For the past year I have begun to intently pray for God to use me in a big way to further His kingdom. I am passionate about wanting to make a difference & glorify His name. There is just one small problem: I’m a Nobody. I am the Assistant Children’s Ministry Director at my church (basically, I mostly do the behind-the-scenes work). For the most part, people do not ask my opinion on ministry ideas in our church. I’m not asked to speak at conferences or retreats. They do not seek me for spiritual advice. This has all seemed very discouraging to me because I do not know how to make myself a somebody. Then one day, I had my Aha moment…
I was reminded of Esther, just a Jewish girl who God used to save her people. Chosen to become queen out of so many women and then to find out that her people were being plotted against to be destroyed. She was concerned about going to the King in fear of being put to death. Her cousin Mordecai said to her
…And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
God used her to make a HUGE difference. My mind raced with so many others in the Bible that were “nobodies”: David, Ruth, Noah, Moses…they were not born into wealth or known as scholars. Everyday people used in extraordinary ways.
God loves using nobodies…and He IS using me!
I have the task of being our Vacation Bible School director. It involves months of recruiting, logistics, and preparation for just one week. In my “aha” moment, it hit me like a ton of bricks:
I am a part of the single most evangelistic event that our church does out of the entire year. I giggled to myself with the thought of getting away with something so special that others do not even realize.
Approximately 60 people will come to know the Lord during our week of VBS and I get to play a major role in that.
Though I still have dreams of striving to impact more lives, I am humbled that the Lord is using me now.
Friend, how is God using you today? Have you given up on being used at all because you feel you are a nobody? Today, there is a mom of toddlers that needs your encouragement that they will survive these years…a widow who needs you to pray with them as they adjust to being alone…a friend that needs a pint of ice cream and a reminder that they are God’s somebody. Don’t delay, be used today!
By Laura, BBC Ark Mom
Leave a Comment
Barbie says
Thank you for this post. I am an administrative assistant at my church and often feel less important than the pastors on staff. I know God has big plans for my life even though what I do most days doesn’t seem all that huge.
Brittnie says
This is a great post. It is easy to fall into the mindset that our “role” is not big enough or important enough to be used in big ways. Yet quite the opposite is true for our God. He only needs a willing heart to do BIG work. Sometimes the biggest of impact comes from the smallest of gestures. He is using us ALL right where we are. We must take the time to slow down, look around and recognize how we are being used by Him day in and day out. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
Beth says
This was a great reminder. God does have a plan for us, a plan to prosper! Great post.
Nicole Smith says
This is awesome, Laura! Such a great reminder that God is in the business of using the least likely! I so love that about our God, don’t you? He doesn’t determine who is a “somebody” on the world’s terms, but on His own terms. And we’re all somebody’s on His terms. I just love Him so much for that!
Thank you for sharing!
erin says
Laura, I love this! I am so proud of you and how you seek God’s glory in everything!
Dianne - Bunny Trails says
Excellent post. I had an” AHA!” moment kind of on the flip side of this. Quite a few years ago, I was very involved in women’s ministry at my church – I was the director’s assistant and I had clout. God called me out of my role in that and as I stepped down from the assorted things I’d been doing, I discovered that I had some big pride issues, because I was lamenting the fact that I would be a nobody at church. Well, He put a quick end to my pride. It was as if Jesus spoke right into my heart, “I became a nobody for you.” {Phil 2:5-8}. I was instantly humbled and never again did I care if I was a nobody.
Natalee says
Laura: Your ah-ha moment was God showing you just how amazing you are. Thanks for letting God use you!
Julie says
Laura I love reading your posts! It’s pretty cool that we are “nobodies” but with God as our daddy we are His children…and that makes us somebody to Him!! Just remember as your waiting to see how God will continue to use you, think about those two sets of sweet little eyes that call you mommy, to them you are the most important “somebody” they know!!! ( well and Josh too). God is using you in a mighty way to teach your boys about how awesome He is!!!! Love ya!!
Holley Gerth says
I struggle all the time with the feelin of needing to do or be more–to see results. And as I prayed about that today, the verse about faith being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see came to mind. I’d always thought of that in terms of our belief in God but it seemed today He whispered that it’s also about having faith that whatever He asks us to do makes a difference–even if we don’t see it until eternity! Then I read your post. Thank you for the confirmation and encouragement!
Mollianne Massey says
I am the Clergy Administrator (fancy title for Pastor’s Secretary) at my church. I am so blessed that our Clergy consider me to be part of the team and value what I do that is ministry over clerical skills. I feel that I work with them, not for them. Even so, I believe that everything we do for the Kingdom is important…even walking down the hallway to unlock the door to a classroom. Everyone who walks in our facility is in need of God’s love and our job as citizens of the kingdom and staff is to be certain that we are showing that love. Keep up your good work, dear!
Amy Sullivan says
Thanks for reminding us that we all play an important part, and we all make an impact…even if at times, we don’t feel it.