"From Ordinary To Extraordinary"

By Zach Wood

Acts 4:13

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

 

 

My wife and I have been reading through the book of Acts for our devotional time together.  After we read through this passage about Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, I have been reading it over and over again each day.  I am finding so many powerful things these men did.  So many of us probably feel ordinary in our lives.  We do not appear on any reality TV show.  We have not starred in any Hollywood film.  We have not been invited to share any life changing stories on daytime talk shows.  We also have not appeared on the front cover of any national newspaper.  Maybe one or two of you out there possibly have, but most of us have not gone through any of these big experiences. 

 

Many times, we feel ordinary and like we cannot really make a huge impact on the world.  We a lot of times feel we do not have that much to offer.  We are just another human on this earth.  Yes, we are just another human being, but we are a human being that God has made and truly loves.  We have been chosen and called by God as Christians to make a difference in this world.  Look at Peter and John.  Verse thirteen starts out with a powerful statement!  Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men!  They did not hold a Master's Degree.  They did not graduate on Honor Roll.  They were ordinary people, like you and I. 

 

So, what made them different?  They were men of God and they were zealous for change in people's lives.  They were not only zealous, but they had a fire inside that burned so bright no one could stop them from preaching the Gospel!  THAT is what made them extraordinary!  My mother once told me, "God does not called the qualified, He qualifies the called".  When she told me that, it stuck with me and I have never forgotten the powerful phrase.  This is a reality that each one of us is called by God to serve and be the best follower of Christ we can.  We are never just qualified.  When we are called by God to serve, it is through our service that God qualifies us.  Through our experience in serving the Kingdom, we gain valuable insight and a passion that burns within us.  This passion drives us to learn and seek guidance, which in turn gives us wisdom. 

 

That being said, God works through us and gives us abilities only He can give us.  He alone qualifies us when we are truly devoted to Him and no other.  Peter and John became qualified extraordinary people because they were called by God and burned with passion to learn and live for Him.  They were devoted to preaching and teaching and changing lives for the Kingdom.  This is a prime example of how God qualifies the called.  When we are willing and open to service for the Kingdom, God opens a whole new world of adventure for us!  He did for Peter and John.  They were passionate and zealous!

 

Want to go from ordinary to extraordinary?  Let God lead your life and serve Him with passion!