You’ve probably felt it at some point: wanting to make a difference in the world with your actions, but feeling blocked and thinking you don’t have, can or know what it takes to do so. So, better to do nothing.
Sometimes, the desire to achieve something great clashes with the reality of feeling ordinary or inadequate. However, the Scriptures show us that God has a special way of using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
The spiritual empowerment [YB1] is not just an abstract concept; it is deeply rooted in the experiences of those who walked before us. Through their stories, we can learn that, when we connect with God, we find the strength and purpose we lack.
We want to remind you today of five people who illustrate how the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary through faith.
1. Moses (Exodus 3-4)
There is Moses, an ordinary man who feels lost in the desert, herding sheep. One day, while tending his flock, he comes across a burning bush that is not consumed. God calls him, but Moses feels helpless, afraid to return to Egypt and face his past. However, in the midst of his uncertainty, God tells him, “I will be with you.”
Moses discovers that he is not alone. Through his faith and divine guidance, he becomes the leader who will liberate his people.
Even those who feel underappreciated can be empowered to accomplish great things! Are you one of them?
2. Gideon (Judges 6-7)
Gideon lives in a time of oppression and feels overwhelmed. Being called by God, he cannot believe that he, the weakest of his tribe, is the chosen one. Imagine Gideon trembling with fear, but feeling a spark of hope. God tells him that he will accompany him in his fight against the Midianites. Despite his doubts, Gideon accepts the challenge, and with only 300 men he faces an immense army. At that moment, he realizes that he does not depend on his strength, but on divine help. Gideon’s victory shows us that, when we trust in God, we can overcome any challenge, no matter how great.
3. David (1 Samuel 16-17)
David, a young shepherd boy, is in the field tending his sheep. No one expects him to face the giant Goliath, but his faith in God impels him to do so. When he stands before Goliath, armed only with a sling and five stones, he knows that the real battle is not against the giant, but against the fear and doubt that threaten his heart. David says to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, but I come in the name of the Lord.” With that confidence, he defeats the giant and becomes a hero. Impressive! And at the same time, very simple. Sometimes, we need to take a bold step into the unknown, trusting God to lead us to victory.
4. Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary is an ordinary young woman when she receives an unexpected visit from the angel Gabriel. When he tells her that she will be the mother of the Savior, her mind is filled with questions and fears. But instead of letting fear paralyze her, she opens herself to what God has for her. Mary chooses to trust God’s word and says, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Her willingness to accept this extraordinary call reminds us that, although the path may be uncertain, God has a purpose for each of us.
5. Peter (Acts 2)
Peter, a simple fisherman, feels overwhelmed by failure after having denied Jesus. However, after the resurrection, the Holy Spirit descends upon him and transforms him. Imagine Peter, once again on the shore, this time full of courage. He stands up and preaches before thousands, sharing the message of Christ. His story is a powerful reminder that our falls do not define our future. When we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit, we are able to do things we never imagined. Peter teaches us that every stumble can be an opportunity to rise stronger.
As you read this, what do you think? What strengths have you been ignoring in your life? How can you let God empower you to make a difference in your environment?
God does not choose the strongest or the most capable, but those who are willing to trust Him. If you feel small or insignificant, remember that each of these characters also felt that way at one time or another. What they had in common was their willingness to let God work through them.
Sometimes, true greatness comes from accepting our limitations and allowing God to fill those gaps.