Regular is Enough in God’s Kingdom

Regular is Enough in God’s Kingdom

A Devotional by Annie Weber

 KEY SCRIPTURE

"And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer." Acts 12:13 ESV

DEVOTIONAL

“I’m not like a regular mom; I’m a cool mom” is a memorable line from the 2004 movie Mean Girls. In the movie, we learn from Mrs. George, played by Amy Poehler, that being regular is unacceptable in motherhood. However, the Bible’s portrayal of regular people is quite extreme compared to the movie's message. Rhoda is a prime example of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. 

Rhoda gets a cameo in the Bible right when the early church is in full panic mode. After the crucifixion of Jesus, many cynics thought the Jesus “problem” was solved after His death. They thought they had achieved success and officially canceled Jesus. However, three days later, the ultimate plot twist occurred. Contrary to their plan, the number of Christ followers multiplied exponentially after the Resurrection of Christ. As a result, religious leaders in Jerusalem rolled up their sleeves and got to work—arresting and eliminating anyone bold enough to talk about Jesus. Peter was included in that group and was imprisoned, but “earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church” (Acts 12:5 ESV).

Rhoda joined that prayer meeting when the news spread that Peter was arrested for his unwavering commitment to the message of Christ—but who is this girl Rhoda that we know very little about? Was she a wealthy woman who hosted church services? No. Was she married to a church leader? Nope. Turns out, Rhoda was just an ordinary servant woman who took part in the miraculous events that led to Peter's release because she prayed with expectation. 

Her story teaches us that when regular people pray, God moves to do extraordinary things in accordance with His plan.  The Bible tells us that Peter was in prison, sleeping between two soldiers (Acts 12:6) with additional guards at the door. Miraculously, an angel appeared and flooded the prison with light, and the handcuffs fell from Peter’s wrists. He was able to dress himself and walk out of prison, thanks to the prayers of Rhoda and others who believed in the power of prayer. 

The Bible is loaded with testimonies of God calling “regular people” to do great things for His ministry. The men Jesus called into His immediate circle were fishermen (indicating they were uneducated). David was a shepherd. Joshua was a soldier. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth was a widow who gleaned fields. Joseph was a carpenter. All ordinary people did ordinary work, yet God used them in His amazing story of redemption. God also uses the prayers of “regular people” to do extraordinary things. 

REFLECTION QUESTION

How might the Lord be inviting you to use your ordinary gifts and everyday prayers to do remarkable things to build His kingdom? God loves taking regular people and doing phenomenal things through them. Let Rhoda's testimony encourage and remind you that prayer is a powerful tool for a Christ follower. Don’t wait until you feel qualified or significant—God is already at work through the ordinary moments of your everyday life.

PRAYER

Lord, help me remember the story of Rhoda when I am challenged to think my regular status in society does not allow me to do important kingdom work. Remind me that God hears the humble prayers of all people who cry out to Him. Teach me that faithfulness matters more than status, and that small acts of obedience can become large testimonies in God’s kingdom. Amen.

Annie Weber is an author, speaker, and content creator known for her bold and uncompromising approach to sharing the truth of God’s Word.  For more Biblical encouragement, find her on Instagram @astounding.truths