Nothing Special...

I think it's something that's ingrained in us from birth. From early on, we all want and need to know there is something about us that stands out from those around us. Many will work longer and harder, many times spinning their wheels, just to help them feel a little less average. Because, let's face it, average just isn't good enough. We all want to feel special.

But, by it's very definition, to be special means that someone isn't. Right?

I spent so much of my time as a child, dreaming about what it would be like to feel special. I wanted someone, anyone, to think that I was something more than just ordinary. But I wasn't and I knew it. I was reminded of it everywhere I turned. So, I grew up thinking I would never amount to anything meaningful. There was no hope, because it was driven into me at an early age that ordinary people don't do extraordinary things. So, what happens to those of us who don't believe we're special?

I think one of two things. One, we end up working so hard our entire lives to hold on and recapture those brief moments of feeling special. Or two, we fade into the night.

We've all been sold a lie. We believe that we have to be beautiful and extraordinary to be useful in society. Many feel, like I did, that God could never use someone so far from special. And as result, we hold back. We stop listening for His voice because we figure He's not talking to us anyhow. So we squelch our dreams and do our best to just get through each day, hoping we'll somehow be at least as good as ordinary.

But the Bible is chalked full of examples of God using plain old ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And I've come to believe that in and of ourselves, we can't even reach average. However once we surrender our lives to Him, He can do immeasurable more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His Power at work in us.

There's a song we've recently started playing across our network that has become a life anthem for me. It's called, "Anthem For The Ordinary" by a new artist, Evan Milby. I love the line from his song, "Stop waiting to be better, you're already more than enough. Because you're all that love needs to turn this world around." It's such a great reminder for me, because so many times I find myself thinking that one day when I have it all together I might be usable for God. I tend to forget that God is already at work in us even as flawed as we are. He wants to do something extraordinary through you and me.

If you want to find out more about Evan Milby or hear this amazing new song, please click here; http://www.myspace.com/evanmilby

If you also find it difficult to understand how God could do extraordinary things through you, I would be so honored to stand in prayer with you. God really does have pretty amazing things for you to accomplish. Looking for proof? Check out these verses;

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

God does love you so much, my friend. He deeply cares for you. If you're in need of prayer today, please don't hesitate to let me know; joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!
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