Throughout the Bible, God frequently employs ordinary people, objects, and circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes. This theme underscores the sovereignty of God and His ability to work through the mundane to achieve extraordinary outcomes. By using the ordinary, God demonstrates that His power is not limited by human expectations or societal norms.

Ordinary People

One of the most prominent examples of God using ordinary individuals is found in the account of David. David was a young shepherd boy, the youngest of his brothers, and seemingly insignificant in the eyes of his family and society. Yet, God chose him to be the king of Israel and anointed him through the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). David's humble beginnings highlight how God often selects those who are overlooked by the world to fulfill His purposes.

Similarly, the disciples of Jesus were ordinary men, many of whom were fishermen by trade. In Matthew 4:18-22 , Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew, as well as James and John, to follow Him. These men, with no formal religious training or social status, were chosen to be the foundational leaders of the early Church. Their selection illustrates how God values faithfulness and willingness over worldly qualifications.

Ordinary Objects

God's use of ordinary objects is evident in numerous biblical accounts. In Exodus 4:2-4 , God uses Moses' staff to perform miracles, transforming it into a serpent and back again. This simple shepherd's staff becomes a symbol of God's power and authority, used to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

Another example is found in the account of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7 . The prophet Elisha instructs a widow to gather empty jars and pour her small amount of oil into them. Miraculously, the oil continues to flow until all the jars are filled, providing for her and her sons. This narrative demonstrates how God can multiply the ordinary to meet needs and provide abundantly.

Ordinary Circumstances

God often works through ordinary circumstances to bring about His plans. The birth of Jesus Christ is a prime example. Born in a humble manger in Bethlehem, Jesus' arrival was marked by simplicity and modesty (Luke 2:6-7). Despite the ordinary setting, this event was the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of the salvation account for humanity.

In the New Testament, the feeding of the five thousand illustrates God's ability to use ordinary circumstances for miraculous purposes. In John 6:9-13 , a young boy's small offering of five barley loaves and two fish is used by Jesus to feed a multitude. This miracle not only meets the immediate physical needs of the crowd but also serves as a sign of Jesus' divine authority and provision.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of God's use of the ordinary serves as a reminder of His omnipotence and grace. By choosing the humble, the simple, and the overlooked, God reveals that His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This theme encourages believers to trust in God's ability to work through their own ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes.