Volume 96: Rest in "Just a..."
Just a youth leader's wife...
Just a friends' mom...
Just a camp director...
When I think about the people that have some of the greatest impact on me throughout my life, I am reminded by the fact that they are all ordinary, every day people. From Mrs. McDavid to Lindsay to Mrs. Laura to Debbie and everyone in between, they all have one thing in common: a willingness to use their lives to serve and care for the people around them.
Oftentimes, we can be quick to identify ourselves with different titles, selling ourselves short of our full potential.
Last week at church, Pastor Gregg gave a sermon on the minor prophet, Amos. To begin his message, he spoke on the humility of Amos. He wasn't famous Amos... He was humble Amos - just a shepherd and just a farmer. Yet, God used him to bring great truths to His people.
Amos had a heart for the people. And as we see ALL throughout the Bible, God is quick to combine a humble and burdened heart and use it in big ways for His glory. When we deeply care about something, even though we may be "just a ..." it's not about us; it's about God using us.
So may we lay aside our self given limitations and open our hands, surrendering to God to allow us to use us, just ordinary humans, for his extraordinary purpose.
When Pastor Gregg came to speak to us at the office, he began with sharing an overview of his own personal story, sharing that he didn't become a Christian until later in high school. But as he entered into college at Texas A&M, he continued to pray a simple prayer of "Use me here for your glory, God."
And boy did the Lord use Gregg Matte in College Station - to minister to his roommates and close friends which then led to the creation of Breakaway ministries which is now a very well known ministry, changing the lives of many!
From a broken high school boy who was trying drugs and shoplifting to a pastor at one of the largest churches in Houston and everything in between. God was pleased with Gregg's humility and worked through Him to make a difference.
Last week, there was an awesome event held on Ohio State's campus of students accepting Christ and getting baptized. And it was led by some players from the football team! All starting with one guy who decided that He wanted to be obedient to God and allow Him to use Him. Realizing he's not just a football player... he can be used by God in big ways!
These stories have stuck out to me as a big encouragement and reminder for me in this current season. May I embrace a posture of humility and be opened to the ways that God is willing to use me!
Because sure I heard about Pastor Gregg and the Ohio State Football players but the stories are endless. Every single character in the Bible! An ordinary, broken human used by God!
Just a fisherman! Just a tax collector! Just a woman! Just a leper!
All used to spread God's glory and make a difference in this world!
In studying the life of the 12 disciples, the book Twelve Ordinary Men states, "We tend to think we're worthless nobodies - and left to ourselves, that would be true! But worthless nobodies are just the kind of people God uses, because that is all He has to work with."
So may I take full advantage of where I am currently right now! Just a new girl in Houston! Just a coworker! Just a daughter! But I have a heart for others and the work I do. May I not live this life focused on myself... rather constantly giving myself away to love and serve the people around me the best I can! Believing that even I can make a difference in this world!
But I'm just a young adult...
But I'm just an employee at a summer camp...
But I'm just a youngest sibling...
But I'm just a .....
God, use me! Help me to make a difference for your Kingdom!
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