From a nobody to a queen, Esther was no "Average Joe" when God used her "for a time such as this" to save the Jewish people.

As we live our seemingly average lives, it's easy to forget that there's a God who created you, loves you deeply, and wants you to be a difference-maker. You’re not just an Average Joe! Let’s look at some stories from the Bible about seemingly ordinary people who God used to do extraordinary things.

Gideon may have thought he was the least of the least, but God had big plans to use him as a "mighty man of valor."

God is in relentless pursuit of you. Whether you're hurting like Mary, doubting like Thomas, or feeling like a failure like Peter, nothing will stop God from pursuing you!

Daniel knew that godly wisdom provides perspective, giving us the power to reframe our lives.

He understood that perspective knows the difference between what we don’t like and what God forbids; it never judges God’s goodness by our present circumstances; it delivers confidence that truth has nothing to fear; and perspective understands the biggest issue is knowing Jesus.

Humility puts others' needs and interests ahead of ours; it respects everyone, even those who don't deserve it, and humility influences people toward faith. In Daniel chapter 4, we see how humility gives you credibility.

Hope is not just wishful thinking or a positive mental attitude. As we learn in Daniel 3, true hope is finding absolute confidence in God no matter the outcome.

A tested, genuine faith is the light in the darkness. (Daniel 2)

Daniel offers us a model for thriving in the midst of a chaotic world. His hope, humility and wisdom can serve as a blueprint to help us be a light in the darkness.

God is a specialist in the impossible and wants to do things in us far more than for us.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

In Romans 16:25-27, we see what God does ("Now to him who is able to strengthen you …" v.25) and who He is (“… to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!” v.27) as we continue to look at how doxologies can "elevate" our faith.