Today’s Scripture is: Ephesians 2:10 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. (The Message)
When I read this verse this morning, God spoke, the Spirit moved, I felt humbled, I felt called, I felt overwhelmed, I felt excited, I felt a churning in my stomach and heart, and tears came. This hasn’t happened to me in long time… to feel the depth of God’s Word - alive and active - minister to me in this way. It actually took me by surprise, so I found myself asking God why I was so moved by this scripture today. It’s not like I haven’t read it before or understood what it says… so why this verse for me today Lord…..?
My spirit is checked when I read the word “handiwork”, so I must need the confirmation today that I matter to You. I’m more than just “a created thing”… I’m handiwork, special, You spent time creating me and designing me to have the gifts and abilities You need for Your Kingdom work to be accomplished. I’m not just here to fill space, I have a purpose and a calling over my life. There’s a reason You want me here.
My spirit is checked when I read that I’m created in Christ Jesus, so I must need to be reminded today that I have identity. If I’m His and He’s mine, then all the power and authority and wisdom and strength and connection with the Father that Jesus has, is mine too. You know I’m going to need all of that to do Your kingdom work, God. You know I can’t do this on my own, no matter how hard I try or how great my abilities are. But who am I to deserve Jesus? Who am I to be trusted with authority and power? Why do you love me so much? Why do you trust me so much? … here come the tears again…. wow – identity is huge.
My spirit is checked when I read that I have good works to do that have been prepared for me in advance. You mean there’s a real plan for my life Lord? That the decisions I make and the things I do aren’t just a hodge podge of things I’m trying to get right…but You actually nudge me here and there to get me headed in the right direction? If you have prepared certain works for me to do, then it’s overwhelming to really realize and trust that if I’m asking you what my job is for You, and I’m asking you to lead, that You will not disappoint or abandon me, but will lead and show me how to be a missionary for you and where to be a missionary for you. This is what you’ve been saying all along… it’s already in the works, just move… just go!
What has really hit me today as I’ve read his verse is that I’ve already taken a step of faith to believe all of this by leaving my staff job at Point of Grace and embarking on a journey of ministry on a farm in Elgin, to do good works that He has prepared me to do. What has changed me by reading this today is a confirmation from God that I am in line with His desire for me. It has just moved from a step of faith, to an acknowledgement of acceptance of His call. God wanted me to see this today… He wanted to let me know I’m in line with His purpose… that’s why the tears came… that’s why the humility came, that’s why I’m excited and overwhelmed at the same time.
Thank you Father for the way you use scripture to love me, lead me, mentor me, and speak to me. Pastor reminded me on Sunday through his message that I am a new creation and masterpiece and I become a gift receiver of this so I can go forward on mission 24/7 for You! Here I am Lord, send me!
Thanks for letting me process this verse “out loud” today. Please let me know how this verse has spoken to you and how God is leading you to live out the mission that He has purposed for you!
Denise