"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
You've heard it before but, they weren't talking about you. How could they be? You think, I am just a ______ fill in the blank. But you, sister, you are His workmanship. The God who created Mount Everest, created you and called it better. The God who crafted up the solar system, crafted you, and called you brighter. The God who intricately wove the depths of the sea, reached down to weave the depths of your heart, to beat the way it beats.
He could have made anything and anyone, but He made you. And let me tell you, this craftsman, loves His work. He doesn't just love it enough to put it on a shelf and collect dust over the years. No ma'am! This workmanship, was created for a purpose. A specific purpose that only this created being could accomplish. These steps that can only be taken and fulfilled by one person, you.
And its not just you. Its everything around you. It's the place you live and the talents you have. It's the things you enjoy and the past that you've endured. Its the job you have and the money you may not have. God planted you and gifted you for a specific purpose, a Holy purpose.
Have you ever felt pretty good about your life until you sat down with that one friend? Or maybe its a parent or sibling? Something about the time you spend with them, makes you feel less than. It makes you crave more. It makes you want different.
I was having coffee with one of my dearest friends the other week. Now, she's a friend that fills my cup and overflows my heart. But listen to how silly and fickle my heart is.
Here's what happened. She told me that she was getting new doors in her home. That's all. That's what she told me. She was excited to get them painted and hung. To which I scratched my head and pondered... why have I never realized that we need new doors? Our doors are that fake wood that comes off in chunks when you knick them. They are flimsy and don't stay closed unless they click in just right. But, I honestly never noticed them! Until now of course!
I'm not big on the decorations, but pretty big on the functional. Our dining room chairs sink down in the middle and we have exactly 5 pictures hung on our walls. My plants are half dead and we have a giant ball pit in the middle of our living room floor. I love our home. I could live here forever. We have the most amazing view of a large pond out our back windows and a huge oak tree with my sons swing in the front. Our neighbors are top of the line beautiful human beings who we cherish. There's just something about it here that breathes peace to my heart. But, ewww our doors are ancient!!!
When I came home from coffee that day, I told my husband that we should invest in new doors. To which he said, "why?" I smiled. And that was it. But, do you see how quick our hearts go from "I am a workmanship, created for a purpose." to "I am not enough, and I don't have enough."
All it takes is a quick social media scroll to remind you that you are not the smartest, the prettiest, or the most athletic. Your husband isn't as successful or your kids aren't as gifted as someone else's. Your popcorn ceilings are outdated (mine too) and you really need to get on the Joanna Gaines shiplap train.
Now friend, wanting something new or striving for a goal is not wrong! Its amazing! But, when our eyes begin to focus on the thing we aren't, or the thing we don't have while Gods purpose for our day begins to blur in the peripherals, that's the problem.
You weren't just created by Him. You were created for Him. Ephesians 2:10 says that we were created for good works that were prepared for us beforehand. Before we were formed in our mothers wombs, God had a beautiful and purposeful plan for our lives. He had the mold, and only you could fill it. Only you could walk in it. The steps you take today can only be taken by you. And they have a meaning that was thought out and planned when you were just a sparkle in your mamas eye.
So what are they? What are the good works God has planned for your life? For your day? Take some time to reflect on your circumstances. Where do you live? Who do you live with? What job do you have? What co-workers do you engage with? What disability do you endure? What activity brings you joy? Who are your neighbors? How are you spending your money? For once look at your marital status, your income, your strengths, your weaknesses, and your location as His workmanship. Envision how He may want to use them in ways you'd never dream of because your eyes are so focused on changing them.
From there, begin by thanking God for the gifts He’s given you. Even the things that seem like more of a burden. A job you hate, is still a job. The disability you've been enduring, could be just the thing that God uses to ignite someone else's soul to love Him the way you do. So what are the good works God is wanting you to walk in?
Lets think outside the box of the obvious activities. Of course He wants us to worship with other believers, love God, love our neighbors, etc. But, think deeper. Ephesians 2:10 talks about works that we should "walk in". This means our daily life. What encompasses your daily life and how can you flip the script to ensure you are walking out His purposes for you?
The other day, my husband Josh spent over an hour with a patient that he typically is with for 30 minutes. This patient wanted to take a walk to see a lake "near" his home. Well, long story short, the lake was far, the road was muddy, and the man is feeble. The Florida sun was hot and Josh sweats like nothing I have ever seen. But, this patient of his, was overjoyed, day made, totally proud of himself. Because of the trip, Josh was later to get home that day, but had a story to tell. As I think back on this, I see that Josh used his time, job, and talents to bring joy to this man.
That's all it takes. Be willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of Gods purpose and He will surely use you. Hold your life with open hands to God and allow Him to change your plans, and He certainly will. Release the things on your to-do list, and pray that God guides you to walk in the callings He has for you today. This may look like laundry and wrangling kiddos. It may look like business meetings or teaching a classroom of children. Whatever it is, it is on purpose that you are there, and it is for a purpose that God is calling you to see.
We lose our way when we start to focus on someone else path. We lose our confidence and our peace, when we strive for someone else's thing. No one else can walk the walk God is asking you to. "For YOU are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that YOU should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Dear Father it is so easy to praise You for Your creation. For the work of Your hands is breathtaking when we think of the mountains and the sunrise. But, to think of ourselves as Your art work is hard. Help me to see myself as Your workmanship. Help me to see my circumstances as a Holy calling. God, I want to walk out Your purpose for my life. I believe it is better than anything I could ever come up with on my own. Keep my eyes on you God. Amen
Love you friends!
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Jessica
