Ordinary and not needed

Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of how God used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Even more amazing is the fact that as the all-powerful, all-knowing, all present, eternal creator of the universe, He really doesn't need any of us to accomplish anything. Yet His purpose and plan has always been to include His people, the prize of His creation (Genesis 1:26), in what He accomplishes.

Take Peter, an ordinary uneducated fisherman for example. When Jesus called him and his brother Andrew to follow him, he did so without hesitation (Matthew 4:18-20). When we think of Peter, the first recollection is usually how he denied Christ three times the night before his death on the cross. Scripture also records times when he was impulsive and prideful.

Yet what we should really notice about Peter was his passion to boldly follow his Lord and Savior. He declared that Jesus was the Son of The Living God (Matt. 16:16), he eagerly walked on water to meet Jesus (Matt. 14:27-29), he had the glorious opportunity to witness Jesus' transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5). Peter became a member of Christ's inner circle, not because of his abilities, not because of his accomplishments, but solely upon his desire to be near his Lord. Because of the heart he had for serving Him, God used him mightily in forming and leading the early church after Pentecost (Acts 2-5).

When given the chance to describe ourselves or tell our personal story, it's likely we wouldn't want to admit that we were ordinary and not that important. But that's exactly the type of mindset we need to have to allow God to accomplish His purpose and plan in our lives.