Ordinary People, Extraordinary God

​​The little boy paced anxiously as his mother finished packing his lunch. He was going to see Jesus, the man everyone was talking about these days. He had heard about the man’s miracles, and the little boy was hoping he might see one up close. His mom handed him his lunch, and he ran out the door to join the crowds waiting for a glimpse of Jesus.
 
He felt small and insignificant as he gathered with all of the adults in the crowd. Would Jesus actually come? Doubt began to creep in. He wasn’t expecting anything special would happen to him, but he didn’t really care about that. He just wanted to be near Jesus, even if in a big crowd of people.

​Jesus did come, and He began teaching the crowds. The boy listened intently, trying to understand His parables. Then he overheard Jesus asking His disciples where they could buy food for the crowd. After laughing, one of the men responded, it would take a year’s salary to buy enough food! Just then, another one of Jesus’ followers began approaching the boy, eyes locked on his basket. He didn’t know what to do! He wasn’t expecting to be noticed. The young man shyly offered his lunch. But He couldn’t imagine how it could feed so many people.
 
I imagine Jesus knelt down in front of this little boy, because Jesus loved children and valued them as much as He did everyone else. Jesus took the loaves and the fish and gave thanks, and the disciples began to distribute the food to the crowd. Much to the boy’s surprise, there wasn’t only enough food for everyone to eat until filled, but there were also twelve baskets left over! The boy, who had started his day just hoping for a glimpse of Jesus, became a part of His story.
 
Sometimes I feel a lot like I imagine this young man did: not important enough, talented enough, or (fill in the blank) enough to be used by Jesus. I find myself lowering my expectations, not really expecting to be a part of anything special. Do you ever do this, too?
 
When I was in high school I heard a song called “Ordinary People.” This song comes to mind every time I read about the boy in the crowds, with the meager lunch basket. The lyrics emphasize the truth that God uses ordinary people to do His extraordinary work. We just have to be willing to give him what we have, no matter how little or insignificant it may be. Jesus takes our “ordinary,” and turns it into much more than we could ever imagine.
 
As for me, my “basket” holds a passion for baking. God has taken that gift and used it to bless and encourage people in time of need. Whatever is in your basket— no matter how seemingly quirky or insignificant— rest assured: God can use it.
 
Next time you are feeling insignificant or wondering if you even have anything worth offering to God, remember the little boy and his little lunch. He gave it all to Jesus and he turned it into a meal for thousands.
 
He is waiting today to make much out of our little. Open your hands and your heart and give all you have to Him.

About the Author

Hi! My name is Angi Morrison and I live in Dallas, GA with my husband, Mike. We've been married 29 years and raised two children, Chris (27) and Katie (23). Last year I became a Gigi, and I am completely enamored with my granddaughter, Grey. I am a retired teacher of special education students, and enjoy spending time outside reading, playing tennis, and walking. I've walked with Christ for many years now, but continue to be amazed at the new things I learn as I read His Word each day, and look forward to sharing those things with you.

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