Created for Good Works

Ephesians 2:10 NASB: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

I didn’t think I was in a dry season. I don’t know. Did I get comfortable? Is it just one of those things that happens and everyone considers it normal?

If I back up a bit, I want to share that I was doing “all the things”. I was going to my weekly bible studies, hitting church every Sunday, reading my bible, praying, etc., etc. I don’t want to say none of that matters because it does. This all sets the foundation for life with God and helps in ALL circumstances. It’s the thing that supports us when we aren’t thriving. But I honestly didn’t know I wasn’t thriving. Then my husband and I met up with a missionary we haven’t seen in years. He was always a great preacher, so we hoped it was going to be an exciting sermon. Only, this is the thing. It wasn’t really a sermon. And it wasn’t really exciting in the traditional sense, at least as far as our traditional thoughts of churches go. He didn’t stand at the pulpit or shout in excitement or find this passage that he thought spoke to him at the moment. He didn’t use props or teach us any words in Greek or Hebrew. However, it was still one of the best sermons I’ve had the pleasure of hearing. It was filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker took almost ninety minutes (you read that right) to remind us. Remind us of what we already knew. You see, this was a small church we were at, and he grew up here. When he comes back for a visit he knows all of us. Most on a really personal level. He knew we didn’t need anything new. We needed reminding. Reminding that what Paul says in Ephesians 2:10 is true. We are (God’s) workmanship created IN CHRIST for good works. I’ve been created for good works. Imagine you just remembered why you were born and placed in this spot-on Earth in this time period. Good works that God has prepared beforehand. He knows me. He knows what He has made me capable of and what He has given me to do. God has prepared it so that (I) will walk in them. This is my life’s blessing. To do all that God has prepared me to do. And if I’m being honest, I’m not doing it. I’ve been holding back a little. It’s like when you feel that obligation to give what’s in your wallet, but you also want a hot tea at Dunkin after service. You know, I can give some but surely not ALL. I’ve been saying no to some boldness. I’ve forgotten a bit of what I’ve been called to do. Complacency has taken over my life. And yet, last week I was renewed. If you’ve gotten this far, then consider this very simple message your renewal. Do you love Jesus? Are you in ministry? Meaning, do you serve others through Christ Jesus in your gifting with your whole spirit? If the answer is “yes” only to the first question, then what are you waiting for? It’s time to be a follower. To be walking in the way God has prepared for you. He’s done the hard part and now it’s time to step up.

Then encourage someone else to do the same. There is nothing more fulfilling than your calling. Shake off the dry season and remember that Christ is coming BACK! Hallelujah and Amen!