emerges from the ordinary. We need to remember that with our kiddos as well.
I pray everyday God will use me in the mundane things. Love this!
This is SO ENCOURAGING because much of my life consists of the mundane tasks of carrying my own jar of water for Jesus - and it doesn't always seem particularly revolutionary or transformational for the kingdom of God. Yet like the gentleman in Luke 22, these small acts can have a tremendous impact. I thank God that He can take our loaves and fish and take them so much further than we could ever imagine!