We Are God's Handiwork - The Glorious Table

“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)

We were created by God. He uniquely crafted us to do good works. God prepared our assignments before we were born, making us specifically with the attributes needed to complete them. He determined where and when we would be born, who our parents would be, whether we would have siblings, and what gifts and abilities we would possess.

We were not unintentionally born, but lovingly and purposefully created by God. People in our lives may tell us that we were a mistake or an accident, but we are not. God knew us before we were born. He saw us in the womb and determined our paths. He is able to work positively in even the most challenging of situations. We may have had a difficult childhood or experienced great hurts, losses, or suffering. God is able to redeem our negative experiences and bring something good from them.

In addition to being adoringly and meticulously crafted, we are set apart for a specific mission. No one else can accomplish what we have been assigned. We may think it’s already been done, but what God prepared for us to do can’t be completed by another person. There will be people you know or see online doing something similar to what you want to do. Don’t let that keep you from crafting your own niche. Your abilities, ideas, location, product, and audience will be different enough to find a place. That’s how multiple people are able to succeed in the same marketplace. Be faithful to do what God has asked you to do. Don’t compare yourself to others because your calling is unique, fitted specifically to how God made you.

God also lovingly determined that our work would be something that requires us to rely on him and his help to accomplish. We so often try to rely on our own abilities to accomplish something God has asked of us. We want to show him that we’re worthy by succeeding in our strength, forgetting that what God really wants is a closer relationship with us. The things he has for us are intended to keep us close to him, finding completion in his strength and provision.

I have been purposed to further God’s kingdom with my words. I could be tempted to think that my words won’t make a difference or aren’t necessary because there are many other writers in the world with more profound and wise truths to share. However, their spheres of influence are different from mine. My relationships are different from theirs and the people in our lives are equally loved by God and in need of God’s grace and truth.

If I choose not to do the work I have been assigned, then two things can occur. First, the people I am able to reach may not receive the timely hope or encouragement God wants me to provide. Perhaps God’s goal for my writing is to reach one specific person who might not otherwise hear the hope of Jesus. We know from scripture that God cares deeply for every single one of his creations, like a shepherd who leaves his flock in search of one lost sheep (Luke 15: 3-4, NIV). Second, I will lose the blessing of working with God to bless others. Occasionally I hear that something I wrote has positively impacted another person and it spurs me on to continue in this work. Not being true to my calling will cause me to miss out on personal encouragement.

Perhaps you have felt called to knit baby hats, bake cupcakes, create videos, or use your photography skills to help or encourage others. Pursue it faithfully. We will never really know the full impact of our work but can choose to trust that God will use it to further his kingdom. Our job is obedience. His job is the result.

Lord, we are so grateful that you have created us purposefully and specifically to do good works that will bring glory to you and advance your kingdom. Thank you for the talents and abilities you have given us. Please help us to be faithful in using them to complete the assignments you have for us. Give us a sensitive spirit to recognize the Holy Spirit’s leading and a heart quick to obey as we seek to fulfill your calling for our lives. Help us to trust that your plans are perfect and that our obedience will have an eternal impact. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16, NIV

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:14,16b

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 2 Peter 1:3-4, CSB

Reach for More

Are you encouraged to know that God has purposed you to accomplish specific tasks for his glory? What is the work God is asking you to do right now? What is holding you back from being obedient? Can you trust him to impact the kingdom through your faithfulness? Share it with us on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore.

Megan Byrd is an author, blogger, and SAHM. She lives with her husband, two children, and cat in Georgia. Megan likes to read, travel, exercise, attend cultural events, and learn. She blogs at meganbyrd.net.