Eyes to See: How God Uses Everyday People

God doesn’t only use pastors, missionaries, and people with a platform. He uses ordinary people on ordinary days—people running errands, sitting in traffic, waiting in line at the bank.

I believe God has a plan for each of our lives. Sometimes that plan is big and long-term. But just as often, it’s small and right in front of us: one conversation, one phone call, one moment of noticing someone everyone else is driving past.

“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, NIV

Some of those good works may be waiting for us today.

The question isn’t whether God wants to use us. I believe He wants to use us every single day.

The question is whether we’re open to hearing His voice when He nudges us.

A Woman, a Sign, and a Little Girl

This week I was sitting in the drive-through at the bank. On the side of the road stood a woman holding a sign. Standing next to her was a little girl.

I’ll be honest—I’ve driven past plenty of signs.

But something about that little girl wouldn’t let me drive past this one.

So I parked the car, walked over, and started talking with her.

Her story came out slowly. Her house had burned down. Then she lost her job. As far as I could tell, she wasn’t on drugs or looking to play anyone. Her daughter, five years old, was polite and sweet.

They had been bouncing between hotel rooms—a different one from night to night—and sometimes sleeping in the car.

My heart broke.

I couldn’t stop picturing that little girl trying to fall asleep in the back seat of a car.

I went home and told my wife. She knew someone who works with an organization that helps families in crisis. I made the connection, and that organization stepped in.

They’re helping this mom find work, and they have a temporary place for her and her daughter to live.

Same Woman, Two Different Stories

Later that week, I came across a post on Facebook. Someone had recorded a video of this same woman and her daughter.

The caption called it upsetting—even disgraceful—that a mother would bring her five-year-old out while she asked for help.

But it was a nice day. The little girl was safe and well back from the road.

And honestly, what else was this mom supposed to do with her?

She had no home to leave her in and no money for childcare.

I left a comment. I simply said that if he had stopped and listened to her story, maybe he could have done something to help.

I’m not sharing this to shame anyone.

I’m sharing it because it shows how two people can look at the exact same scene and see two completely different things.

One person saw something to criticize.

I saw someone with a story, and I wondered if I could help.

Jesus told a story like this once.

A man lay beaten on the road to Jericho. A priest saw him and passed by on the other side. So did a Levite.

Then a Samaritan came along.

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”

— Luke 10:33, NIV

Same road. Same hurting man.

The difference was in how they saw him.

You See What You’re Looking For

Have you ever bought a new car and suddenly noticed that same model everywhere?

Those cars were always on the road. You just weren’t looking for them before.

I think our spiritual eyes work the same way.

When our hearts are focused on God and on serving others, we start noticing people we used to drive right past.

The lonely neighbor.

The cashier who seems to be having a hard day.

The person sitting alone.

The mom on the side of the road with her little girl.

They were always there.

Maybe God is simply giving us eyes to see them.

“People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

— 1 Samuel 16:7, NIV

When we ask God to help us see people the way He sees them, our whole perspective begins to change.

Living Open to God’s Voice

Jesus said:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

— John 10:27, NIV

I believe He is still speaking.

The question is whether we’re listening.

Here are a few simple ways to stay open to what God may be asking you to do in everyday life:

• Ask Him each morning. A short prayer like, “Lord, use me today. Help me see what You want me to see,” can set your heart in the right direction before the day gets busy.
• Slow down. It’s hard to hear a whisper when you’re rushing. Sometimes the nudge comes while you’re sitting in a drive-through line.
• Get curious instead of critical. When you see someone struggling, instead of immediately judging what you see, ask yourself, “I wonder what their story is?”
• Act on the nudge. You don’t always need a plan. Park the car. Say hello. Make the phone call. Ask the question.
• Lean on others. I didn’t have the answer for this woman and her daughter. My wife knew someone who did. God often works through a chain of ordinary people, each doing one small part.

You Don’t Have to Fix Everything

This may be the most important thing to remember:

You probably can’t.

But you can stop.

You can listen.

You can pray.

You can make a phone call.

You can connect someone with another person who knows how to help.

You can give when God has given you the ability to give.

A small act of obedience may seem insignificant to us, but God can use it to become the beginning of something much bigger in someone else’s life.

So the next time you’re running an errand, sitting in traffic, walking through a store, or waiting in line, keep your eyes open.

Maybe even start your morning with a simple prayer:

God may have already prepared a moment for you.

You just have to notice it.