I sometimes wonder if I’ve been too passive or content with life. I’ve had my dreams, but that’s how I saw them – as dreams. I am impressed with people with ambition, who’ve accomplished great things.
Yet, the world is made up of ordinary people, who collectively probably do accomplish great things. I greatly admire the Apostle Paul, but suppose he went around all the synagogues and marketplaces of the Roman empire and no-one listened to him, would we still have heard of him? Likewise, great influencers such as Martin Luther, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon were supported by ordinary people and were sometimes initially influenced by ordinary people.
- Martin Luther was from a very ordinary family. Despite not being wealthy, his parents invested heavily in his education. Little did they know what impact he would have.
- John Wesley was greatly influenced by some Moravians. During a storm at sea in 1736, he saw their fearless worship and realized his own lack of assurance.
- Charles Spurgeon was converted after hearing a very mediocre preacher in a small Primitive Methodist chapel during a snowstorm in 1850.
I have a cautious nature. I’m not very adventurous, but perhaps, if I were starting out again, I might just try to be more proactive and see what happens. It’s not that I want to be famous, but I admire people who take risks, such as starting their own businesses etc.
I used to enjoy watching Dragon’s Den, but in all honesty, it never really inspired me to want to start my own business. It there’s any possibility of failure, I probably wouldn’t bother taking the risk 😀.
I’ve been blessed with so many ordinary people throughout my life. And I hope that I’ve been a blessing to others. But if I could change anything about myself, I probably would nudge myself into being a bit more proactive.
Prayer can accomplish great things, and I can’t think of any risks associated with it, assuming that you are happy to accept that God might not answer in the way that you expect. I have heard of silly people who might avoid going to the doctor and pray instead. I do both 😀. Instant or miraculous healing is great, but God’s general pattern is to use the medical profession. Or sometimes minor complaints, such as back pain just goes away. I thank God, whatever the explanation.
Maybe some might see prayer as a waste of time, but I don’t. So that’s an adventure that I want to embrace. I’m convinced that prayer has a bigger effect on the world than any of us realize.
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Proverbs 6:6–8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Hibernia Gospel 