Monday Morning Encouragement

An Ordinary Tool for Extraordinary Work

“I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.” Bob Goff, Love Does

As I drove my son around town this week, a truck passed us. It was a manly truck. There were tool rack’s on both sides and gear in the middle of the bed. I also noticed a couple of plain white buckets in the back. They were filled with gear, probably tools for the next job.

It made me think about buckets, yes, ordinary buckets. I thought of all the uses for the bucket, carrying stuff, filling with liquid, mixing stuff, and tool storage. There’s probably one of those “dummy” books about 100 ways to use your bucket.

Buckets come in all shape and sizes. I’ve even seen pictures of people carrying big ones on their heads filled with water. Orange ones are used to “shower” winning coaches after football games.

You name it, the lowly bucket has probably been used for it. I’ve even used one for a chair.

We’re kind of like buckets. Most of us feel ordinary, plain, and not much to offer. Maybe we feel used and worn, like a beat up bucket, with dents, dings, and some leaks. Or we feel like the bucket at the back of the shelf, the one no one notices. We may even hide behind the much prettier buckets.

God doesn’t think about us that way, lowly, plain and not pretty. He says were a container for his spirit. A bucket that He lives inside. Yes, He cleans us out, but He still chooses to live there, dirt and all.

We are so valuable to God, and He loves us so much, that He chooses to live in us, not only to live there, but be a blessing to others. Let that sink in.

We are God’s, priceless bucket. Eph. 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” NLT

God says we have 2 jobs. First, to love Him, and then, love others. That’s it.

Since we’re carrying God inside us, we’re carrying His life, and His love. It’s not only for us, but it’s also for others. God says we need to give that life and love away, the one contained in you and me.

Practical Takeaways:

• Remember who’s inside you, He’s greater than anything you’re facing

• You have plenty to give, even if you think it’s small, it could be a smile, a helping hand, a kind word

• Share the love God has for you with others, it’s the best news ever

You may think you’re an “ordinary” bucket, but you’re more. You’re a container for God to do extraordinary things.