For many years my mom made banana bread. I would love to know how many loaves went through her oven and out her door into the hands of folks that needed a little “pick me up.” Baking was her gift and she used it to the fullest. It wasn’t anything fancy, she was just being faithful with a loaf of bread.

Greg and I received the most beautiful hand written card after we sold our cattle. It is something that I will save and reread many times. It wasn’t anything fancy, it was just someone being faithful with their beautiful words and a piece of paper.

God used many ordinary items in the Bible to bring about extraordinary things! A stick, a slingshot, a rock, loaves and fishes. The list goes on and on! Everyday things that made a huge impact for the Kingdom!

Satan really wants us to believe that we don’t have what it takes to make a difference for the Lord! He wants us to think it takes great things that we don’t have. He wants to place doubts and obstacles that cause us to give up. Have you ever thought I have nothing the Lord can use?

Lies my friends, lies. God used a simple loaf of banana bread in many ways. The bread was used for encouragement, sympathy, thank you, and “I see and notice you.” The note we received was a huge source of encouragement for us. We all have something we can use. The key is to do it!!!

What is your gift? What can you do with simple things around you to encourage, spur on, to show people the love of Jesus? Do you have a coffee pot? Invite someone over.  Have you got an extra smile? Only takes a second to pass it on. Oh to share a hug, a simple hug! It takes a nano second and can make someone’s day. Take a minute to send a text of encouragement, or better yet, call someone and let them know they were on your mind.  Do you have the ability to hammer a nail, fix a leaky faucet and know someone that would bless? Do it!

We tend to make things hard, and it can be so simple. Use what we have, to the glory of God, and just watch what He can do. Extraordinary with the ordinary!

I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.