As a child, the devil often made me believe I was talentless, purposeless, and less than ordinary. I didn't really feel like I could do anything, at least without a struggle.
My sister was always who I looked up to. It seems like she can do anything - though I know she must have her struggles. She's great and I think through her life many people view her as great too.
God is now using us both in extraordinary ways, no matter if people view us as great or we feel less than ordinary.
To God, we're all just His beloved creation. He doesn't view athletes, celebrities, artists, or ruling authorities as any greater than any other human being, because their skills or power was given to them by God.
Part of the difference between my sister and I, was that she was infused with the Holy Spirit and I hadn't been yet. However, I know that God can use people who don't even believe in Him, and that others who follow Him can still be hesitant to His movement.
I'm feeling this a little bit presently. I'm dealing with imposter syndrome towards something that God has opened the door to. But instead of feeling too lowly or inadequate, I'm going to choose the route the shepherds went and accept the invitation to worship our Savior.
The world categorizes us by how successful, powerful, or skillful we are. However, all those things are gifts from God. Because of this, He uses people who are viewed as lowly or great in unexpected ways.
The Bible records God announcing Jesus’ birth to a group of shepherds and Magi. He sent angels to tell the shepherds about Jesus. One of the most glorious sights was witnessed by lowly shepherds. After, they discerned it was from God and went to see Jesus. In seeing the truth, they shared it with others. The Magi, aka wise men, were given wisdom by God about the meaning of a star He had placed in the sky. They realized that it signified the coming of a king and followed it. On the way, they met King Herod who wanted to destroy any rival, he lied though, asking them to come back with more info because he wanted to meet Jesus too. The Magi found Jesus and gave Him gifts. God warned them to avoid Herod and to go a different way, and they obeyed.
Three points from these visits are: One, chains from being categorized can be broken. The shepherds weren’t worried about being rejected from seeing Jesus, even though they were culturally unclean. Whatever has been put on us – doubt, shame, rejection – God can pull us out of, if we accept His invite. Two, God reaches out to us where we are. He placed a star for the Magi to see from their country, discern from, and follow. He sent angels to a field to directly tell the shepherds what was going on. God knows how to reach us. Three, we’ve been created, placed, and equipped by God. We’re reminded in Esther that God places us in positions, has created us the way we are, and has prepared us for a reason. We’re here, whatever “here” is, to bring God glory.
Here’s how to not be like Jesus’ visitors: Let self-esteem get in the way – Whether it’s thinking you’re too good or doubting your abilities, don’t let it block you from following His calling for you. Keep how God is moving in you to yourself – God isn’t using you just for you, but to bring others to Him. Do things your own way – Maybe the Magi would’ve been honored if they’d returned to King Herod; however, they realized it was more important to do things God’s way.
God’s Guidance:
Luke 2:8-9 (NIV) – “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
Luke 2:11-13 (NIV) – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,”
Luke 2:15 (NIV) – “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.””
Luke 2:17-20 (NIV) – “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV) – “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.””
Matthew 2:7-8 (NIV) – “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.””
Matthew 2:11-12 (NIV) – “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.””
Esther 4:12-14 (NIV) – “When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?””
Application:
1. Read Luke 2:8-21 and Matthew 2:1-12, that’s about five verses a day
2. Reflect and meditate on how God might want to use you, while reminding yourself that He infuses you with His power
3. However you feel the world views you, find a verse that centers you back on how God views you
Strength Point:
We don’t have to let our culture and others’ feelings dictate who we are and how God can use us.
Reflection Question:
Do you have more trouble understanding how God could use you or being willing to be used?
Prayer Prompt:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for using me in Your plan to do extraordinary things. Through Your amazing power You can move in anybody’s life, even if they’re against You. I’m sorry for convincing myself that I’m too inadequate, too great, or too __ to be used by You. I pray that my excitement and joy, over Your invitation to be part of Your plan, would be renewed. Remind me, as You continue to move in my life, to come before You with praise, honor, and glory. Help me to see myself the way You see me – not as ordinary or great, skilled or inadequate, lowly or important – but as loved, valued, and __ by You. Teach me to block out pride and insecurities in my decision making, replace them with humility, confidence, and dependence on You. Thank You for infusing me with Your strength, power, and __ to do the things You are calling me to. You are the whole reason I’m where I am today. I love You, Lord! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.
A Prayer to Pray over Others:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for using us in Your plan to do extraordinary things. Through Your amazing power You can move in anybody’s life, even if they’re against You. Help my friend to not try to convince themselves that they’re too inadequate or too great to be used by You. I pray that their excitement and joy, over Your invitation to be part of Your plan, would be renewed. Remind my friend, as You continue to move in their life, to come before You with praise, honor, and glory. Help them to see themselves the way You see them – not as ordinary or great, skilled or inadequate, lowly or important – but as loved, valued, and equipped by You. Teach my friend to block out pride and insecurities in their decision making, and instead give them humility, confidence, and dependence on You. Thank You for infusing those who love You with Your strength, power, and love to do the things You are calling them to. You are the whole reason we’re where we are today. I love You, Lord! In Your Name, Jesus, I pray, amen.
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