Ordinary People, Extraordinary God

Ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they trust God, just as Joseph did when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.

“In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he sent messengers and called for all the soothsayer priests of Egypt, and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them.”—Genesis 41:8 NASB

When Pharaoh had some troubling dreams, he first turned to the experts. But these professionals could not help him or interpret his dreams.

Joseph was an uneducated prisoner without proper training, but he had something more important: He knew the living God. And he had faith that God could do anything.

The Bible is filled with examples of how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. When Nebuchadnezzar had troubling dreams, just as in the time of Joseph, the professionals could not interpret those dreams. But Daniel could because he knew God. He sought Him, and God gave him the answer “in a night vision” (Daniel 2:19).

During New Testament times, many religious leaders saw Jesus’ followers as “uneducated and untrained men” (Acts 4:13). While some were ordinary fishermen, they had something more important than worldly credentials: the Holy Spirit!

Many people think God can’t speak to them, or they don’t have anything to contribute. But God can use anyone who knows Him, submits to Him, and is filled with His Spirit.

Never use your lack of formal training as an excuse. Don’t be dominated by doubt, but fill your mind with God’s Word. Let Him use you to impact the lives of others. Step out in faith, and invest your God-given resources, gifts, and talents.

Reflection Question: How might God be calling you to step out in faith and serve Him today?