Thank you and God bless each and every one of you! 

INSPIRATIONAL INSIGHTS

#30 – Just Ordinary People– September 19, 2024

1 Corinthians 1:26 “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.”

An email going around a few years back listed the most unexpected people God chose to carry out his work. They were simple, humble people who, in many cases, had little or no education. They were everyday people, just like ourselves, with just as many faults as we do.

For instance, Moses was a murderer, Jacob was a deceiver, and Thomas was a doubter. Peter denied the very Christ that he saw heal the sick, feed thousands with just a small basket of food, walk on water, and raise the dead.  Jesus took Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, who persecuted Christians and followers of Christ.  Paul hated Christians with a passion but once God got a hold of him, he became one of the greatest advocate’s for Christ. God even chose Judas to fulfill the prophecy of betrayal…and Judas obliged.

Why? Why weren’t more people with high positions in the community chosen? Why weren’t more highly educated people, or those who had material wealth chosen to walk beside Him and to carry on His work?

Most of the people were poor. God knew that these people would be more susceptible to Christ because they didn’t have the status or riches to impede their spiritual vision. God wanted ordinary people so we would understand that without all that “bling” we are still special to Him. We don’t need to be brave, wealthy, educated, or up there on our own pedestal.

In the days of Christ, most that were rich and wealthy were religious, but not righteous. They didn’t see Him because they didn’t want to see Him. They were blinded by their status, money, and self-righteousness. The Pharisees and the Sadducees weren’t going to give up their position in the community without a fight, to follow some “fanatic” that was going around trying to destroy what they were so proud of.

God knows our hearts. He knows the deep inner thoughts we have for Him and our dedication to His work if we are called to do so. The saying “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called” is so true.

I have missionary friends, Chuck & Peggy Cunningham who, in 1981, left everything behind here in the states and went to Bolivia to work with the Quechua people. They didn’t know the first thing about the country, the people or the language except what little they had read about in a few books and pamphlets.

Their desire to serve God was stronger than the fear of the unknown that faced them in an area that God knew they were equipped for; not financially equipped, but spiritually. He knew that they would dedicate their last breath to whatever He gave them to do for these people and they still continue to do it today.  Chuck has finally left this world and lives with Christ and, I’m sure, heard His Master say…, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  Peggy continues to do the work that the Lord helped her and Chuck start and will for as long as she is able. 

God has plans and work for each and every one of us.  Even if it seems simple, it’s not simple to God.  He needs you…and you need Him.  Whatever He calls you to do, do it with a grateful, strong, and dedicated attitude. Be thankful that he chose YOU to represent Him in this life. You’re reward will be greater than anything you could receive here on earth.

God chose people as examples for us to follow. We should be compassionate, loving and forgiving, and willing to serve God more than anything or anyone. But above all…believe and let your faith be strong enough to back it up.

                If He chooses you, will you be ready?

Nancy Stoppe                     

Stoppe123@comcast.net

 (Jenner Township Baptist Church, Boswell, PA 15531)

Blog – inspirationalinsights6.com

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