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)
Now read this scripture again, but slowly…
You are God’s handiwork
Created in Christ
For good works that He already planned for you
I have been letting the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus sink into my soul this week. God created us as His magnificent handiwork to live in His Son, Jesus Christ, for a purpose. Living in Christ means that His Holy Spirit is at work in us to fulfill our calling. The most amazing part is that we do not have to chase after our calling; our calling will find us. God, in His sovereignty, has good works in the bank waiting for us, and He designed us in such a way to fulfill them. We are custom-built for a God given purpose. Here are 3 ways that can help determine what God has designed for you to do:
- Consider what you are passionate about. A cause, an interest in which you always seem to gravitate.
- Pay attention to what you enjoy doing, even if it is challenging.
- Think about what people say you are good at. If you have the gift of wisdom, people will seek you out for advice. If you have the gift of helps, you will naturally help people. If you like to pray, people will seek you out for prayer. If you have the gift of encouragement, those who need encouragement will find you.
When you step out in faith, the burden is easy and the yoke is light. In other words, as you step into your calling, it may be difficult and time-consuming, but it doesn’t feel like a burden.
Me talking to my Mom about stepping out in faith
I want to repeat what I said earlier… your calling will find you. You do not need a crowbar to open up your destiny; you simply need faith. 24 years ago, I started a community-wide Bible study. 15 people showed up, and I remember asking myself why in the world would I do this? I didn’t know where to begin, but I had paid attention to the signs above: passion for the Word, love for teaching, and encouraging people. It added up to my willingness to at least give it a try. Over the years, we’ve had over 200 people weekly, attending locally, and it is still going strong. Today, we have groups forming in different parts of the state and an international Zoom group. Stepping out in faith into the good works that God has prepared for me wasn’t easy, but it has been worthwhile to see women grow in Christ. My next leap of faith was to write my own material, and that was more than a leap; that was a deep dive into a terrifying space.
But God… He met me there. And He will meet you in your deep dive of faith as well. I once read the following:
I must attempt something that is so big that if it is not from God it is doomed to fail. So when it works, God will get all the glory.
Are you ready to take a leap of faith into the good works God has prepared for you? Perhaps you are already flying in the headwinds of your calling, but wherever you are on your journey with Christ, place your trust in the fact that HE is the One who has prepared the way.
Some of you reading this may be called to start a Drawing Near group of your own in your city. I encourage you to step out in faith and sign up or learn more about DNG Equipping Box. We will be here to help you along the way.
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)
Joanne
