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home / Religion
Common people ... uncommon God
Josh Barrett
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Common People: Story after story marked by scandal, stumble, and intrigue. The pages in the Bible are filled with these types of characters. Who are these people? They are US! You will find our stories in theirs. Common People in the hands of an Uncommon God!
Max Lucado writes in his book, Cast of Characters, an insight to these people: “Moses -- a murderer; Samson -- a slipper; Thomas -- a second guesser; John the Baptist -- a wild man. These are the people of the Bible, brimming with much more spunk and spark that many people realize. If God can find a place for these Characters… He might just have a place for you too!”
The real question lies into whether you are willing to place your COMMON life into the hands of this UNCOMMON GOD. There are numerous reasons WHY we hesitate in doing so – none so much more than Fear, of course. However, I personally believe there are three particular reasons we often flinch at taking that risk. They are – SOMEDAY, SOMEONE, and SOMEWHAT. Let me explain.
One of the biggest lies we can tell ourselves when God clearly speaks to our hearts is “SOMEDAY.” SOMEDAY is easy because we can say it and, in our hearts, know that we are never actually going to do what He’s called us to do. ‘Someday’ I will get help in my marriage. ‘Someday’ I will go to Church. ‘Someday’ I will begin reading my Bible. ‘Someday’ I will get serious about my physical health. SOMEDAY usually ends badly for most of us… because SOMEDAY hardly ever turns into DONE-DAY! What is it that God is trying to do in your life? Life is WAY TOO SHORT for you to get to the end of it and have regrets. SOMEDAY needs to be TODAY!
How about SOMEONE? Christians are THE BEST people in the world at taking what God is calling them to do and trying to make it everyone else’s calling as well. I’ve often told people, “Your burden will never become my passion!” The reason God gave YOU the burden is because He wants YOU to do something about it. Your BURDEN is your RESPONSIBILITY! YOU are the SOMONE who needs to step up and do what He’s put in your heart to do!
Then there’s SOMEWHAT. Often, when I’ve asked people whether or not they are doing what God has called them to do – I get this answer: “SOMEWHAT!” For the record: Half Truth is a Whole Lie – Partial Obedience is COMPLETE DISOBEDIENCE! If He’s called you to do something, then He will complete His work if we will be faithful to complete ours (Philippians 1:6)!
If you find yourself trapped today in your mediocrity – realize now that you were meant for more! You don’t have to continue searching for your purpose – it’s already been defined! If you’ve been running from Jesus too long and are too tired to continue on – turn around and realize that His invitation to you to return to Him has never stopped!
Max Lucado says, “Never are those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman Cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of FORGIVENESSS offered for anyone who will come. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world. ‘I Am Here,’ He assures, ‘and with me are the children God has given to me (Heb 2:13)’”
Are you willing to place your Common life into the hands of an Uncommon God today? I think it’s well worth the risk – just check out the Bible to see the SUCCESS stories!
Josh Barrett is the Lead Pastor at the Church of Celebration in Maricopa. Check out their website at www.churchofcelebration.com or feel free to contact him at office@churchofcelebration.com.
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E. M. Murray
You can place your common life into the hands of an Uncommon God.
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