For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
God’s masterpiece. This is who we are, and when he created us, he also created a plan for our lives. This plan is packed with good things God has ordained for us, destinies that exceed our highest hopes. But most of us made our own plans, thinking we knew better. We forged ahead hoping God would keep up. We braved our battles, wondering where He was when we needed Him. Then, at the end of our hope, nearing the end of our rope, we realized that we didn’t just need His sanction, His involvement, His tampering in our lives, His occasional visits. We needed His leadership, His Lordship.
I used to make elaborate plans for my day, lists, prioritized tasks, timed precisely with goals in mind. Now I’m learning to pray at the beginning of the day: what are Your plans for me? What is on Your list, Jesus? Of course, He sanctions our lists of important things, especially things having to do with serving our family and community. But often we miss His nudges to do things that would otherwise not even come to mind.
Case in point: Yesterday, as I was praying for the Spirit’s directives, a tender situation came to mind, one that had given me unrest for several weeks. It needed to be addressed. So I did the natural thing: I delegated that task to my husband! [Let the reader LOL!] In this case, though, that was the right and only thing to do. Mark was given the task of confronting someone. God had already spoken to me through a dream, so now I was certain this needed to be addressed. What I thought would be a difficult conversation ended up opening the door for God’s grace and deep healing for this individual. That’s what happens when I yield to His plan for my day, not mine. Miracles!
Father,
Thank you that you have made me with Your own hand. I am Your workmanship, Your work of art. You have ordained tasks for me to do, but I have often missed your promptings, distracted by other things that glittered but were not gold. Forgive me, please, my Father. I want to get back on track doing the things that you have planned for me. Things that will bring you glory and things that will give me opportunity to bring your Kingdom in ways I never dreamed. I receive the ability to hear your voice and I commit to following you every day.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I love this Scripture in the Amplified Version: For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (Ephesians 2:10)