As an engineer by training, I’ve always had an easy time seeing God as the Great Engineer, i.e. the supreme designer. As with any creative type, you notice common threads in their designs. Artists, architects, musicians, marketers, engineers etc … all have a certain style, flare of expression and common themes in their work. The same holds true for the Great Engineer.
Little did I know Oswald Chambers said this over 100 years ago, “God is the Great Engineer, creating circumstances to bring about moments in our lives of divine importance, leading us to divine appointments.” That is, if we let him.
For me, that moment was when I realized and accepted He created me to be ordinary.
Really, you say, that was your defining moment?
Yes, ordinary.
However, I also realized I can achieve extraordinary things, when I give Him my all. That also comes with the territory.
And that’s also true for you.
I’ve always seen myself as just an average person. There’s nothing really special about me. To make matters worse, I used to get caught up in envy of others and allowed myself to be jealous of them.
- They were a better athlete.
- They were taller and faster.
- They were smarter.
- They were better looking.
- They had more money.
- They had a bigger house.
- They drove a more expensive car.
- They had a better job.
I perceived myself as inadequate or incapable. I used to worry about social status and acceptance.
That is until that moment when …
- my pursuit of being “special” was shelved and my obsession with comparison was put aside;
- my focus shifted to accepting and enjoying who God made me to be: an average, ordinary man who was willing to give his all to the One whose hands lovingly formed and shaped him;
- I would start to allow Him to multiply my averageness and ordinariness to accomplish extraordinary things.
My search for identity and purpose found an answer in that moment.
Now, everything I do is crystal clear. If He opens a door of opportunity, I walk through it. If He doesn’t, then so be it. I move forward looking for the next opened door.
Every aspect of my life is aligned with my mission. I’ve built my dream job, and I’m doing work that really matters. The foundation is God’s love for me, which I’m also able to express to everyone else: my family, my friends, my colleagues, my customers and my community.
Curiosity, generosity and connection drive me now. Meaningful connection, not the fake Facebook kind of connection. I see unlimited possibility in every new day. I am grateful for it and don’t squander it.
I’ve discovered that if I place people on my heart, then they don’t get on my nerves. Heart love begins with empathy and understanding why someone feels the way they do. I care to understand their moods and why they act the way they do. If I care, then I’ll be aware.
I’m ordinary, but empowered to accomplish the extraordinary. I have the guidebook, and I have the author speaking in my ear. His Spirit counsels my spirit. He knows every step of the journey. He understands the blessings and dangers ahead. He knows the best path to take. I just have to be humble and confident enough to admit it.
Embrace your ordinary by letting God embrace you. That’s what makes you special.
Your extraordinary life awaits.
MindWolves 