Trading Ordinary for Extraordinary
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7
Hey Reader,
So, last week, after my husband, Patrick, read my post, he said, "It feels like you weren't finished…like you were supposed to say more."
Huh.
I'll admit, at first, I was slightly offended. What are you talking about? I said exactly what I wanted to say.
But then, for the rest of the week, the theme of courage, power, love, and self-discipline kept catching my attention. Clearly, God wasn't done with me on this topic.
And then the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: I had to unravel this strange, self-limiting belief I was carrying. I had begun to settle for ordinary, rather than the extraordinary God designed us to experience, accomplish, and share with the world.
So, when it seemed to Patrick that I left my post "undone," it appeared that my own courage to take on greatness and put myself out there was still fragmented. Even worse, I couldn’t quite identify the root of where-in-the-world this somber belief was coming from. Was it fear of being judged? Rejected? Embarrassed? What if my authentic self is not what they want to see?
And here's the thing: if you're in my life or have been following me for some time, you know I'm that girl who wholeheartedly believes in reciting scripture over myself, my life, and everyone I love and know. And the fact that I know WHO God calls me to be—and the truth of His Word—baffles me. Yet, how quickly I get in my own way with silly self-doubt that leads me to settle for ordinary.
How often do we fail to practice what we preach? How often do we passionately encourage others to be extraordinary and do extraordinary things, yet barely believe the same for ourselves?
We tell our kids to shoot for greatness and be brave, yet continue on with our mundane routines.
We lovingly encourage friends with affirmations and prayers, yet struggle to see how they apply to our own lives.
We share words of hope for the future to lift others up, yet find ourselves stuck pondering past disappointments or present struggles instead of marching forward with greater excitement.
If any of this speaks to you, allow me to give you a virtual hug, my friend.
This cycle of being "stuck in the ordinary" is one of the key tactics the enemy uses to make us feel defeated and unworthy of living the extraordinary life God has planned for us.
When we allow ordinary to creep in and define who we are, when we fail to nurture and grow the seeds of extraordinary hope and power that He's planted within us, we feed into lies and literally give the enemy a seat at the table that the Lord has prepared for us.
Yes, God will supply us with strength, power, and wisdom as we prayerfully lean on Him, but it’s our choice to persevere. It’s our choice to take our thoughts captive, surrender them to Him, and trade them for the extraordinary joy and peace He has promised.
This week, I’m challenging myself to stop, pray for wisdom and discernment, and meditate on the trigger that precedes fear—then act on what God has placed on my heart.
Will you join me on this challenge?
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Forgive us for the times we’ve settled for ordinary when You’ve called us to extraordinary. Help us to take captive every thought that limits us and trade it for Your truth. Lord, give us courage to step boldly into the plans You’ve prepared, wisdom to discern Your voice above all others, and strength to walk in obedience. May our lives reflect the extraordinary grace, peace, and joy You’ve promised. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
In Love and Christ,
Dorene Elizabeth
