An Extraordinary Ability

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

The church nursery was uncharacteristically quiet this Sunday. Normally, four or five of the infants would be crying as Elise and Marilee wound musical swings, gave bottles, and changed diapers.

But now they had a moment to catch up as they rocked babies. Marilee, a likable, talkative woman, told Elise, “I was at the women’s prison again Thursday. That’s such a big place, almost eight hundred inmates. It breaks your heart to go there. A new woman who calls herself ‘Cat’ just sits and stares at me. She doesn’t follow along in the text or join the discussions. I asked the chaplain about her, but he didn’t have much to say other than she’s had a rough life, like most of the others. So I’m asking the Lord to use me to make a difference in her life.”

What a wonderful ministry, Elise thought as she snuggled the baby. But I could never go to a prison and teach the Bible. I don’t have special gifts like Marilee.

Elise doesn’t realize that she already is doing something special by lovingly caring for the babies in the nursery. The young mothers can enjoy the worship service, knowing their children are safe. Several even find themselves calmed by Elise’s gentleness and try to incorporate the same attitude into their responses at home. But if they tried to express that to Elise, she would brush aside their comments.

To make a difference is our heart’s basic cry. But it may take effort on our part to see we do have extraordinary worth not only to God but to those around us. We are prone to think only a dramatic public act of service is important. However, it is more often than not the quiet kindnesses that leave a mark on hearts and lives. —SANDRA

Lord, I’m prone to think I can be used by you only in the big moments of life. Help me to recognize small moments as opportunities to make a big difference.

God has always used ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary mission.

—CAROL KENT, SPEAKER AND AUTHOR

From the book