my very first blog was just what i like to call 'devotionals'. it was just a time i reflected about me and the Lord. i haven't really written like that too much on this blog. but it's coming back.
here's an oldie from that blog, but such a goodie.
enjoy sweet friends.
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Have you ever thought to yourself: there is no way God is going to use me like them. I'm just not equipped with those kinds of skills?
There have been plenty of times in my life, and walk with Christ, that I've doubted my potential. I've doubted that God could use me to reach out to those in need, or spread His word. I've doubted that little old me, in little old Satellite Beach Florida, could be used to do amazing things.
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. (TNIV)
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. (NLT)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (NKJV)
I think you get the point.
Each version points out 3 simple things.
1) Peter and John were courageous and bold.
2) They were just your average Joe's...just like us
3) By their actions, the men watching them, could clearly tell they had been with Jesus.
At the beginning of chapter 4, the author tells us that Peter and John were just hanging out one day (right after they had just given a man the power to walk {that's a whole different post coming soon!}), preaching the amazing story of Christs' resurrection, when they were "seized and put into jail" (vs 2). The next morning, the two stood before the rulers and elders and teachers of the law in Jerusalem and asked: "By what power or what name do you do this?" (vs 7).
Without a breath Peter replies: "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead" (vs 10).
Which is where the first verse I listed shows up.
Bold.
Courageous.
Ordinary.
Unschooled.
Untrained.
If it hasn't clicked yet...
Peter and John were just like you and me.
Unless you're reading this and you're a bible scholar who's had years and years of study, who stands on the street everyday preaching the Word.
Anybody like that?
I like being ordinary, because ordinary people can do extraordinary things too.
I loved that they could just tell that these two had been with Jesus; no I haven't actually ever hung out with Christ, but I hope people know that I have Him in my heart.
Beloved, we need to (all) realize that if we commit to God, He can do amazing things with our lives. He can use us in ways we never thought possible. Even if we are unschooled, ordinary, and untrained.
We just have to be bold for Him.
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.-Proverbs 28:1
Bold like a lion.
{now that's boldness!}
I love how clear Scripture is. Bold like a lion.
What scares a lion? Have you ever seen a lion run the other way out of fear that they can't do something?
God has given us what we need to become bold. We just have to trust Him.
Is it possible that He's going to want us to do something that requires us to step out of our comfort zone: umm have you met God yet?!
Peter and John were just like us. They had families like we do, jobs like we do...but still had the boldness for Christ that we all need.
As we come to a new week, challenge yourself to be bold. Challenge yourself to step out in faith, and depend on God. Live a life that others will look and and just know that you follow Jesus Christ.
And most importantly...don't worry about what might be or might not be on a resume...God isn't accepting applications, you already got the job.
Be blessed!
Your sister in Christ,
Meg
