Devotional: Ordinary People. Extraordinary Lives.
Reflection
We often think that making a difference for God requires extraordinary skills or achievements. But the truth is, God delights in using ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary purposes. This week, we heard the story of a 19-year-old young man who decided to follow Christ because of the faithful example of his friend. That friend didn’t preach a sermon or hold a degree in theology—he simply lived a life of faithfulness that reflected Jesus’ love.
John the Baptist’s life offers a vivid example of how God uses ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results. John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, and he did so with humility and unwavering commitment. He wasn’t flashy or focused on drawing attention to himself. Instead, he embraced his role as a messenger, faithfully pointing others to Christ. His example reminds us that living a life aligned with God’s values often starts with simple, consistent acts of faithfulness—not grand gestures.
Sometimes, we can fall into the trap of believing that our ordinary lives don’t matter or that our small actions won’t have an impact. But God’s kingdom often advances through unseen moments of faithfulness. A kind word, a quiet prayer, or an act of humility may be exactly what God uses to touch someone’s heart. Reflect on how you live your daily life—the words you speak, the choices you make, and the way you treat others. These ordinary moments are opportunities for God to work through you.
Consider the story of the young man who came to faith because of his friend. That friend’s life was his testimony. He lived out his faith authentically, demonstrating integrity, repentance, and love in a way that made the gospel believable. It’s a powerful reminder that people are watching how we live, even when we don’t realize it. Our lives can either point people toward Jesus or push them away. Let’s choose to be faithful in the ordinary so that others may see Christ in us.
Scripture
Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV): "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”'”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV): "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Colossians 3:17 (NIV): "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Questions for Reflection
Are there areas of your life where you’ve struggled to see God’s kingdom values at work? How can you invite Him into those spaces?
Think about someone in your life who has impacted your faith. What about their actions pointed you to Jesus?
What small, faithful choices can you make this week to align your actions with God’s kingdom values?
Who in your life might God be calling you to influence through your daily faithfulness?
Prayer
Father, thank You for calling us into Your kingdom and for giving us the opportunity to reflect Your love to others. Help us to believe in Your rule over our lives and to trust that Your ways are higher than ours. Guide us as we align our lives with Your kingdom values, and give us the courage to live authentically and humbly. Use our ordinary days and small acts of faithfulness to prepare the way for others to know Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Further Study
Read John 15:1-8 and reflect on what it means to bear fruit as a follower of Christ.
Explore the story of John the Baptist in Luke 1:39-45 and John 1:19-34, focusing on his role in pointing others to Jesus.
Listen to Tim Keller’s sermon, The Theology of the Cross and Walking With a Limp, for insight on living a countercultural life that reflects God’s kingdom.
Consider journaling this week about ways God is using your ordinary moments for His extraordinary purposes.
Challenge
This week, practice one intentional act of faithfulness each day. It could be showing kindness to someone overlooked, apologizing for a mistake, or serving someone in need. Trust that God can use these moments to point others to Him.
