The Power of Ordinary Upbringing: How My Life Experiences Prepared Me for Ministry
Isaac Megbolugbe
September 3, 2024
Introduction
As I reflect on my life’s journey, I am reminded of the profound impact of my ordinary upbringing on my ongoing ministry in my 70s. Just like Jesus, who grew up in Nazareth, learning and preparing for His ultimate ministry, my own experiences have equipped me for the work I do today.
In Luke 2:51-52, we see Jesus’ early life unfolding in a most ordinary way. He was obedient to His parents, learned from the local synagogue, and engaged in everyday activities. This ordinary upbringing allowed Him to understand humanity in raw and real situations, preparing Him for His flawless execution of ministry.
Similarly, my own life has been a tapestry of ordinary experiences. Born into a privileged home, I was raised by my neighborhood after my father’s passing. I played, worked, and learned alongside others, developing a deep understanding of everyday life issues and concerns. Later, I faced challenges and made mistakes, but these experiences ultimately prepared me for my ministry. Just as Jesus spent three decades in Nazareth observing and learning, I too have spent decades navigating life’s ups and downs. And just as He found joy, peace, and fulfillment in His ministry, I have discovered the same in mine.
The manifestation of God’s presence and pleasure in my life is the greatest blessing of all. I am grateful for the ordinary upbringing that prepared me for this extraordinary ministry. In conclusion, I urge you to reflect on your own life experiences. You may be surprised at how your ordinary upbringing has equipped you for the extraordinary work God has called you to do.
Embracing the Ordinary
As I look back on my life, I realize that it’s the ordinary moments, the everyday experiences, that have shaped me into the person I am today. It’s the struggles, the triumphs, and the mundane routines that have prepared me for my ministry. I encourage you to do the same. Don’t overlook the ordinary moments in your life. Embrace them, learn from them, and recognize how they are shaping you for your own unique ministry. Just as Jesus’ ordinary upbringing prepared Him for His extraordinary ministry, our own ordinary experiences can do the same for us.
Finding Purpose in the Ordinary
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that our lives must be extraordinary, that we must be doing something grand and spectacular to be making a difference. But the truth is, it’s often in the ordinary moments that we find our greatest purpose. As I reflect on my own life, I realize that it’s the small, everyday moments that have brought me the greatest joy and fulfillment. It’s the quiet moments of prayer, the simple acts of service, and the ordinary conversations with others that have made the greatest impact. Don’t underestimate the power of the ordinary. It’s in these moments that we often find our greatest purpose and make our most significant contributions.
Conclusion
As I continue on my journey, I am reminded that it’s the ordinary moments that make up the fabric of our lives. It’s the everyday experiences, the struggles, and the triumphs that shape us and prepare us for our unique ministries. I encourage you to embrace the ordinary, to find purpose in the everyday moments, and to recognize how they are shaping you for your own extraordinary ministry. May we all find joy, peace, and fulfillment in the ordinary moments of our lives.
Living a Life of Purpose
As I look back on my life, I am reminded that it’s never too late to discover our purpose and make a meaningful impact. Whether we’re 20, 50, or 70, God can use us in extraordinary ways. I encourage you to reflect on your own life and consider how your ordinary experiences have prepared you for your unique ministry. What passions has God given you? What struggles have you faced, and how have they shaped you? Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out in faith. God may be calling you to something new, something that seems daunting or impossible. But remember, He is always with us, guiding and equipping us for the work He has called us to do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to leave you with a sense of hope and encouragement. Your life has purpose, regardless of your age or circumstances. God can use you in extraordinary ways, even in the midst of ordinary moments. Don’t underestimate the power of your upbringing and life experiences. They have prepared you for this moment, for the ministry that God has called you to.
Embrace the ordinary, find purpose in the everyday moments, and trust that God will use you in ways that exceed your wildest dreams. May we all live a life of purpose, fueled by our passion for God and our love for others. May our lives be a testament to the power of the ordinary, and may we always remember that God is with us, guiding and equipping us every step of the way.
Lesson: Present experience is working one into the future ie fulfillment of divine purpose for one’s life so be courageous to face challenges, learn from past mistakes without brooding on regrets while embracing the new reality. Thank you for sharing your experience sir.
I feel inspired to live with renewed purpose, knowing that all of life—our experiences, challenges, and triumphs—is part of His plan. Thank you for reminding me that God has prepared me for this journey, and that He will use even the smallest acts of faith for His glory.
May we indeed live lives that reflect our love for God and others. I’m truly grateful for this encouragement, and I’m holding onto these words as I move forward.