My view from "The Chair" this morning - I Samuel 17:41-43.
Ever have one of those mornings where you just want to be incognito? Yesterday was one of those mornings. My "self-talk" was not good and I was battling the doubts that anything I wrote would even be read, let alone make a difference in anyone's life. However, I also knew that this was not true and I just needed to push through and do it. I knew if I stayed home, I would find all kinds of things to do except put my butt in a chair and write. So, I slipped into my comfortable old yoga pants and scooted over to my local coffee shop. I selected a table all the way in the back corner and proceeded to get all set up. Moments into settling down, I become aware of a person standing on the other side of the table looking at me. Slowly I raised my eyes to meet hers. Then, she simply said, "I think we're Facebook friends, but I've never actually met you. I follow your writing." We chatted for a few minutes and as she left to meet someone else, I couldn't help but think God was giggling. That was the third time in just two days I've met new people who follow this webpage and are connected with me on social media. God used this encounter to poke me and help me keep going. He let me know that I just needed to keep doing what I find as "ordinary" and He will take care of the rest.
When we decide to use the "ordinary" that is in our hands" (see post from Exodus 4:2), we can expect satan to do some serious name calling and posturing to get us to disown; lay down; or disregard what's in our hands. He takes what we see as our "ordinary" skill, talent, or possession and makes it extraordinary for His purposes. If you look back in your story, you will see how God has been preparing your "Ordinary" for His purposes. Please don't minimize what is in your hands.
As I pondered the passage this morning, it is fascinating to me that out of all the things Goliath chose to focus on, he picked "the stick". "The stick" was one of the things that God had well-equipped David to use and told him to take. It was his "ordinary" equipment for his line of work. However, God had BIG plans for David's "Ordinary" stick.
Have you taken baby steps toward saying "Yes" and allowing God to use what's in your hands that you see as "Ordinary," only to immediately be plagued with doubts and/or comments from others that leave you questioning whether your "Ordinary" is really needed? Whether you really understood? Whether He really is going to use it? Me too. Here is what I've discovered, if I'm being plagued by doubts and it seems like there are roadblocks being thrown up, I'm on the right path to allowing my "Ordinary" to be His hands and feet to this world. Put your earplugs in and saturate your mind with the Word and worship. Proclaim to the enemy whose you are. Then, find someone else to affirm what is in their hands today and encourage them. He has plans to use what is in our hands to help heal this world. Until We Chat Again, The Plank-Eyed Girl
