You are extraordinary (2)

Matthew (as in, the Gospel of) was a Jewish tax collector. He was considered a traitor because he worked for the Romans, taking his fellow-Jews' money on behalf of their oppressors. When we look at Luke 18:13, we get an idea of how tax collectors might have felt about themselves, especially in relation to God. Matthew was totally hated. But, miraculously, beautifully, Jesus chose Matthew. And Matthew was brave enough to say, 'Okay, I'll follow you and your plan,' in spite of whatever he felt about himself, or what others thought.

If we took any God-opportunities that turned up yesterday (see Sunday's reading), then we may have picked up that following God's plans can be pretty nerve-wracking. One of the scary things about living a life full of godly action and choices is what others might think/do/say. We're human. Other people's reactions do affect us, so it's not unusual to feel nervous. But... it's always worth it to push past perceptions, whether our own or others'. When our fear of other people's perceptions makes us consider not following God's plan, he can help us get past that.

Through Jesus, we are capable and equipped to fulfil a calendar full of opportunities. God always has a heavenly reason for his plans, so he'll make it possible, and entirely worthwhile.



So what now? Think of an opportunity that you missed in the past (no guilty-feelings though, we've all been there). Can you find a chance to do something similar today, and go for it this time?





— SCRIPTURE —

'Matthew got up and followed him.' Matthew 9:9 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Sam 3:22-7:17, Matt 24:36-51, Ps 110, Pro 17:15-17