How Ordinary People Can Do Extraordinary Things
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by fear? Maybe you’re facing a tough decision, a conflict you’d rather avoid, or even the daily challenges of life that seem too big to handle. If that’s you, I get it—I’ve been there too. Sometimes it feels easier to back down than to stand up. But let me tell you, courage isn’t reserved for the superhuman or the extraordinary. It’s for people like you and me. That’s what Jesus taught His disciples, and it’s what He wants us to remember today.
Let’s talk about those disciples for a moment. You know, before they became the stained-glass icons we see in cathedrals or the heroes of faith we admire, they were just ordinary guys. Fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday folks who were trying to pay their bills, raise their families, and make sense of life. They weren’t theologians or supernatural superheroes. They were flawed, insecure, and probably as scared as we often feel. Yet Jesus chose them for a mission that would change the world.
What made the difference? It wasn’t that they suddenly became fearless. It’s that they were just an ounce more devoted to Jesus than they were afraid of the task before them. That little bit of faith outweighed their fear, and that’s all it took for God to work through them in extraordinary ways. Their courage wasn’t in their strength; it was in their trust in the One who sent them. And guess what? That same courage is available to you and me.
Here’s the thing: earthly fears are no fears at all when you’ve settled the big questions of eternity. Think about it. When you know that your life is secure in Christ, that death has no hold on you, and that your eternal future is unshakable, what else is there to fear? Suddenly, the daily struggles and anxieties don’t seem so overwhelming. Jesus has already answered the biggest question of all—where we stand with God—and that puts everything else into perspective.
I can’t help but wonder how many of us are paralyzed by fears that Jesus has already conquered. Are you afraid of failure? Rejection? The unknown? Those things don’t stand a chance when you realize the Creator of the universe is on your side. Just like Jesus scattered the butterflies from the stomachs of His disciples, He can do the same for you. He whispers to your heart, “I’ve got this. You’re not alone. Trust Me.”
Courage doesn’t mean you won’t feel afraid. It means you don’t let fear have the final say. It means taking that step of faith, even if your knees are shaking. Remember Peter stepping out of the boat? The waves were still there, the wind was still howling, but his focus wasn’t on the storm—it was on Jesus. And that made all the difference. Sure, he started to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, but even then, Jesus was there to catch him. That’s courage: keeping your eyes on Jesus no matter what.
So, how can we live this out? Start by reminding yourself of who God is and who you are in Him. Dig into His Word, where you’ll find countless reminders of His faithfulness. Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith and challenge you to step out in trust. Pray for courage, and then take a step—even a small one—in faith. Courage grows in the doing, not the waiting.
Finally, don’t let fear rob you of the extraordinary life God has for you. The disciples were ordinary men with ordinary fears, but they leaned into their faith, and God used them to do incredible things. The same God who empowered them is with you today. He’s not looking for perfection; He’s looking for devotion. Even if it’s just an ounce more faith than fear, that’s enough for Him to work with.
Read more about courage and faith in this article from Desiring God
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