I have always been encouraged that God seems to show up in the ordinary duties of life. When Jesus invaded this world, shepherd were tending sheep, priests were doing their assigned tasks, a man was making a living as a carpenter and a young girl was just growing up.
Recently, I came on some wisdom from Oswald Chambers from “My Utmost For His Highest” (Oct. 21) that was a great encouragement to me and I hope to you also, since most of our life is doing ordinary tasks.
Here is what he wrote:
“Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Waling on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he ‘followed at a distance’ on dry land. (Mark 14:54) We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises – human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God – but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people – and this is not learned in one hour.”
Among honking horns, rude secretaries, being ignored, confusing routes, unfamiliar addresses, and flat tires, I have found the living God in the ordinary routines of life.
You know something else I have seen? When other delivery men see my Quick Silver sign on my car, they wave and give me room. Why? Because they know how hard the job is and what I am going through.
And so it is with our God of all Comfort. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every way has been tested as we are, and yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness (“freedom of speech” in honesty) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:15,16)
So don’t get discouraged with the mundane details of life.
Keep being faithful in the little things.
That is where God will show up!