Ordinary People

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Timothy 4:9, 13

“Oh no!” Leo exclaimed. “I left my coat at Uncle Juan’s house. I think I left it in

his truck.”

“Well, I guess I can’t scold you,” said Dad. “I left something over there myself—some research books I took along to study during our visit. I knew I should have put them in the car as soon as I was done with them, but I didn’t!”

“Mom said Aunt Lola and Uncle Juan are planning to visit us in a couple of weeks,” Leo said. “I’ll text Uncle Juan and ask him to bring the coat and books then.”

Dad smirked. “Why not send him a text with only a Bible reference—Second Timothy 4:13. I think he’ll get a kick out of that.”

Leo looked puzzled. “Why? What does that say?”

Dad handed Leo a Bible. “Look it up and see!”

Leo found the verse and read it aloud. “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.” Leo grinned. “I wonder if Uncle Juan would catch on.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll figure it out.” Dad smiled at Leo. “I’ve always liked that verse.”

“You have?” Leo asked in surprise. “What do you like about it?”

“Well, it’s easy to think the people in the Bible were different from us—that they weren’t quite human with the same kinds of needs and problems we have. But that’s not true. To me, this verse shows us the human side of Paul, who is writing to Timothy about ordinary things that happened. He needed his cloak and his books, just like you need your coat and I need my books—and like us, he apparently forgot them.”

Leo nodded. “So Paul was just an ordinary man.”

“Right,” Dad replied. “But God used him in an extraordinary way. Jesus gave Paul the strength and courage he needed to tell people about Him, even though he faced a lot of hardship because of it. And He does the same for us so we can tell others about the forgiveness and eternal life Jesus offers them.”

“God uses us in extraordinary ways too,” said Leo thoughtfully. He grinned. “I’ll go send Uncle Juan that text so we can get our stuff back.”

-Lenora McWhorten

How About You?

Do you think pastors, missionaries, and others who serve the Lord are different from you? They’re not. They’re just ordinary people. It’s not their personality or abilities that make them special, although God does use those things. It’s the love God has put in their hearts for others and the strength He gives them to share the good news of Jesus. God can use you in the same way. Be willing to say, “Here I am, Lord—an ordinary person. Send me to do whatever work you have for me to do.”

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 6:8 I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (KNJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God uses ordinary people