Churches

Good day dear hearts, I love you. Before we get into our topic, our little town has been devastated by the loss of two individuals. Al “Ace” Cuevas, a local man who grew up and spent his life living in Susquehanna. A good husband, father, grandfather, town official and friend. May God rest his soul and may his family have peace. The other is the tragic and untimely loss of a 51-year-old husband, father and friend. Eric Herschel, husband of Judy Herschel. We pray for these families.

When we open the pages of Scripture, we often meet people who seem larger than life prophets, kings, miracle-workers, apostles. But if you look closely, you’ll notice something beautiful. God’s favorite people to use are ordinary. People with flaws, fears, doubts and limitations. People just like us. One of the clearest examples is Peter. Peter was not a scholar. Not a priest. Not a man of influence. He was a fisherman who was ordinary, hardworking, sometimes impulsive, often unsure and very human. Yet Jesus chose him. In Matthew 4:18-20, Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee and called out to Peter and his brother, Andrew, “Follow Me.” And Scripture says they immediately left their nets. No hesitation. No excuses. Just simple obedience from ordinary men. That’s where God’s extraordinary work always begins, with a willing heart.

Later, in Matthew 14:27-29, we see Peter again. The disciples were terrified as Jesus walked toward them on the water. But Jesus said, “Take courage. It is I.” And Peter, ordinary Peter did something extraordinary. He stepped out of the boat and walked on water. He didn’t walk because he was strong. He didn’t walk because he was brave. He walked because he trusted the One who called him. And that’s what God can do with an ordinary person. He can help them do things they never imagined. Some of you have walked through storms in your life with loss, sickness, loneliness, changes you never asked for. And yet, here you are. Still standing. Still trusting. Still walking by faith. You may feel ordinary, but your faith has carried you through extraordinary waters.

In Matthew 17:1-5, Peter was invited up the mountain with Jesus. There, he witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus shining like the sun, Moses and Elijah appearing, and the voice of God declaring, “this is My beloved Son.” Think of that, God allowed an ordinary fisherman to see His glory. Some of you have had moments like that, quiet, gentle moments when God felt close. Maybe in prayer. Maybe in worship. Maybe in a hospital room. Maybe in the stillness of night. God delights in revealing Himself to ordinary people who walk with Him.

Peter’s story also reminds us that ordinary people stumble. In Matthew 16:21-23, Peter tried to correct Jesus about the cross and Jesus rebuked him. Peter misunderstood. He spoke too quickly. He got it wrong. But Jesus didn’t give up on him. And He doesn’t give up on you. Some of you may feel like you’ve failed at times, failed in faith, failed in family, failed in decisions. But God’s grace is bigger than your mistakes. Peter went from misunderstanding Jesus to preaching the gospel with boldness. God can take your ordinary life, your ordinary past, and your ordinary struggles and turn them into a testimony of His extraordinary grace.

God still uses ordinary people today. You may feel like your world has gotten smaller. You may feel like your strength has changed. But hear this clearly, God is not finished with you. You can still encourage someone. You can still pray for someone. You can still share wisdom. You can still show kindness. You can still shine Christ’s love in this place. You are not “just” ordinary. You are chosen. You are loved. You are useful to God. Peter’s story teaches us that God doesn’t look for perfect people, He looks for willing ones. And every one of you has something God can use; your smile, your prayers, your stories, your faith, your compassion. God can take an ordinary person and do extraordinary things at any age, in any season, in any place. God Bless.

Lord, thank You for choosing ordinary people and doing extraordinary things through them. Remind us today that You still have purpose for us. Use our faith, our kindness, our prayers, and our stories to bless others. We lift up all the families who have suffered losses. May the Lord grant you peace. We pray for all our kiddos as school begins again. Bless and watch over our town. Amen.