From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Have you ever known (or heard of) an average person who has had challenging circumstances thrust upon them, and risen to the occasion. I need not provide you with modern day examples because I’m certain some are coming to mind as you read my post.

The Bible is full of ordinary people that did extraordinary deeds for God (and others). Here is a partial list of these individuals for you to be inspired by.

1.   Jacob, known as a “deceiver,” was to be the father of the Israelite nation (Genesis 27).

2.   Joseph, a slave, was to save his family (Genesis 39).

3.   Moses, a shepherd in exile and a murderer, was to lead the Israelites out of bondage and onto the Promised Land (Exodus 3).

4.   Gideon, a farmer, was to deliver Israel from Midian (Judges 6:11).

5.   Jephthah, the son of a prostitute, was to deliver Israel from the Ammonites (Judges 1:1).

6.   Hannah, a housewife, was to be the mother of Samuel the prophet (I Samuel 1).

7.   David, a shepherd boy and the last-born of his family, was to be Israel’s greatest king (I Samuel 16).

8.   Ezra, a scribe, was to lead the return to Judah, and write some of the Bible (Ezra, Nehemiah).

9.   Esther, a slave girl turned queen, was to save the Jewish nation from total annihilation (Esther).

10.         Mary, a peasant girl, was to be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:27-38).

11.         Matthew, a tax collector, was to be an apostle and gospel writer (Matthew 9:9).

12.         Luke, a Greek physician, was to be the companion of Paul and a gospel writer (Colossians 4:14).

13.         Peter, a fisherman, was to be an apostle, a leader of the early church, and a writer of two New Testament letters (Matthew 4:18-20).

The Almighty uses all sorts of people (like you and me) to do His work. He answers our prayers as He sees fit even when we are unsure of what we are asking for (Romans 8:26).

Allow Him to turn you into the masterpiece He wants (and needs) you to become. With your Heavenly Father in charge of your future, there’s no telling  all that you can become.

*Adapted from the article, “God Uses Common People” from The Life Application Bible, New International Version edition.