Miles Away from Ordinary
by Linda Godsey
“…Christ in you, the hope of Glory.”
(Colossians 1:27, NKJ)
Did you know that it’s okay to be ordinary? Are you aware that you, like me, have limitations? Personally, I believe one can only be successful by coming to terms with that unvarnished truth. Sometimes it’s hard to get a handle on this reality and yet still know that I am a priceless treasure to God. Scripture says, “I’m the apple of his eye” (Psalm 17:8). I’m miles away from being ordinary to him.
Years ago, while watching Superman, I became enamored with the super hero’s willingness to be ordinary. In his earthly, human identity, he was simply Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet newspaper. That changed, of course, when a runaway locomotive threatened the lives of innocent people. Then he became an extraordinary “Man of Steel.”
In a flash, Clark’s supernatural, visionary ability kicked in. He became instinctively aware of an impending accident involving a runaway train. He knew what he must do before it crashed to its destruction. He hopped into a nearby closet to change into his Superman suit so no one would notice. Then he dashed off to perform his heroic duty and “save the day.” Like a jet-propelled bird, he flew to his destination and jumped in front of the locomotive. With his incredible, unlimited powers, he stopped the train cold in its tracks! The people clapped and cheered because their lives were spared.
When his work was done, he returned to the office of the Daily Planet as if nothing unusual had happened. Clark’s fellow co-workers jeered him, “Where were you during all the excitement -- while we were working a story that would make the headlines?” Superman made an excuse and smiled sheepishly, while retaining his conventional role as an average, ordinary, reporter that was a little naïve and ignorant.
I was fascinated by Superman’s ability to enter back into his ordinary role. He didn’t seem to have the need to tell everyone what he had just done. Hundreds of lives had been saved and the power he exhibited to stop the locomotive was nothing less than miraculous. At that moment, he had the opportunity to convince everyone that he was somebody. Instead he chose to remain an obscure nobody.
If I am perfectly honest with myself, I must admit that I would want to tell everyone what I had done. Wouldn’t you? Be honest now! I probably would have called everyone that I know to tell them of my great escapades. I would have basked in the praise and accolades of my friends and relatives -- along with the newfound level of respect given me by the press.
Watching Superman’s display of humility, I whispered to the Lord, “How can he go about business as usual without telling everyone what he did?” From deep inside, I heard my answer, “When you truly know who you are, you don’t have the need for anyone else to know.”
I don’t know about you, but I want to know who I am in Christ. I want to know that belonging to Him is enough. I want to find my completeness, my worth, and my value in Him. I want to be who he has made me to be – no more and no less. And I want to know that it’s okay to be ordinary – it’s okay to have limitations.
We are all ordinary until Jesus does something extraordinary in us. In reality, there are no supermen or superwomen. The sooner we accept the fact that we are ordinary, limited, human beings that are bent toward sin, the happier we will become. Regardless of IQ or human strength, we all need a Savior. The truth is, I am a loved and cherished child of God seeking his excellent life lived through my ordinary life.
“…I work hard and use the mighty power he gives me.” (Colossians 1:27, CEV)
This week
When you face limitations or encounter tasks or situations that are too difficult for you, ask the Lord to live His extraordinary life through you. Then, give Him all the glory.
Prayer
"Father, I submit my ordinary life to you. Live your extraordinary life through me to accomplish my purpose on this earth. Thank you that regardless of my human failure and weaknesses, I am the apple of your eye."
Linda Godsey is an inspirational conference speaker, retreat leader, and writer. She recently completed her first book, Heart Makeover. Linda also serves as make-up artist for Life Today.
