Most of us lead very ordinary lives. We take care of our families, participate in church and community activities and enjoy various hobbies. The majority of us will never find ourselves on the cover of a magazine. We won’t write a bestseller, win a gold medal, or accomplish an extraordinary, news-worthy feat. In reality, only a small percentage of humans will ever achieve such fame and glory. Yet, we still feel the desire to be lauded and applauded, to be admired, to accomplish something note-worthy, to be seen.

As women we struggle with questions like: Does my life make any real difference? Am I having an impact in my world of home, family, church or career? Especially as we reach mid-life and beyond we wonder if anyone will even notice when we are gone.

So, what do we do with this gnawing desire for significance? How can we have a fulfilling, purposeful and effective life and live with contentment in the space in which God has placed us?

First of all, we must decide which master we serve. Are we living to please the One True God? Or, do we have such a haughty view of ourselves that we believe our ordinary lives can have no real impact…that surely we were made for greater things. In other words, our master is our own prideful, sinful self. We should never forget that pride is one of satan’s greatest tools to ruin our lives.

God’s Word tells us what he expects from us:

“He has shown thee, oh man, what is good and what does the Lord require of thee? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8

We make a mistake as believers when we overlook the simple everyday opportunities for significance. The little things that can have a great impact on someone God has placed in our path. When we take the time to reach out to someone in need it can lead to a change in their eternal destination! Lovingly caring for our little ones can set them on a path to come to faith in Christ and to grow into caring, Christ-loving believers who then impact their own corner of the world. Using our talents of speaking, singing, praying, serving, sewing, writing, as God leads…can bring significance and meaning to our lives. The thing is…we are not all called to be on the national speaking circuit…even if we think we’re the next Beth Moore. We must learn to find significance and contentment in our everyday, sometimes mundane lives.

Many people spend their entire lives paddling upstream, trying so hard to be noticed, to achieve some sort of fame. In the meantime, the million and one God-scripted appointments and tasks right at their doorstep have floated on by.

We can find significance and meaning right here, right now, where God has placed us at this moment in time. As a believer, God has a purpose for your life and through Him, you can find fulfillment.

And, believe me, God sees you! God knows how important you are. God loves you with such a powerful love that he gave His very own Son to die on the cross for you so that you could be forgiven and one day live with Him in heaven! You are famous to God!

Did you know every believer has a spiritual gift that can be used to benefit the kingdom of God? If you’re not sure what yours is or how you fit in, talk to your pastor or a leader at your church. They can help you. We can find significance in Christian service.

Let me leave you with this thought:

Brothers and sisters in Christ, stop working so hard to find significance in the world’s eyes. Rest in Him. Pray for eyes to see the truly important moments of every day…the ones God ordained for you. Hug your elderly neighbor, kiss your child’s skinned knee, mentor someone at your church. Use your gifts and talents to impact your little corner of the world. God is in control. Be patient. Be content. Who knows? Maybe you are the next Beth Moore! ( probably not! )

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23