1) When we look throughout history, names and faces and stories bubble to the surface. Some we call heroes for their radical actions and some have become blacklisted for their treachery, but rarely do we ever consider our own names could have a place in history. For my family’s history, my maternal grandfather was the first one in several generations to put his trust in Jesus. His faith heavily influenced my grandmother, and dramatically changed how they raised their children, which, of course significantly impacted me. One man’s choice overflowed onto many new generations to come. Our names may never rise to the top of history like Martin Luther or John Wycliffe, but our decisions carry eternal weight. If you were sitting at the end of your life, what would you want the “past” to look like? What changes can you start making now to influence then? Your life matters!

2) When we look at the lives of heroes in the faith, whether it’s Martin Luther, George Whitfield, Billy Graham, or Paul the apostle, we easily forget these were normal, regular, everyday saints who loved Jesus. When we see our ordinary lives, the mess, the mayhem, the way we lose our patience, the strain in relationships, and we feel as if we know nothing spectacular can come from us. Remember, sweet friend, the Lord delights in using the ordinary and outcast! When we surrender our ordinary to the flame of passionate love for Jesus, He takes our small “nothing” and transforms it into the stuff eternity is made of. What will you give over to Him today? Dishes? Laundry? Caring for your family? Making meals? Calling a friend? Name it out loud, pray over it, and intentionally choose surrender, then watch the Lord work as only He can!

3) What’s the secret key to living these radical lives that carry eternal weight and influence people for eternity? Two factors in Luther’s life are also essential for us today. First, he had fully surrendered ownership of his life to Christ, realizing only Jesus was the way to have life both now and forever. Second, Luther had an insatiable thirst for Scripture. The more he studied, the hungrier for truth he became. This is exactly God’s design! The more we know of Him, the deeper He calls us into experiencing relationship with Him. What will you do to increase your thirst for truth? What plans can you set in place for daily connecting with God through Scripture?