What does greatness look like?
/"I am the greatest".
The epitaph of perhaps the most renowned sportsman of all time is well deserved. Ali's greatness was easily identified, whether in the ring, in front of the camera, or through his many charitable acts.
Most of us can only dream of aspiring to such greatness. Yet your Father views things with more clarity and truth than we do. He sees greatness as something more than physical acts and outrageous feats. Instead He looks at where each person is on their journey and sees their impact with eternal eyes. To be sure, 'Man looks on the outside, but the Lord looks on the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7)
Who had the greatest impact on the New Testament Church? Paul. He could certainly lay claim to greatness. But where would Paul be without Ananias? We know nothing of him except that he was a devout Jew and respected. We don't know how or when he came to Christ, or if he ever did anything else of note.
But what he did in praying for and releasing Paul had immeasurable impact. He showed greatness because he faced his fears and did his job. Do you think that maybe God perceives Ananias as great?
I see greatness all around me. In people who are scared but keep going. In those who never give up in their ministry, and never complain or ask for more. In those whose mind tells them one thing but they overcome it with their declarations and their actions. In those who humbly and willingly take the load off others. In people who fight insecurities but you'd never know because they keep their love on with everyone they meet. In those who go out of their way to ensure others feel secure, loved, safe and at ease, even if it costs them.
Such acts of greatness are rarely publicised or celebrated. But they are heroes who thrill Papa God's heart, and we will be surprised at the size of their medals when we meet with Him.
In His eyes you are the greatest. Keep going, keep giving, keep receiving His love into your heart, because He sees your heart and He is proud of you.