Ordinary People, Extraordinary Deeds by Bishop Fickett

SUMMER 2026 ISSUE | 6 minute read

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Deeds

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.”
— Numbers 12:3

When we think about Moses, we often picture the extraordinary: the Red Sea parting, Pharaoh defeated, and the Law coming down from Mount Sinai. But we forget that before Moses became a giant of faith, he was simply an ordinary man struggling with insecurity, doubt, and frustration.

I know what you’re thinking: “Moses wasn’t ordinary.” But that is because we read his story from the finish line instead of the beginning. We already know how the story ends. Moses, however, did not.

Over the past few years, I have grown to appreciate Moses more and more because of his humanity. The more I study his life, the more relatable he becomes. He led a rebellious people through a dry wilderness while wrestling with his own fears and limitations.

What stands out to me most is that even the people closest to him questioned his leadership. Miriam spoke against him. Aaron spoke against him. Even his own family struggled to believe in him.

In her book Leadership in the Wilderness, Erica Brown makes this powerful observation:

“He was assigned a role that he never wanted and openly rejected.”

That statement perfectly captures Moses. He did not campaign for leadership. He did not seek influence. In fact, when God called him at the burning bush, Moses immediately began making excuses:

“Who am I?”
“What if they don’t listen to me?”
“I am slow to speech.”
“Please send someone else.”

Moses saw weakness. God saw willingness.

Right in the middle of family criticism and leadership pressure, Scripture says:

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.”
— Numbers 12:3

Pause and think about that for a moment. What is more extraordinary than a man constantly challenged by those around him, yet still unable to escape the call of God on his life?

Every pastor, minister, and lay leader can identify with that feeling. God speaks to you, but doubt creeps in:
“Lord, why me?”
“Even my own family doesn’t believe I can do this.”

But here is the truth: it does not matter who doubts you if God has called you.

Leadership is not determined by man—it is determined by God. Your ability to lead does not come from your résumé. It comes from your relationship with Jesus.

Moses became extraordinary not because he was naturally gifted, but because he was humble enough to let God use him.

That same pattern appears throughout Scripture:

• David was a shepherd boy.

• Gideon was hiding in fear.

• Esther was an orphan.

• The disciples were ordinary fishermen.

Yet God used them to change the world.

Why? Because God is not searching for the most qualified person—He is searching for willing people who know Him.

Daniel 11:32 says:

“…the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

Notice what the verse does not say. It does not say the talented, wealthy, or famous will do exploits. It says the people who know their God.

When you truly know God, you gain strength beyond your natural ability. You develop the courage to attempt things bigger than yourself. Ordinary people with an extraordinary God behind them begin praying bold prayers, serving faithfully, giving sacrificially, and stepping into ministry opportunities they once thought impossible.

The Church has never advanced because of celebrities alone. It has always moved forward through ordinary believers empowered by the Holy Spirit:

• A volunteer teacher discipling children.

• A youth worker refusing to give up on students.

• A pastor faithfully preaching truth.

• A believer sharing Jesus at work or school.

These things may seem small to the world, but heaven measures differently. Eternity changes when ordinary people surrender themselves fully to God.

The same God who called Moses still calls ordinary people today. He still empowers believers to do great exploits for His Kingdom.

You may feel unqualified. Moses did too.
You may feel overlooked. David was too.
You may feel inadequate. Gideon did too.

But God has always done His greatest work through surrendered people.

The question is not whether you are capable enough. The question is whether you are willing enough.

When ordinary people truly know their God, extraordinary things become possible.

Bishop Chad Fickett
Youth & Discipleship Director
Virginia Church of God State Office