Ordinary Superheroes
Let’s face it, the world is looking for heroes. Just think of the movies and TV shows released in the last few years with names like Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, and The Avengers.
These superheroes do extraordinary things that go above and beyond the capabilities of “normal” humans. They are usually a select few who were born that way (like Superman), or they were once ordinary people who, through some accident or another (Spiderman was bitten by a spider), gaining some sort of super power.
TV and movies are also full of real-life stories of people doing extraordinary (occasionally even superhuman) things. We honor these people, and rightly so, but what about the rest of us “ordinary” people? Is our only role that of the adulate spectator? Or do we have more in us?
I believe each one of us can be that “ordinary superhero” the world yearns for.
God has placed seeds of greatness in everyone. These are desires, ideas, things, that when grown to fullness, might just change the world!
Some of us have nurtured these things in our hearts since we were little children. Others see a great need and rise to the occasion; they have an epiphany, see what needs to be done and rally others to help.
I liken this type of inspiration to the relationship between a parent and his child. It’s a parent’s job to tell their kids what to do. But what a joy when your child takes some initiative and just picks up after themselves on their own… without being told! Even better, when they decide to do it for someone else—like their sibling! KNOCK ME OVER WITH A FEATHER!
I think God intends us to be co-creators with Him. It’s a two-way street. If we listen, He’ll tell us things that are on His heart and help us see needs. What a joy to collaborate on his purposes. But can you imagine the joy in His heart when we come to Him with ideas for things that need to be done or changed in this world?
As William Carey (the father of modern missions) once said: “Expect great things FROM God. Attempt great things FOR God.”
You may never receive the praise of a film audience or be on the evening news, but you can certainly make a difference to those around you.
Are you ready to be that “ordinary superhereo” the world so desperately needs?
