You are God’s craftsmanship, created in Jesus, for a purpose.
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 Amplified Bible
In Ephesians 2:10 Paul reveals a startling truth. God has been handcrafting your life for a purpose. There are two things that are revealed here.
First, handcrafted items are beautiful and valuable things. In an age of mass production and cheap knock-offs, it is important to know God does not mass-produce Christians–He handcrafts them. He is handcrafting YOU!
God takes the raw materials of your life – your experience, personality, education, the good, the bad, and the ugly – and begins creating something of beauty, value, and usefulness. This work starts the minute you accepted Jesus as your Savior. it will not end until Christ comes back.
"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible
Craftsmen can look at a piece of wood, a rock, or a lump of clay and imagine what the finished product will look like - before he starts. The unskilled eye sees nothing but a stick or a rock. The craftsman sees a masterpiece. Slowly but surely the excess material that hides the final image is removed and the masterpiece takes shape. This is God’s work in your life. Throughout your life, God removes the unnecessary and futile things that take away from God's will and purpose in your life. Bit by bit - experience by experience - year by year - you are transformed into the image of Christ.
For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29 Amplified Bible
The second thing to note in the Ephesian passage is that each person is handcrafted for a purpose.
Jesus did not save you just to get you to heaven. God has a plan and a purpose for you, here on earth, before you leave this life for eternity. The Bible speaks much of rewards and crowns for those who serve and overcome.
Paul said that God's plan and purpose for your life were preordained for you. You don’t have to talk God into using you or struggle to figure out what you are to do for Him. He already knows your purpose and He will be glad to tell you if you just ask.
Jesus saved you for a purpose, and God has been at work in your life to make you into a vessel that can be used for that specific purpose. That is why you are unique – and uniquely qualified – to serve God in the thing He has called you to do.
Many people can not figure out why things have happened in their lives. While there are a few reasons for confusing things, the Bible assures us of two things:
1. God works in every circumstance to make us what He wants us to be.
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28
2. God redeems our lives - and everything about them - if we let Him. Redemption means to buy-back. When God redeems us we belong to Him - the good, the bad, and the ugly. As He works in our life, all of those things are redeemed - converted to the purpose of His kingdom. The sin that was once a source of guilt and shame becomes the testimony that sets others free. The redemption of the hurts and abuses we have suffered become the storyline that gives others, in the same situation, hope! But these things only happen in the context of God's plan and purpose for your life. Otherwise, these life-experiences just seem pointless and worthless. Bad things have happened to all of us. In Christ, even the bad things become something positive when we allow God to redeem them and use us according to His plan.
In Matthew 24 & 25 Jesus spoke several parables. These parables all deal with the truth of Jesus giving His servants something to do - and returning at a future time to require an accounting and give out rewards or consequences.
Jesus did not save you to sit in church. He saved you for a purpose in His kingdom and your life will never make sense until you find that plan and purpose. True fulfillment is only found in God's destiny for your life.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR PURPOSE? ARE YOU FULFILLING IT?
If you need to discuss these thoughts, please contact me and I will be glad to visit with you about finding and fulfilling God's plan and purpose in your life.
Just email me: steve@stevehighlander.com
