Here is a promise from God for you if you have ever felt that your life was "ordinary." The Lord is saying to you that He has plans for you up ahead that will be "extraordinary" indeed.

This promise meant a lot to me when I first saw it many years ago when I was a stay-at-home mom. I desperately wanted God to use me in extraordinary ways, and I prayed that He would. It wasn't long before the Lord put me to work in His kingdom in ways that enabled me to be on national radio with a famous personality and a Congressman, as well as on local TV. Then, a well-known publisher offered me a book deal, and wound up publishing my devotionals in a series of best-selling books. Suddenly, I was reaching more people than ever before with God's life-changing love and truth. And I continue to trust Him to do even more "extraordinary" things in my life in the days ahead.

One translation of Job 8:7 (CEV) says, "Your future will be brighter by far than your past." Maybe your past wasn't what you hoped it would be. Perhaps you think that you have missed too many opportunities, suffered too many disappointments, or made too many mistakes. Maybe you think that you are too young or too old to be mightily used by God. Or that you don't have the training, skills, or education to do great things in the name of Jesus. Never fear - the Lord is saying to you today that He has a very bright future in store for you, and that your past will pale in comparison to it. Trust Him. Ask Him for extraordinary things. Believe Him for new opportunities and blessings. And watch your fondest dreams come to pass!

Prayer: Lord, today I ask that You use me to touch and change lives for Your glory. Use me to draw them to You and Your life-changing truth. Use me to help instill in them a growing passion for Your presence and Your Word. Equip me with everything I need to be a world-changer for Christ. Make me a powerful witness for Your glory in every area of my life. Thank You that as I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, You will give me more opportunities to make a difference in this world for You, and my future will be extraordinary!