You Are Extraordinary
Did you know when you persevere beyond what you thought you could ever do, you are being extraordinary? Yes: unique, special, more than regular; that’s what you are in Christ.
When you patiently listen to your family member cry out about the misery of their situation, and you encourage them to trust God and keep on going – that’s extraordinary.
When you accept your husband back with open arms after he’s hurt you and you show no resentment - that’s extraordinary.
When you return to your family in spite of your mortification and face the truth of your actions/words – that’s extraordinary.
When you love someone and forgive them (again) as God has forgiven you (again) – that’s extraordinary.
When you work two jobs because your husband can’t even work one and you do it gladly – that’s extraordinary. I know, you’re arguing with me already – “It’s not so special to do what I feel or believe I must do. Lots of people would do what I’m doing."
In a culture of superhero’s, superstars, the ultra wealthy, and the ultra popular (reality tv anyone?) it is very easy to start believing anyone outside of a super level is just ordinary.
As women who believe that God loves us, sent His Son to die for us, so that we who believe may have eternal life (as in: live with Him forever in heaven) - we are extraordinary.
So, if we are extraordinary when we choose to do things God’s way – how can we be sure we are indeed doing what God wants us to do? That’s both hard and easy.
First thing to remember is that God loves to hear us talk to Him. Second, He has our best interest at heart. Third, if we pray and believe we know what God wants us to do; find a wise, mature, Christian woman, whose life shows she puts God first and follows after Him. Share what you are thinking and listen to her counsel. If she can show you in scripture that what you are considering is the opposite of God’s word – don’t do it.
Even though I have been a believer for a long time and have studied His word for many years – I still “get Godly counsel” by talking to women who are trustworthy and have already walked through the season I am in. I don’t ask a newly-wed how to love my husband when I am angry. I don’t discuss teenagers with mother’s of toddlers (unless I’m trying to scare them!) I don’t ask a woman who doesn’t stay connected with a group of believers on a regular basis about whether or not I should commit to helping in the Sunday school program.
I Peter 2:9 (AMP)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Proverbs 24:1-4 (MSB)
BE NOT envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; For their minds plot oppression and devise violence, and their lips talk of causing trouble and vexation. Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
To pray for Godly wisdom and to seek and accept Godly counsel instead of choosing what seems right or feels right to you – that’s extraordinary.
Dear Lord, thank You for your patience and for gently drawing us closer to You. Please help us to let go of what seems right or fair in our own eyes and to hold on firmly to Your Word. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Written by Mary M. Wilkins
A convenient scripture tool for looking up various translations of the Bible:
The ministry work and bible studies of John and Lisa Bevere have long been helping Christians grow and untangle themselves from the snares of the enemy. The thought of what behaviors and attitudes make for an extraordinary life has stemmed from my first week of study in “Extraordinary: The Life You Are Meant to Live.”
Thank you for reminding us that we are extraordinary - I believe that it is Jesus who makes us extraordinary through his Holy Spirit planted in us.
ReplyDeleteI also use Biblegateway, every time I write my devotionals!