From Ordinary to Extraordinary: How God Uses Our Gifts for His Glory

In the tapestry of our lives, there are moments when we feel insignificant, hidden, or simply ordinary. Yet, time and again, the Bible shows us that God sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He takes our talents, situations, and struggles, weaving them into a more significant purpose than we could imagine.

Consider Gideon

When God first called him, Gideon hid in a winepress, threshing wheat to keep it from the Midianites. He saw himself as the least in his family and his clan as the weakest in Manasseh. But God saw a mighty warrior. God called Gideon to lead Israel to victory over their oppressors despite his doubts and fears. With God's guidance and a handful of men, Gideon achieved what seemed impossible, demonstrating that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (Judges 6-7).

Gideon’s story is one among many in the Bible where God transforms ordinary individuals into instruments of His divine purpose:

•    David, the shepherd boy, was gifted in music and leadership. God used these talents to soothe King Saul and later to establish David as the king of Israel. His psalms continue to inspire and comfort believers today.

•    Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams. This talent, refined through trials and imprisonment, positioned him to save Egypt and his family from famine. Joseph’s story is a testament to how God’s plans are greater than our understanding (Genesis 41).

•    Bezalel and Oholiab were artisans filled with skill and creativity. God used their craftsmanship to construct the Tabernacle, a dwelling place for His presence among the Israelites (Exodus 31).

•    Esther was given beauty and grace and became queen of Persia. God used her position to save the Jewish people from destruction, showing that He can work through our circumstances for His greater plan (Esther 4).

•    Daniel was known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. His talents revealed divine messages and influenced the leaders of Babylon and Persia, demonstrating that God can use our intellect and insight for His purposes (Daniel 2, 6).

•    Paul was a scholar and a passionate speaker. His extensive knowledge of Scripture and his zeal were used by God to spread the gospel, plant churches, and write much of the New Testament, shaping Christian theology and practice (Acts 9, Romans 1).

•    Deborah was a prophetess and a judge, endowed with wisdom and leadership. God used her to lead Israel to victory and bring peace to the land, proving that He equips those He calls (Judges 4-5).

These stories challenge and encourage us as believers. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents. Sometimes, like Gideon, we may feel inadequate or hidden. But God sees our potential and calls us to step into His plans. He takes our ordinary and transforms it into extraordinary for His glory.

Embracing God's Call

1. Recognize Your Gifts: Reflect on the talents and passions God has given you. They are not random; they are tools for His purpose. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).

2. Trust His Vision: Trust that God sees the bigger picture even when you feel insignificant. He calls you a "mighty warrior;" even when you feel the least in your own eyes. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

3. Step Out in Faith: Like Gideon, step out of your comfort zone. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

4. Seek His Guidance: Pray and seek God's direction in how to use your gifts. He will guide you and open doors for you to fulfill His purpose. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5).

5. Be Encouraged by Others: Look to the stories of biblical figures as encouragement. They were ordinary people like you and me, yet God used them mightily. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1).

In whatever season you find yourself, remember that God calls you to do more than you see. He is weaving your talents and circumstances into a greater story for His glory. Embrace His call, and watch as He transforms your ordinary into extraordinary.

Respectfully Submitted,

Selina Brockway