Feelin’ ordinary?

There are times when we feel wanting to do so much for the Lord - something big and impressive - but we also feel so lacking of ability. We look at ourselves and our human limitations instead of focusing on the power of the living Lord and His tremendous capabilities that can be infused in us and poured out through us. Can it really be as “simple” as turning our eyes and hearts toward God? Can I really be moved into bold and confident service simply by time in prayer?

Acts 4:13 is one of my favorite verses. Because I am ordinary. I am uneducated. And yet God finds ways to work through me. He makes me brave in sharing His goodness and faithfulness and love that is so powerful in changing lives.

 Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were uneducated and untrained [ordinary] men, they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus. (AMP)

 The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. (ERV)

 When the Council saw the boldness of Peter and John and could see that they were obviously uneducated non-professionals, they were amazed and realized what being with Jesus had done for them! (TLB)

Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants—uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows—with extraordinary confidence. The leaders recognized them as companions of Jesus. (VOICE)

The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training. Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with Him. (TPT)

Don’t you ever doubt that you can be used by God. And for extraordinary things! God knows how to get things done. Yes, He does use the weak, the untrained and scared. He knows how to work through you and me for His glory. You can move forward in boldness and confidence when the Lord calls. For it’s not just you and you alone, but Christ Who lives and moves and has His being - in and through you.

So, have you been with Jesus? It matters not who you think you are or what you think you are capable of - all that really matters is that you spend some time with Jesus and He will take care of the rest.