From Ordinary to Extraordinary (A Lesson in Courage)

There wasn’t anything extraordinary about Corrie Ten Boom. She didn’t possess inordinate strength. She wasn’t a genius. Her nerves weren’t made of steal.

She didn’t come from a royal lineage or court those in great authority. She hadn’t practiced courage so she’d be better prepared to hide Jews and for what she’d face in the concentration camps.

Corrie grew up a simple young lady, with all the dreams and desires, fears and insecurities, women everywhere have.

Extraordinary Courage

What set Corrie apart, and many like her,  is that she learned to place her ordinary self into the arms of One who is extraordinary. 

She turned control of her weak self into the capable hands of One most powerful.

Corrie Ten Boom found the courage to minister to fellow prisoners of Ravensbrück at the risk of severe retribution and likely death because she no longer walked in her own strength but in the strength of the Lord God.

Many others throughout history have exhibited extreme courage in the face of real danger.

Brother Andrew has smuggled millions of Bibles to persecuted and oppressed Christians in communist countries around the world.

Richard Wurmbrand held onto his faith and continued to preach in the face of horrible persecution.

Elisabeth Elliot courageously ministered to the same tribe of Indians, the Aucas, who had brutally killed her husband and his companions.

All ordinary people. All extraordinary courage. All because they walked with Jesus.

All ordinary people. All extraordinary courage. All because they walked with Jesus. Click To Tweet

Don’t sell your ordinary self short. In Jesus, you can do extraordinary things.

Don't sell your ordinary self short. In Jesus, you can do extraordinary things. Click To Tweet

“When they [Jewish leaders] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4: 13)

Reflection: Do you ever feel too ordinary to make a difference? In what situations do you feel most courageous?

Linking with Lisa-Jo where a crowd writes uninhibited for 5 minutes (or a few more) on a given topic. It is a wonderful exercise in letting the words flow. Click the button (icon) to check out more posts or consider linking up yourself. Today’s word is “Ordinary.”