Ordinary People

Each time [God] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

There are a lot of pageants, competitions, and award ceremonies people take part in. These can be as simple as crowning a queen at the local county fair or holding a citywide math, spelling, or music competition. Or they can be as grand as the Miss America Pageant, award shows for best movie or music of the year, or the Super Bowl. At these big events, people compete on television, and winners receive beautiful tiaras or huge trophies for their accomplishments.

Although the winners at big events receive a lot of honor and recognition, God doesn’t single these people out to do his work. He doesn’t choose only the beautiful or handsome people. He doesn’t search for the smartest or richest or most athletic ones. That doesn’t mean he won’t use those people, but he doesn’t choose people based on what they look like or on what they can do. When God chooses, he looks for people who are willing. That means they want to serve him. Oftentimes these are ordinary people whom others may easily overlook.

Think about your favorite Bible characters. Most were ordinary people before God called them. Andrew, Peter, James, and John were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. Noah and Elisha were farmers. Moses, David, and Amos were shepherds. Yet God used them. It didn’t matter whether they were rich or poor, educated or uneducated. They were all willing, and God used them.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the best in your class at math or struggle with your homework, if you play volleyball or can’t get your serve over the net. It doesn’t matter if you make the honor roll or earn straight Cs. God has something special for you to do for him. And he is asking you to be willing.

Can you list 10 Bible characters and what their jobs were? Ask your friends or family to help you add names to the list. Why do you think God often uses ordinary people rather than the strongest, smartest, and best looking?